Today we’d like to introduce you to Derrick Hayes
Hi Derrick, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Derrick Hayes is the founder and owner of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, a popular restaurant chain based in Atlanta, Georgia, known for its authentic Philly-style cheesesteaks. Originally from West Philadelphia, Hayes started his business as a way to bring the flavors of his hometown to Atlanta. He named the restaurant in honor of his late father, “Big Dave,” who inspired him to pursue his dreams of entrepreneurship.
Hayes’ cheesesteaks gained massive popularity, and Big Dave’s became one of Atlanta’s top food destinations, with locations in various parts of the city. The brand has been embraced by celebrities, athletes, and media figures, which helped boost its visibility. Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks is especially known for its high-quality ingredients, generous portions, and a variety of cheesesteak options, including traditional beef, chicken, salmon, egg rolls and vegan options.
In addition to his success in the restaurant business, Derrick Hayes is also recognized for his commitment to community service and giving back to underprivileged communities. His efforts to provide meals to frontline workers during the COVID-19 pandemic and support various charitable causes have earned him widespread praise.
Hayes is a dynamic entrepreneur who has made a name for himself not just in the food industry, but as a role model for aspiring entrepreneurs.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
Derrick Hayes faced several challenges while starting and scaling Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks. Here are some of the key struggles he encountered:
Financial Hardships: Like many entrepreneurs, Derrick initially struggled with limited financial resources. He used his personal savings to open his first location in a gas station in Dunwoody, Georgia, in 2014. Operating with a tight budget, Hayes had to work hard to keep the business afloat while balancing overhead costs. He nearly went bankrupt in the early stages of his business, but he persevered through these financial difficulties, often working long hours and managing all aspects of the business himself.
Unfamiliar Market: Moving from Philadelphia to Atlanta, Derrick had to introduce authentic Philly cheesesteaks to a market that was unfamiliar with this type of cuisine. Derrick first started with Dave’s Philly Ice but quickly pivoted from the popular frozen dessert that originated from Philadelphia. It is similar to Italian ice, but Philly water ice is known for its smooth, soft texture that makes it distinct from traditional shaved ice or snow cones. Convincing customers in the South to embrace a Northeastern staple was a challenge, especially in a city where Philly Ice and cheesesteaks were not a popular food item at the time.
Scaling Operations: As the demand for his cheesesteaks grew, scaling the business became a challenge. Hayes had to manage the logistics of expanding his restaurant chain, including finding larger spaces, hiring and training staff, and maintaining the quality and consistency of his food as the business grew. Finding the right locations for expansion was also critical, and the challenge of securing prime spots while staying within budget added to the complexity.
Staffing Challenges: Hayes, like many restaurateurs, faced difficulties in building a reliable team, particularly in the early days. With limited resources, it was tough to attract and retain qualified staff. As the business expanded, ensuring that all employees met his high standards of service and food quality was a continual struggle. Derrick initiated an employee program called The Big Dave’s Blue Apron All-Stars. The program focuses on providing job opportunities and mentorship to individuals, helping them to build a career in the restaurant industry. The Blue Apron All-Stars Program is designed to offer participants valuable skills in the culinary field, as well as personal development and mentorship to support their long-term success. The initiative reflects his dedication to not only growing his business but also uplifting others and providing opportunities for those who might otherwise face challenges in finding stable employment. Through the program, participants are given the chance to gain hands-on experience working in a fast-paced restaurant environment, learning everything from food preparation to customer service, and are supported by Hayes and his team as they work toward a fresh start in life.
Pandemic Challenges: The COVID-19 pandemic presented a major setback for Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks. Like many restaurants, Hayes had to quickly adapt to restrictions and limitations on in-person dining. However, he pivoted by focusing on delivery and takeout, which helped the business survive during the height of the pandemic. One of the most notable actions Hayes took during the pandemic was his commitment to giving back to those on the frontlines. He and his team provided thousands of free meals to healthcare workers at hospitals, particularly in Atlanta. This initiative gained widespread attention and praise, not only benefiting medical professionals but also elevating the brand’s reputation as a community-focused business.
Balancing Personal and Professional Life: As his business began to grow, Hayes found it difficult to balance the intense demands of running Big Dave’s with his personal life. The long hours, financial stress, and responsibility of being the face of the brand made it challenging for him to find a healthy work-life balance.
