Blame it on the pandemic. Or inflation. Or the availability of home virtual reality entertainment. Whatever the reason, experts told The Food Institute, so-called eatertainment chains are struggling. Pinstripes is the latest such operation to file for Chapter 11.
The chain, which features Italian-American cuisine as well as activities like bowling, blamed its bankruptcy filing on weak sales, high costs and debt. But Pinstripes is hardly alone in its struggles.
“The failures of eatertainment venues like Pinstripes are not simply because consumers are bored and looking for fresh concepts.” Yeastie Boys Bagels co-owner Brandon Dorsky said.
High labor and food costs, intense competition, and real estate challenges are key factors hurting eatertainment chains in 2025.
The category briefly appeared to be on the rise in 2023. However, in recent months general changes in consumer behavior have led to struggles for businesses like Pinstripes, Dave & Buster’s, and competitors.
Cody Lee, founder of Food Truck Club, said another problem is the food.
“If your burger is dry and your fries are $9, no bocce ball in the world is going to save you. You might not think you do, but a person remembers what they eat,” Lee said. “Especially when they’re in an immersive environment.
“When the fun forgets about the food or the entertainment gets more resources than the kitchen, there is a quick decline in repeat customers.”
Some experts feel the entire concept needs rethinking.
“The brand lacks a strong sense of belonging and clearly defined customer segments,” said Jean-Pierre Lacroix, president of Shikatani Lacroix Design. “Their entertainment offering is too narrow, and they should expand by offering other events such as [a] video arcade, more active team sports such, as escape rooms and party rooms for children.”
The availability of alcohol at eatertainment venues can also turn off many families, experts note.
A big problem with the sector overall is the sense that each new venue has to outdo the last to succeed, sending capital expenditures through the roof.
“These concepts often take years to break even, yet they’re typically only ‘hot’ for a year or so – the numbers simply don’t work,’ said Dan Rowe, CEO of Fransmart.
“I’m seeing the same pattern with all these new pickleball venues. Just look at Topgolf and Tiger Woods’ golf concepts – it takes $5 million to $25 million or more just to open one,” Rowe added.
Pinstripes, which was founded in 2007, said it had $143 million in unsecured debt and closed 10 of its 18 locations when it filed for protection. The company, based in Northbrook, Ill., also has $47 million in unsecured debt, the bankruptcy filing says. As it seeks a buyer, Pinstripes plans to keep venues in Illinois, Maryland, Ohio, Minnesota and the District of Columbia open.
“This decision was made to strengthen our financial foundation by reducing liabilities — including closing certain locations – to ensure business continuity and to position the company for long-term success and growth,” the company said in a statement.
