Press Release

Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks Names Shawna Snyder Chief Operating Officer to Drive Strategic National Growth

Industry veteran brings decades of multi-unit growth experience as Big Dave’s builds the operational backbone to support national expansion following recent supply partnerships.

Photo: Big Dave's Cheesesteaks

March 18, 2026

Atlanta, GA - March 18, 2026 - Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks has appointed seasoned restaurant executive Shawna Snyder as Chief Operating Officer, reinforcing the brand’s commitment to disciplined expansion and operational excellence amid its recent national supply partnerships with Amoroso’s Baking Company and Philly’s Best Steak Company.

Shawna will oversee national growth strategy, operational systems, and expansion initiatives, bringing an operator-first mindset; focused on innovation, efficiency, and scalable execution. Her leadership comes at a pivotal moment as Big Dave’s continues building the infrastructure needed to support franchise growth and multi-unit development across new markets.

With decades of experience scaling national restaurant concepts, Shawna is widely regarded as a builder of systems and a driver of results. Most recently, she served as Vice President of National Accounts at Avanti Restaurant Solutions, where she led enterprise strategy and execution for high-growth brands across new store development and multi-unit expansion. During a critical growth phase, she assumed full ownership of national chain initiatives, stabilizing performance and creating the runway for accelerated company growth.

Her impact has earned industry-wide recognition, including being named one of Total Food Service’s Top 25 Women in Foodservice & Hospitality in 2025.

“Shawna doesn’t just manage growth, she engineers it,” said Founder & CEO Derrick Hayes. “As we strengthen our supply chain and expand our national footprint, her leadership ensures we scale with precision, protect our culture, and build long-term value for our franchise partners.”

Known for her confidence and the ability to lead a team, Shawna brings both executive vision and operator credibility; a rare combination that positions Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks for sustainable, system-driven expansion.

“Big Dave’s has built an incredibly powerful cultural and culinary brand,” Shawna said. “My focus is aligning operations, systems, and infrastructure to support sustainable long-term growth while protecting the guest experience and what makes this brand special.”

With strengthened supplier partnerships and experienced executive leadership in place, Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks continues to position itself as a rising force in the fast casual industry.

About Big Dave's Cheesesteaks

Founded by Derrick Hayes in honor of his late father, Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks has grown from a 700-square-foot gas station shop into one of the fastest-growing fast casual brands in America. Known for its bold, Philly-style flavors and viral appeal, the brand blends authentic cheesesteaks with a mission rooted in community, culture, and legacy. In 2025, Big Dave’s was named to Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers list, recognizing its national momentum and entrepreneurial impact. As the brand expands through franchising, stadium partnerships, and purpose-driven hospitality, it continues to redefine what a modern fast casual concept can look like. For more information visit Big Dave's Cheesesteaks and follow along at @bigdavescheesesteaks.