In this episode of The Current by TreasureCoast.com, Emily Rappolt, Sales Manager at Dave & Buster’s Port St. Lucie, outlines the location’s approach to community engagement, educational programming, and event planning one year after opening in Port St. Lucie. The conversation offers an inside look at how the company is navigating its role in a fast-growing, family-oriented market.
A Location Opened with Long-Term Growth in Mind
According to Rappolt, the Port St. Lucie location had been in development before the COVID-19 pandemic, based on projected population trends in the area. With the rise in younger families relocating to the Treasure Coast, the company identified the region as a strategic fit for its entertainment and dining model.
The Port St. Lucie store officially opened in 2024 and joins other large brands expanding into the area, citing a shift from retiree-heavy demographics to younger populations seeking indoor entertainment and event space.
Community Outreach and Local Involvement
Rappolt describes community outreach as a major part of her role and says that the local team regularly partners with area nonprofits, schools, and youth organizations. These include:
- Participating in events at Clover Park (home of the Mets’ spring training)
- Attending community festivals such as the Stuart Air Show
- Hosting fundraisers for schools and youth-focused nonprofits
- Supporting local events at organizations like the Boys and Girls Club
The goal, according to the episode, is to remain active in regional events and maintain visibility beyond the store itself. The store has also hosted a range of private functions, including birthday parties, graduations, celebrations of life, and even weddings.
Follow Dave and Busters Port St. Lucie to hear about upcoming attractions and activities.
Entertainment Format & Target Audience
While many associate the brand with arcade-style gaming, Rappolt notes that Dave & Buster’s Port St. Lucie positions itself differently than children-focused entertainment chains. The company markets primarily to tweens, teens, and young adults, with offerings such as:
- A full-service sports bar and restaurant
- An arcade with games geared toward older kids and adults
- Night-time programming that draws a different demographic than daytime hours
The Port St. Lucie store reportedly receives a mix of family and group visitors during the day, particularly during the summer and school breaks, with evening traffic trending toward adults and young professionals.
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Educational Programming and STEM Curriculum
One segment of the conversation focused on a new initiative launching in fall 2025: a STEM-based educational program designed for students from fifth grade through high school. According to Rappolt, this curriculum includes modules in:
- Finance and budgeting
- Math
- Health and nutrition
- General science
The structure of the program uses real-life scenarios involving gameplay and arcade currency to teach basic financial literacy and problem-solving. She also mentions the program may serve as an educational field trip destination for schools, after-school programs, and groups such as the Boy Scouts.
Events and Seasonal Activities
Rappolt outlines several recurring and upcoming events intended to serve different age groups and community segments. These include:
- Holiday events like Breakfast with Santa and Easter activities
- A Halloween-themed party geared toward young adults
- A New Year’s Eve event, with plans for a special guest appearance
- Regular partnerships with schools for fundraising or “spirit nights”
While these events are designed for local participation, Rappolt emphasizes that programming varies by location and is developed based on the needs of each community.
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Operations and Logistics
Behind the scenes, the Port St. Lucie location operates on a year-round schedule with few slow periods, according to Rappolt. Planning for peak seasons, holidays, and large community events often begins six months or more in advance.
The store opens daily at 7 AM for preparation and events, with staffing and logistics adapted to accommodate birthday parties, corporate bookings, youth programs, and standard guest traffic. Rappolt notes that the summer months are especially busy due to group visits from organizations across the Treasure Coast and surrounding regions.
Community Perception and Misconceptions
One theme that emerged during the discussion is the way Dave & Buster’s is perceived locally. Rappolt says one common misconception is that the business is strictly for children or similar to children-focused chains like Chuck E. Cheese.
She positions the brand instead as a general entertainment venue for older children, teens, and adults, while noting that many families still use the space for group outings or indoor recreation.
Local Presence and Marketing
Marketing efforts at the Port St. Lucie location are tailored to the area. Social media platforms are used to share upcoming events, respond to local inquiries, and post appearances at regional festivals or fundraisers. In-store QR codes also direct guests to event calendars or special promotions.
The conversation with Rappolt offers a detailed look into how one national brand is integrating with a rapidly growing Florida market. From programming and logistics to education and outreach, the episode outlines how Dave & Buster’s Port St. Lucie is adapting to the needs of both the business and local community.
