When it comes to delivering unforgettable guest experiences in the food and beverage industry, leadership matters. That’s exactly why FACE Amusement Group’s latest executive appointment is turning heads across the hospitality sector. David Knight, a seasoned veteran with more than two decades of experience spanning casino resorts, entertainment venues, and high-volume hospitality operations, has been named Vice President of Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown: and his arrival signals big things ahead for this flagship entertainment destination.
A Strategic Hire for a Growing Entertainment Empire
FACE Amusement Group isn’t just filling a position: they’re making a statement about where Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown is headed. The 43,000-square-foot immersive family entertainment destination, developed in partnership with the Emmy Award-winning chef, author, and television personality Guy Fieri, has quickly become a must-visit attraction in key tourism markets including Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, and Myrtle Beach, South Carolina.
“David brings disciplined operational leadership and deep experience across complex hospitality environments,” said Bucky Mabe, CEO of FACE Amusement Group. “As Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown continues to scale as an entertainment-driven destination, his background in high-volume, experience-based venues will be critical to delivering consistency, energy and guest engagement across the brand.”
For hospitality professionals watching the evolution of experiential dining and entertainment concepts, this appointment underscores a critical trend: the need for leadership that can seamlessly blend food and beverage excellence with large-scale entertainment operations.
Who Is David Knight?
Knight’s resume reads like a masterclass in hospitality management. His career spans some of the most recognizable names in the gaming and resort industry, giving him a unique perspective on what it takes to deliver exceptional guest experiences in high-energy environments.
Most recently, Knight served as Vice President of Operations at Liv Hospitality, LLC, where he oversaw operational performance at two casino resorts in Deadwood, South Dakota. His ability to manage complex, multi-venue properties made him a natural fit for the Downtown Flavortown opportunity.
A Career Built on Operational Excellence
Knight’s professional journey includes:
- Regional Director of Operations at Hogan Hospitality Group (2013-2020): Overseeing multiple properties and ensuring consistent brand standards across locations
- Owner and Principal Consultant at Online Business Consulting (2010-2012): Applying his hospitality expertise to help businesses optimize their operations
- Leadership roles at Mandalay Bay Resort and Casino and Golden Nugget Las Vegas: Where he honed his skills in entertainment-focused dining, nightlife, and guest experience operations
His educational credentials are equally impressive, including an MBA from LSU Shreveport, a bachelor’s degree in hospitality administration from the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, a certificate in artificial intelligence business strategies from UC Berkeley, and an associate degree in business computer programming from Clover Park Technical College.
This combination of hands-on operational experience and forward-thinking education positions Knight to lead Downtown Flavortown through its next phase of growth.
Inside Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown: More Than Just a Restaurant
What makes Downtown Flavortown such an exciting concept in the food and beverage industry? It’s the seamless fusion of culinary excellence with immersive entertainment: a model that’s becoming increasingly important for hospitality businesses looking to differentiate themselves in competitive markets.
The Complete Downtown Flavortown Experience
The venue packs an incredible amount of entertainment into its 43,000 square feet:
- A 300-plus-seat restaurant featuring Guy Fieri’s signature culinary creations: think bold flavors, generous portions, and the kind of comfort food that made Fieri a household name
- 14-lane duckpin bowling alley offering a nostalgic twist on the classic bowling experience
- More than 10,000 square feet of state-of-the-art arcade and virtual reality games keeping guests entertained for hours
- The Freaky Tiki bar serving up tropical cocktails in a laid-back atmosphere
- An iconic 1968 Chevy Camaro photo opportunity perfect for social media moments
- Flexible event spaces for private parties, group events, and celebrations
This multi-dimensional approach to hospitality reflects broader food and beverage trends, where guests increasingly seek out destinations that offer complete experiences rather than just meals. For restaurant owners and hospitality industry professionals, Downtown Flavortown represents a blueprint for menu innovation combined with entertainment programming.
Knight’s Vision for the Future
In his own words, Knight understands what makes venues like Downtown Flavortown successful. “Downtown Flavortown is designed to be an all-encompassing entertainment experience,” he said. “My focus is on building strong teams and operational systems that support high-energy environments where guests come to celebrate, connect and be entertained.”
This guest-centric philosophy aligns perfectly with what today’s hospitality leaders need to prioritize. In an era where diners have endless options, creating memorable experiences: not just serving good food: is what drives repeat visits and positive word-of-mouth.
Key Responsibilities in His New Role
As Vice President, Knight will oversee:
- Day-to-day operations across all Downtown Flavortown locations
- Guest experience initiatives ensuring every visitor leaves with lasting memories
- Strategic growth planning as FACE Amusement Group expands the brand to new markets
With the Myrtle Beach location set to open in summer 2026, Knight’s timing couldn’t be better. His experience managing multi-venue operations will be essential as the brand scales.
FACE Amusement Group: A Company Built on Values
Understanding Knight’s new employer provides important context for this appointment. FACE Amusement Group has built its reputation on a foundation of core values reflected in its very name: Faith, Attitude, Consistency, and Excellence.
The company operates a diverse portfolio of entertainment experiences across the United States, including:
- Arcade City
- Big Top Arcade
- Rockin’ Raceway Arcade
- 7D Dark Ride Adventure
- LuLu’s Beach Arcade
- Mountain of Youth Ropes Course
- The Mirror Maize
- Guy’s Branson Kitchen and Bar
- Downtown Flavortown (Pigeon Forge and upcoming Myrtle Beach)
FACE Amusement Group has received Great Place to Work® recognition for three consecutive years, a testament to its commitment to building strong teams: something that clearly aligns with Knight’s leadership philosophy.
Giving Back: The Bear Hugs Program
Beyond business success, FACE Amusement Group demonstrates its commitment to community through initiatives like the Bear Hugs program. For every stuffed bear won in a FACE Amusement claw machine, the company donates another bear to local charities. To date, they’ve donated nearly 20,000 stuffed bears: a heartwarming example of how food and beverage companies can make a positive impact beyond their bottom line.
What This Means for the Hospitality Industry
Knight’s appointment reflects several important trends in food and beverage management that industry professionals should note:
- Experience-driven dining is here to stay: Consumers want more than food: they want entertainment, photo opportunities, and shareable moments
- Operational complexity requires specialized leadership: Managing venues that combine restaurants, bars, arcades, and event spaces demands executives with diverse backgrounds
- Strategic growth requires seasoned veterans: As concepts like Downtown Flavortown expand, companies need leaders who’ve successfully scaled operations before
For hospitality managers and foodservice executives watching this space, Knight’s career trajectory offers valuable lessons about the skills needed to lead in today’s entertainment-focused dining landscape.
The Road Ahead
With David Knight at the helm, Guy Fieri’s Downtown Flavortown is positioned for continued success and expansion. His combination of casino resort experience, entertainment venue expertise, and commitment to team building makes him ideally suited to guide this unique concept through its next chapter.
As the food service industry continues evolving, concepts that successfully blend culinary excellence with immersive entertainment will likely lead the way. Knight’s appointment signals that FACE Amusement Group understands this: and is investing in the leadership needed to stay ahead of the curve.
Are you following the latest trends in experiential dining and entertainment hospitality? Stay connected with Food & Beverage Magazine for the insights that matter most to industry professionals. Drop a comment below and let us know what you think about the future of entertainment-focused dining concepts!
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Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral. Politz is also the founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
