DAVE & BUSTER'S Co-Founder Suffered Stroke Months Before Apparent Suicide

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James "Buster" Corley, one of the co-founders of the Dave & Buster's chain, suffered a traumatic brain injury months before his apparent suicide according to his daughter.

Kate Corley tells TMZ ... her father suffered a stroke 4 months ago that affected his communication skills, and the part of his brain associated with personality.

As we reported ... Buster died Monday, on his 72nd birthday, from what cops are calling an apparent self-inflicted gunshot wound. Police in Dallas say he was shot in his home before being taken to a local hospital where he died.

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Buster's daughter is remembering her dad as "someone who cared about people, full of life, charismatic" ... and she wants people to focus on his legacy as a D&B co-founder and not his death.

She adds, "Having him as a dad was epic. I got to see personally how many people he helped and an industry he created. He treated everyone the same, everyone mattered to him no matter who it was. The first thing he did when he retired was thank his wife and always said he could not have done it without her. He is a legend and the coolest person on Earth.”

James opened the first Dave & Buster's in Dallas way back in 1982, along with his business partner David Corriveau and went on to open more than 140 locations across the country.

James was 72.

RIP

If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat 988lifeline.org.

Henry Winkler Yeah, Mahomes & I Have A Bromance ... We're Doing Dinner Soon!!!

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Henry Winkler tells TMZ Sports he and Patrick Mahomes do, indeed, have a genuine bromance going on ... and he said it's blossomed so much in the past few weeks -- they're actually going to do dinner soon!!!

The Fonz broke down the improbable friendship for us out at Il Pastaio recently ... explaining the whole thing actually started when he praised the Chiefs star during an interview on "The Rich Eisen Show" some six months ago.

Winkler called Mahomes one of his "heroes" ... and gushed over the QB's talent. A few months later, the 27-year-old signal-caller heard the kind words -- and invited him out to the Chiefs vs. Chargers game in LA.

Winkler ended up coming -- and the two shared an amazing moment in the pregame at SoFi Stadium. And, the 77-year-old acting legend tells us they've remained tight ever since.

In fact, Winkler not only said he's planning on hosting Mahomes for a chicken-stuffed-with-ricotta dinner night -- he told us he actually got a gift for the quarterback's newborn baby boy too!!

As for when the dinner date will go down ... Winkler said it'll have to be at least sometime next month -- because, "I'm going to let him play in the Super Bowl and win first."

So sweet!

Waffle House Fists, Food and Chairs Fly In WWE-Style Brawl!!!

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Customers at a Texas Waffle House were treated to their own private WrestleMania over the holiday -- as fists and chairs flew between customers and some employees.

The video is insane, starting with some type of verbal argument between a female customer and restaurant staffer. The employee is seen throwing a plate from behind the counter and then all hell breaks loose -- with the customer jumping up on the counter and falling on employees.

From there, punches are thrown -- including several from one of the employees that connect with the original customer's head.

Finally, things seem to get under control, but only for a few seconds.

In what's probably the most insane part of the video, the employee catches a chair thrown by one of the customers in midair.

Eventually, other customers step in and things cool off ... but you gotta imagine given the plates and food all over the floor -- service was wrapped for the night.

Kato Kaelin Felonious Fruit Caper!!!

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CITRUS CULPRIT

Kato Kaelin is once again making himself at home on someone else's property in bizarre fashion -- and no, we're not done making O.J. Simpson jokes for this kooky story.

The actor/media personality was caught snagging some fresh fruit last week from a random person's home in a Burbank, CA neighborhood ... where he and his wife, Nan Xue Kaelin, were strolling along.

Check out the surveillance video, obtained by TMZ ... you see them chatting -- even though we're told they were supposedly arguing -- and then Kato trying to pick an orange from a tree right next to them.

Nan stops him, tugging him back ... but Kato eventually breaks free and snags 3 orbs from the branch -- cradling 'em in his arms as Nan appears to find it funny.

The homeowner tells us she didn't recognize Kato or Nan at first, but her husband did shout at them from the porch to not take his fruit -- not because he found their behavior offensive, but because they simply weren't ripe.

Kato, ever the rebel, did not listen ... proceeding to wander even further onto the property -- toward the back of the path ... where he seems to have grabbed even more oranges, some of which he dropped on his way back to the sidewalk -- kind of like that glove.

