Dave & Buster's Named Redeveloper For Gloucester Outlets Site

GLOUCESTER TOWNSHIP, NJ — Gloucester Township Council took the next step toward bringing Dave & Buster’s to South Jersey Monday night. Council unanimously approved a consent agenda resolution naming the popular restaurant as the designated redeveloper for a portion of the Gloucester Premium Outlets.

Dave & Buster’s next must go before the planning board, likely in the fall. It is the latest in a number of steps council has taken to make Gloucester Township the third New Jersey home for the popular chain.

Council has amended the township’s redevelopment plan to allow an indoor amusement park to operate as an accessory use, provided it covers at least 30,000 square feet and has 125 or more “amusement devices.” It also recently updated an ordinance that regulates the use of amusement games.

Gloucester Township Mayor David Mayer told the Courier Post Dave & Buster’s is planning a 40,000 square foot facility to open early in 2020.

The Texas-based chain has locations across the country, including two in New Jersey, in Woodbridge and Wayne. It typically has hundreds of video games, serves alcohol and shows sports on giant TVs. Liquor licenses are available in Gloucester Township for the restaurant.

Because of a long-standing state law, which was originally created to protect Atlantic City, alcohol could not be served where gaming occurred. Eager to get into the Jersey market, Dave & Buster's lobbied the New Jersey legislature for years to get the law overturned. Two years ago, Gov. Chris Christie lifted the ban.

Resident Pete Heinbaugh spoke to council on Monday night about the amount of changes being made to the code book to allow for Dave & Buster’s to open in the township. Officials said Dave & Buster’s officials have been at recent meetings, including council work sessions, in case anyone has any questions for them.

“They seem committed and sincere to this location,” Business Administrator Tom Cardis said.

Heinbaugh raised the question of whether a tax exemption would be granted to Dave & Buster’s. The premium outlets already have an exemption, but Township Solicitor David Carlamere said if Dave & Buster’s wanted an exemption, they would have to apply separately.

“Tax abatements exist so that towns are able to use these as enticement for businesses to locate to zones that are blighted/distressed, and incentives are needed for businesses to do so,” Heinbaugh said in an email to Patch. “It seems that the Outlet 'interchange zone' does not fit that criteria. To the contrary. Many tens of millions of taxpayer dollars have already been invested in this area to make it a very desirable venue for a business like D&B, without the need for a (taxpayer funded) tax abatement.”

He cited the money spent on new roads, bridges, ramps and circles to enhance the area around the outlets, the money GTMUA spent to enhance infrastructure in the area, along with the revised code book and possible exemption.

According to Carlamere, the subject of a tax exemption has not come up in discussions at this point. However, Dave & Buster’s may be eligible because the area has been designated as an area in need of redevelopment. The owners would have to apply through the assessor’s office, and would only be eligible for a five-year exemption, and only on their improvements. They would not be eligible for a tax abatement on the land they plan to build on.

Photos from inside the Woodbridge Dave & Buster's/By Carly Baldwin, Patch staff