Fast Casual Nation

Big Dave's Cheesesteaks founder: Breaking generational barriers in his father's name

Derrick Hayes, CEO of Big Dave's Cheesesteaks, shares his incredible journey from a postal worker to building a fast casual empire in this inspiring Fast Casual Nation episode.

July 17, 2025

Derrick Hayes, CEO of Big Dave's Cheesesteaks, shares his incredible journey from a postal worker to building a fast casual empire in this inspiring Fast Casual Nation episode.

Named after his late father, Big Dave's has grown from a single location with a broken grill to seven stores and 15 franchise locations, ranking No. 6 on the 2025 list of Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers.

Hayes discusses his strategic approach to franchising, innovative drive-thru model and vision for creating a billion-dollar brand that breaks generational barriers while serving authentic Philadelphia cheesesteaks.

FastCasual #BigDaves #RestaurantFranchising

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Big Dave's Cheesesteaks

Inspired to bring his West Philly roots to Georgia, Derrick Hayes launched Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks in honor of his late father. The brand gained buzz when Philly native actress Eve visited the original 700-sq-ft Dunwoody gas-station shop. Today Big Dave’s spans Atlanta, Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Orlando venues, a food truck and new SC franchises!

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