The homeowner tells us Kato and Nan walked away. The homeowners weren't pissed ... but definitely found the interaction to be strange.

Morbid as it may be ... this somewhat parallels his role in the murder trial way back when. Remember, he was a friend of Simpson's who was staying in the dude's backhouse at the time -- and he was also a key witness who couldn't account for O.J.'s whereabouts during a key hour and a half when Nicole Brown and Ron Goldman were slaughtered on Bundy Dr.

Even all these years later ... Kato's still wanting himself some O.J., it seems.

Andrew Zimmern Enough With the TikTok Recipes!!! Keep it Simple For Holidays

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Andrew Zimmern is putting an end to a very important debate ... mayonnaise does NOT belong in eggnog -- holidays or not -- and TikTok recipes do not belong in the kitchen!!!

We got the 'Bizarre Foods' host at LAX and picked his brain about the ... well, bizarre recipes going around on social media this festive season. Spoiler alert -- AZ ain't having it.

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Our photog asked about the mayo and eggnog trend ... and despite Andrew having tried some of the most exotic foods in the world, he says that blend is just plain wrong.

Andrew doubled down saying ... folks need to stop cooking à la TikTok, altogether. He says, every day there seems to be a new hack or outrageous trend. Next thing ya know there's gonna be a salmon fudge ice cream -- yes, he said that, and we hope to God that's hyperbole!!!

His advice is pretty simple ... keep it simple and focus on making it good, instead of unique. Now, we did tackle one more gastro controversy with Andrew -- charging family members for homemade holiday meals.

Andrew says, he doesn't blame folks for passing the hat. Check out his advice to families gathering for a holiday dinner -- he might have a lot of people putting credit cards down at grandma's house.

Tory Lanez Christmas Dinner From Jail ... Turkey, Muffins and More!!!

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Tory Lanez is now behind bars awaiting sentencing after being convicted for shooting Megan Thee Stallion -- and on Christmas Day ... here's what's waiting for him in the cafeteria.

TMZ has gotten a rundown on what the Los Angeles Sheriffs Department is cooking up Sunday for their inmates in jail ... and with Tory now being one of them, for the time being, he's definitely getting the same meal as everyone else -- and it doesn't sound half bad.

According to LASD, their corrections facilities have quite the food lineup ... including 4 oz of roast turkey, 4 oz of mashed potatoes, 2 oz of gravy, 1 oz of cranberry sauce, 4 oz of green beans, 1 cup of tossed green salad, a dinner roll, a pumpkin muffin and a chocolate milk.

The jails also have religious/medical diet options ... Halal, vegan, diabetic and everything in between -- none of which sound quite as appetizing as what's listed above. FWIW, Tory's currently being held at the Men's Central Jail just outside of Chinatown ... not too far from where he was in court for the past couple weeks, and where a jury found him guilty Friday.

Speaking of Friday, here's a photo of what may have been Tory's last meal on the outside. During an afternoon break amid jury deliberations ... TL and his crew were seen grabbing some pizza in DTLA.

Not too long after this ... he was taken into custody right in the courtroom, and hauled off to jail. His family, as we know, were practically in hysterics -- calling it an injustice.

R. Kelly, Duggar, Ghislaine Maxwell Locked Up For The Holidays ... But, Still Eatin' Good!!!

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Ghislaine Maxwell and R. Kelly are rockin' around the Xmas tree behind bars once again, while "Cheer" star Jerry Harris and Josh Duggar are celebrating the big holiday locked up for the first time ... but bein' in the clink doesn't mean they're missing out on a feast.

TMZ has obtained prison and jail menus for Christmas Day from places where big names are doin' time ... and the holiday grub ain't sounding so bad -- even if there's no turkey.

