Customers at Dave & Buster’s and Main Event in Dallas-Fort Worth were introduced to a new employee at the entertainment and restaurant operations company: Rachel Morgan.
The Coppell-headquartered company had its new chief legal officer spend her first week among its employees of all levels, and the former Nexstar Media Group GC said she had a “blast.”
“I asked a lot of questions, met team members at every level, shadowed managers, experienced the games and food and immersed myself in the guest experience,” Morgan told The Texas Lawbook. “In just one week, I gained valuable insight into the business and developed a deep appreciation for the people and offerings that make the company special.”
“Everything I ate was delicious, but my favorite was the pepperoni pizza with a cauliflower crust and the key lime pie cheesecake,” she said. “As for games, the new Stranger Things and John Wick games were a blast. At Main Event, they convinced me to try to ropes course and the human crane — I looked ridiculous, but both were a blast. And the staff beat me badly in laser tag. I had hoped they would have mercy on me, but they did not.”
Morgan replaces Rudy Rodriguez as Dave & Buster’s top lawyer. Rodriguez said on LinkedIn he will be teaming up with former Dell legal executive Janet Bawcom at General Counsel Solutions on July 1 to provide fractional GC services.
A 1999 graduate of the University of Texas School of Law, Morgan launched her career at Fulbright & Jaworski and later joined Morgan Lewis. In 2012, she went in-house at AT&T, where she worked for nearly a decade, followed by four years as GC at Nexstar.
The Lawbook interviewed Morgan about her new position.
Texas Lawbook: Which store tasks were the most difficult or challenging and which were most enjoyable?
Rachel Morgan: Fortunately, I did not have to tackle the toughest issues myself, but I observed managers handling everything from facility challenges to personnel matters. Their ability to manage so many responsibilities with professionalism and a positive attitude was impressive. The most enjoyable part — in addition to playing the games and eating the food — was meeting the team. Everyone I encountered was knowledgeable, welcoming and enthusiastic.
Lawbook: What is it about the D&B GC position that attracted you?
Morgan: Initially, I recommended others for the position, but as the conversations continued, I became increasingly excited about the opportunity for myself. First and foremost, it was the people. Everyone I met was talented, committed and enthusiastic. Second, it was the vision for the future of the company. Dave & Buster’s is an iconic brand with a distinctive business model and significant opportunities for growth. The company is well positioned to capitalize on exciting developments across dining, video gaming, sports and technology. For me personally, it was an opportunity to take on a new challenge while building on the experience I have developed over the years. And most importantly, it was the culture. Fun is at the center of the company — the stock ticker is “PLAY” — and having a good time working with great people in a fun environment really appealed to me.
Lawbook: What are the most challenging issues — legal and business — facing the industry today?
Morgan: Like many consumer businesses, the family entertainment industry is influenced by factors outside its control, including the broader economy and changing consumer preferences. Competition is also intense, with consumers having more entertainment options than ever. Dave & Buster’s differentiates itself by offering a unique experience that combines dining, games and social interaction. One of the opportunities for Dave & Buster’s, which is often the venue for corporate events and parties, is to create experiences that keep guests coming back, not just for special occasions, but as a regular destination.
Lawbook: You have been incredibly active in pro bono and public service efforts, including helping raise more than $1.3 million for pro bono legal services as co-chair of the Dallas Bar Association’s Equal Access to Justice Campaign for the 2023-2024 campaign. What are you involved in currently?
Morgan: I continue to believe that pro bono and public service work represent some of the most meaningful ways lawyers can use their skills. Currently, I serve on the Community Services Fund board of the Dallas Bar Association and on the board of trustees of the Dallas Bar Foundation. I am also deeply involved in the Texas A&M Foundation; I sit on the Kappa Kappa Gamma Epsilon Rho chapter house board, and I am a member of the United Way Tocqueville Society’s Bench & Bar host committee. I am looking forward to introducing the Dave & Buster’s legal team to DVAP and hosting clinics and otherwise giving back.
Lawbook: What are the biggest challenges facing GCs in Texas today?
Morgan: The answer, of course, depends in large part on the industry. But in a general sense, chief legal officers — not just in Texas, but anywhere — are typically expected to provide practical, business-focused advice while managing an increasingly complex legal and risk landscape on tight budgets. Going fast, being fiscally responsible, managing risk and enabling the business are sometimes competing forces. As I settle into my new role, I look forward to identifying the key challenges facing the business and helping Dave & Buster’s address them effectively.