Derrick often emphasizes that his family is a primary motivation for his work. He named Big Dave’s after his late father, which gave his business a deeply personal meaning. This connection to family helped him remain grounded and focused on what truly matters despite the demands of entrepreneurship.
Derrick’s wife, Pinky Cole-Hayes (founder of Slutty Vegan), is also a successful entrepreneur. The couple has publicly discussed how they support one another both personally and professionally. They share similar values and work together to uplift each other’s businesses, which helps alleviate some of the stress that comes with balancing both personal and professional responsibilities.
Community Pressure: As his brand grew and gained visibility, particularly in the Black community, there was pressure on Hayes to succeed not only for himself but as a role model for others. He embraced the responsibility of giving back, but it also added to the demands on him as an entrepreneur.
Despite these struggles, Derrick Hayes has been able to overcome adversity through resilience, hard work, and strategic thinking. His commitment to excellence and community-building has been integral to the success of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, allowing him to scale his business while staying true to his values.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks?
About Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks: Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks is an authentic Philly-style cheesesteak restaurant founded by Derrick Hayes, a Westside Philadelphia native, and is based in Atlanta, Georgia. The restaurant was created to bring the taste of genuine Philadelphia cheesesteaks to the South, and it has since become one of the most popular food destinations in Atlanta. The business is named in honor of Derrick’s late father, “Big Dave,” who inspired him to pursue his entrepreneurial dreams. Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks is all about quality, community, and creating memorable dining experiences. From humble beginnings in a small gas station, the brand has grown into a major player in Atlanta’s food scene. The restaurant’s focus on providing top-tier, authentic cheesesteaks with fresh ingredients has earned it widespread acclaim, with customers lining up for both classic and innovative menu items.
What We Do & What We’re Known For: Big Dave’s specializes in authentic Philly-style cheesesteaks made with premium beef, chicken, salmon and even vegan options, catering to diverse tastes. The menu features a variety of cheesesteaks, including traditional and creative twists, along with mouthwatering sides like egg rolls, fries, and more. The cheesesteaks are known for being generously sized, flavorful, and made with love.
What Sets Us Apart: What sets Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks apart is Derrick Hayes’ personal story, the quality of ingredients, and the deep connection to both Philly culture and the Atlanta community. Each cheesesteak is crafted with authenticity, giving customers a true taste of Philadelphia in every bite. Derrick’s commitment to giving back, such as through his Blue Apron All-Stars Program, which helps formerly incarcerated individuals get a second chance, also makes the brand stand out. Additionally, the restaurant has gained widespread recognition from celebrities, athletes, and influencers, which has amplified its reach and appeal.
What We’re Most Proud of Brand-Wise: We’re incredibly proud of our community impact. Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks isn’t just about selling food; it’s about building a legacy, honoring family, and uplifting the community. Derrick Hayes has led initiatives to feed healthcare workers, provide job opportunities to those in need, and support charitable causes. These efforts have strengthened the brand’s reputation as more than just a restaurant, but as a community-driven business.
What We Want Readers to Know: Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks is not just a place to get a meal, it’s a movement rooted in love, perseverance, and community service. We’re known for serving some of the best cheesesteaks outside of Philadelphia, but we also offer an experience—whether you’re grabbing a bite at one of our locations or engaging with our team, we strive to leave a lasting impression. Our menu offers a variety of options that cater to everyone, and our commitment to quality is unwavering. Come taste the difference and be a part of something bigger than just a cheesesteak.
At Big Dave’s, you’re not just a customer; you’re part of the family.
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
What I like best about Atlanta is its diverse, vibrant culture and strong sense of community. As an entrepreneur, Atlanta has been incredibly welcoming and supportive of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks. The love we’ve received from the community, especially during tough times like the pandemic, has been overwhelming.
Like any city, Atlanta has its challenges. One of the things I like least is the traffic which can be really intense and time-consuming, which makes getting around the city frustrating at times. Another challenge is the inequality that still exists in certain areas. While Atlanta is a city of opportunity for many, there are still communities that struggle with poverty, lack of resources, and systemic challenges that need to be addressed.
Atlanta is a city with so much potential, and I believe that with continued growth and effort, we can overcome these obstacles.
Pricing:
- NA
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.bigdavesway.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bigdavescheesesteaks/?hl=en
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bigdavescheesesteaks/
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/big-daves-cheesesteaks-atlanta-3
Image Credits
Will Sterling
Isaiah Marchand
Derrick Hayes
