The popular food chain was named top 10!
In a moment that merges flavor with legacy and hustle with history, Derrick Hayes, the visionary founder of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, just made Black-owned business history. His rapidly expanding restaurant brand has become the first majority Black-owned company to land in the top 10 of Fast Casual’s prestigious “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” list, coming in strong at #6.
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Hayes, a proud West Philadelphia native, launched Big Dave’s in 2014 from a 700-square-foot gas station in Dunwoody, Georgia. He made a promise to his late father, David Hayes, to start something meaningful. That promise, combined with grit, resilience, and a whole lot of Philly flavor, sparked a movement. Named in tribute to his late father, Big Dave’s grew its wings with a boost from Grammy-winning artist Eve, who shouted out the food after her visit nearly a decade ago. From that moment, the mission was clear: to build a brand steeped in excellence, community, and flavor.
“As one of the youngest Black men to ever make the Top 100 Movers & Shakers list, the impact and inspiration that this award will have on future entrepreneurs who come from a similar background is not lost on me,” Hayes shared via press release. “It’s an honor that my passion and purpose for this brand is being recognized, and I couldn’t do it without my incredible team and valued franchise partners.”
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With locations throughout the Southeast — from Georgia to the Carolinas and Florida — Big Dave’s has taken its Philly roots and seasoned them with Southern hustle. Whether you’re catching a game at Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta or Orlando’s Kia Center, chances are, Big Dave’s is serving up more than just cheesesteaks — they’re serving legacy on a roll.
President Jessie Bray, who was also named one of Fast Casual’s Top 25 Executives, echoed the milestone’s significance: “Being recognized as one of the top Movers and Shakers helps pave the way to achieve our goal of 100 signed franchise locations by the end of the year. While being honored as one of the Top 25 Executives in Fast Casual shows our dedication to our team members, it’s our core values, business strategy, and fact-based decision making that are the keys to Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks’ long-term success.”
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That strategy? Building from the inside out, remaining self-funded, and choosing growth that uplifts both community and culture. Hayes’ vision of turning his personal promise into a national brand is no longer a dream; it’s a fast-moving reality.
In a space where trends fade fast, Big Dave’s is built to last. And as history continues to be made, Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks stands tall, not just as a business, but as a beacon of what’s possible when passion meets purpose.
Cover photo: ‘Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks’ Makes History as First Majority Black-Owned Brand Named to Fast Casual’s Coveted Top 100 List/Photo credit: @OfficialDHayes/Instagram