Here's what these celebs will be chowing down on Dec. 25:

Joe Exotic at FMC Fort Worth:

-- Baked Cornish hen, tofu fried rice, bread stuffing, heart-healthy carrots, chicken gravy, bread & butter, fruit and holiday pies

Duggar at FCI Seagoville:

-- Herbed Cornish hen, glazed ham, veggie stuffed peppers, veggie lasagna, broccoli cheese & rice casserole, mashed potatoes, chicken gravy, corn on the cob, cranberry sauce, rolls and holiday pies

Harris at FMC Lexington:

-- Glazed Cornish hen, beef sirloin steak, broccoli quiche, baked candied yams, cornbread stuffing, collard greens, chicken gravy, cranberry sauce, rolls, fruit and pies

Fetty Wap at MDC Brooklyn:

-- Herbed Cornish hen, eggplant parmesan, dirty rice, baked beans, green beans, dinner rolls, fruit, pies and juice

R. Kelly at MCC Chicago:

-- Baked Cornish hen, green beans, cornbread dressing, mac & cheese and sweet potato casserole

Maxwell at FCI Tallahassee:

-- Cornish hens, stuffed green peppers, garlic mac & cheese, brussels sprouts, sweet potatoes, rolls, cranberry sauce, red velvet cheesecake and fruit

In addition to the grub, facilities are giving out holiday-themed bags to inmates filled with more snacks, puzzles and even some games.

Not saying these celebs deserve activities, but billiards tournaments, chess, bands and bingo are just some of the things going down for the holidays. Fetty Wap's facility is even hosting a talent show ... but that sounds like an unfair advantage for the rapper!!!

Nick Cannon I Travel All Over To See Kids For Xmas ... 'Same Vibe As Santa Claus'

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Nick Cannon says he has a lot in common with jolly old St. Nicholas ... because they both have to travel all over the place to see kids for Christmas.

We got Nick volunteering Friday at the L.A. Mission and our photog asked how he's going to spend the holiday ... seeing as he's welcomed 11 children with 6 different women and has a 12th on the way.

Nick was in a jolly mood, telling us he has the same vibe as Santa Claus ... because they'll be traveling all night long.

For Friday's volunteer efforts, Nick was rolling with baby mama Brittany Bell and two of their three kids, Golden and Powerful Queen.

Nick's been criticized recently for spreading himself too thin with the sheer number of children, with some of his other baby mamas seemingly taking shots themselves ... but as you can see, there are some tender family moments between Nick and Powerful, who seems enamored with her daddy's Santa hat.

No word if Nick uses a sleigh and flying reindeer to visit all his kids ... but he's definitely used to children telling him what they want for Christmas.

Todd Chrisley Ribs on Menu for Last Days of Freedom

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Todd Chrisley is soaking up every last bit of life on the outside before he goes away for a long time -- breaking bread with an unofficial family member ahead of guaranteed slop.

The reality TV star was spotted Wednesday grabbing lunch in Nashville with his daughter Savannah's ex-fiancé, Nic Kerdiles ... in what appeared to be just a two-man outing between them ... no other Chrisleys in sight. They dined at a place called Green Hills Grille.

Eyewitnesses tell us they were talking a lot, leaning in close as they chatted in deep, serious conversation.

Makes sense ... there's a lot of heaviness hovering over the family right now -- especially with Todd and his wife, Julie. He's staring at a 12-year sentence ... Julie's facing 7 years.

So, yeah ... nothing to really be cheerful about in the Chrisley household -- but at least Todd seems to be trying to get out and enjoy what's left of his fleeting freedom.

As for the grub ... Todd and Nic ordered a spinach and artichoke dip appetizer -- and each got rib rolls for their main course. Even more evidence TC is counting his days ... Lord knows he won't be eating that well in the joint.

Take it in while you can, Todd. Clock's ticking ...

Niners Star Arik Armstead Rookie Dinner Was A Prank ... They Didn't Pay $332k!!!

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No, the San Francisco 49ers rookies were not stuck with a whopping $332,000 tab after a team dinner last week -- so says star defensive lineman Arik Armstead ... who insists the whole thing was just harmless fun.

The infamous "rookie dinner" has been a tradition in the NFL for years ... with players eating like kings for a night, and then either making it seem like the first-year pros will be left with the massive check ... or, in some cases, actually forcing them to cough up the dough.

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PAY UP, ROOKIES!!!

A clip of the 49ers' most recent installment to the hazing went viral on Monday ... when 2022 second-round pick Drake Jackson posted the wild totals after the fancy meal, showing all the young athletes in disbelief over the damage.

Of course, a closer look at the receipt reveals clear signs of it being fake ... with ridiculous upcharges, gratuity and fees attached to the tab, and only about $7,500 in actual food.

As the clip continued to spread on social media, Armstead went to Twitter to make sure everyone knew the vets aren't the worst teammates on the planet.

"Y’all silly if you thought a dinner can cost 300k," Arik said. "It was a prank. The waitress went overboard. The dinner was 7500 me and 2 other vets gave 1k towards it. The rooks split 4500."

"We had a great time too," he added. "I had good vets as a young player I would never do a rookie like that."

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GOTTA EARN THE RESPECT

Sounds like Jackson and the rooks got off easy ... 'cause Chargers legend LaDainian Tomlinson told us back in 2018 he had to shell out $18k to feed his teammates when he first got into the league.

Save up, rookies.

Pete Davidson Hangs Out with Chase Sui Again ... But, Just Good Friends

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3:07 PM PT -- A rep for Pete tells TMZ ... "Chase and Pete are great friends and they have been since they met filming 'Bodies, Bodies, Bodies." We're told they hang out all the time, and are most definitely not an item.

Pete Davidson might have another body on his hands -- because he was out on a grocery store date with a mystery woman ... whom we're told appeared to be Chase Sui Wonders.

The ex-'SNL' star was out at a Whole Foods Saturday afternoon in Brooklyn, where he was definitely trying to lay low and stay incognito -- as was his lady friend next to him ... both of them wearing their hoods completely over their heads as they exchanged smiles at checkout.

Fortunately, PD recycles his fits a bit ... and we'd recognize that nifty New York jacket anywhere. It's the same one he wore at the Rangers game on Thursday ... where Chase Sui was also in attendance with her fellow "Bodies, Bodies, Bodies" cast member.

They weren't hiding then, but if this is in fact CSW -- which an eyewitness insists it was -- then they're definitely not trying to be seen together here ... which could signal they're a thing.

The cat was almost outta the bag at the hockey game ... but there was plausible deniability since their other 'BBB' costar, Rachel Sennott, tagged along -- and it could've been a 3-way friendly outing. But, if Chase is hanging with Pete solo ... well, life might imitate art after all.

If you haven't seen their movie yet, they actually play a couple onscreen ... David and Emma, who have a rocky relationship. Based on these get-togethers between them lately ... their chemistry in the real world seems to be much stronger ... with a lot less drama.

We haven't seen Pete with Emily Ratajkowski lately either -- so more evidence this might be romantic. Plus, you don't just bring anybody to WF with ya ... that's the real deal right there!

Originally Published -- 1:36 PM PT

LeBron James, Adele Happy Birthday, Rich Paul!!! ... Stars Hit L.A. Hot Spot To Celebrate His 41st

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Even though it was a school night, the stars still came out to celebrate Rich Paul's birthday on Thursday ... including his GF, Adele, and his BFF, LeBron James!!

The trio -- plus Tristan Thompson, Clippers head coach Tyronn Lue, and others -- hit Olivetta in West Hollywood for the festivities ... despite everyone having a lot going on this week.

James' Lakers play Friday night. Adele's Vegas residency continues then, too. Lue, meanwhile, coached the Clips in a loss to the Suns before hitting the bash.

Still, everyone appeared to be in great spirits ... and most (aside from Adele, who bolted early to presumably get back to Nevada) stayed out until midnight -- when Paul officially turned 41 years old.

The sports agent looked dapper for the party ... rockin' an all-brown 'fit, capped off with a pair of brown shoes.

James, meanwhile, looked great as well -- as did his wife, Savannah, who accompanied him on the date.

Didn't seem anyone brought gifts to the dinner for Paul ... but we're pretty sure at least one of the millionaires at the table picked up the tab for the guy.

Happy Bday, Rich!!!

Kardashians Throw Work Office Christmas Bash ... Celebrating ALL Our Biz!!!

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'Tis the season, and the Kardashians threw a lavish workplace Christmas party to toast a year of success, just like your office does. Well, maybe a little more lavish than yours.

The celebration went down Tuesday night at the fam's longtime go-to restaurant, Casa Vega ... and Kylie Jenner made sure we got a glimpse at all their decorations and, of course, a good look at her fit for the night.

The party was all about honoring the Kardashian-Jenner business empire ... partly comprised of Kim Kardashian's shapewear collection SKIMS, Kylie's makeup line, Khloe Kardashian's Good American line and Kendall Jenner's 818 Tequila.

Mama Kris made sure to give her daughters a shoutout ... as she boasted about their thriving companies.

Looked like a really good turnout ... not just for the family, but for all the folks who work behind the scenes on their various teams -- including Kim's longtime friend and a brand executive at her company Tracy Romulus.

All the guests were in for major treats -- beyond the open bar -- as the fam prepped huge goodie bags filled with lots of gifts, including some items from Kim's SKIMS line.

Of course, the night had an open bar full of Kendall's 818 Tequila and a very festive menu ... with specialty cocktails like the "Holiday Hibiscus Paloma," the "Mistletoe Margarita" and the "Merry + Bright."

Sounds like a night to remember ... or maybe not! 🍹🎄

E-40 I'm Slangin' Soul Food Ice Cream!!! Scoops o' Chicken & Waffles

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E-40's Goon with the Spoon ice cream brand just got a bit more flavorful ... thanks to the debut of the Bay Area legend's new chicken and waffles flavor!!!

The Mount Westmore member unveiled the interesting new dessert Monday ... marking the inaugural rollout for his soul food division.

The concoction is actually more scientific than you think ... we're told 40 didn't use chicken but Flock Chicken Chips to recreate the fowl flavor and mixed with waffles, maple syrup and brown butter ice cream to enhance the experience.

40 tells TMZ Hip Hop he always wanted to create a food brand that reflects diversity and culture -- "Culinary arts is my passion and, as a Black entrepreneur with a prominent platform, I’m committed to doing my part to bring the worlds of food, culture and entertainment together like never before.”

The chicken and waffles treat follows Cookie Dough, Bourbon Vanilla, Vanilla Bean, Strawberry, Mint Chocolate and Salted Caramel flavors in 40's GWTS brand but we're told the next flavor on the menu will be "Black Wall Street."

We're not exactly sure what's in that one but we bet it tastes like money!!! 🤑

Tia Mowry Gives 2 Cents On Pepsi & Milk Trend ... I Can Make it Better!!!

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DON'T NOG IT TILL YOU TRY IT

Tia Mowry is picking a side when it comes to the new milk and soda trend splitting the internet ... but she just might start a new trend with her own festive twist!

We caught up with the "Sister, Sister" star and cookbook author, and got her thoughts on the beverage craze -- the one where folks are mixing cola with milk to produce a sorta DIY carbonated eggnog.

Tia seems to be all for the odd combo, saying she would most definitely try it. She explained, she already likes to put milk in her coffee, and since Pepsi's also caffeinated ... hey, why not put milk in it too?!?

ICYMI, Lindsay Lohan helped hype this with a new Pepsi commercial ... promoting "Pilk" AKA a mix of Pepsi and milk, for the holiday season.

And, folks have been rushing to social media to either try it or knock it.

Well, Linds has convinced at least one big fan! Tia told us she'd even put her own spin on it ... with Pepsi, milk and a dab of something else that'll really make your holiday party 🔥.

Before she left, she also gave some tips for throwing down in the kitchen this season ... check out her food do's and don'ts!

Olive Garden Fires Manager Fed Up With Employees Taking Time Off ... Allegedly Told Staff to Bring Dead Dog Into Work!!!

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Olive Garden is saying arrivederci to a controversial restaurant manager who allegedly got so fed up with employees calling out for work they demanded proof even if a staffer's dog died.

A message reportedly sent from the disgraced manager to employees and obtained by KCTV read, "Our call-offs are occurring at a staggering rate. From now on, if you call off, you might as well go out and look for another job. We are no longer tolerating ANY EXCUSE for calling off. If you’re sick, you need to come prove it to us. If your dog died, you need to bring him in and prove it to us."

The manager, who worked at an OG location in Kansas, continued their rant by claiming they'd not taken a single day off in more than 11 years at the franchise.

Allegedly writing, "Do you know in my 11.5 years at Darden how many days I called off? Zero. I came in sick. I got in a wreck literally on my way to work one time, airbags went off and my car was totaled, but you know what, I made it to work, ON TIME.”

Now, Olive Garden has reportedly fired the guy, saying, "We strive to provide a caring and respectful work environment for our team members. This message is not aligned with our company’s values. We can confirm we have parted ways with this manager.”