Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks CEO Derrick Hayes unveils location of new flagship restaurant

Fans of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks at 57th Forsyth Street don’t have to miss the sandwich spot for too long. After the flagship location nearly closed two months ago due to irreparable damage from Atlanta’s massive water main break in early June, founder and CEO Derrick Hayes announced the opening of the flagship’s new location on 300 Marietta St.

“We’re going to let the whole city of Atlanta know that we’re coming to take over Marietta Street,” Hayes said as his employees rolled down the banner declaring that the spot, known for bringing a taste of West Philly to Atlanta, was coming soon. 

Named after the Philadelphia native’s late father, Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks has been a popular spot in Atlanta since it opened in 2019. But for those who have been fans of the restaurant since its beginnings, they’ll remember the lines that snaked out of its original location— then called Dave’s Philly Water Ice— which operated out of a Shell gas station in Dunwoody. Hayes said he would dream of expanding and growing his brand, a chance that soon came in the form of the Forsyth location, which also had people flocking from all over to try the cheesesteaks.

“Big Dave’s is just not about food. We are an empire that’s built legacy and culture. My philanthropy work, just me being there for the community, it’s like a family. So, I think people were able to watch my story as I grew and it wasn’t like, ‘He’s got something going on. Let’s support it.’ They watched me from day one, my perfections, my imperfections, my truths, my hardships, everything.”

When Hayes officially announced on Instagram on July 13 that he would not be reopening the former flagship location, noting that “we’ve been through a lot trying to get it reopened,” many flocked to the comments to express sadness but excitement for a new spot.  He estimated that they probably lost “over a million” due to the closure but that he doesn’t count anything as a loss and believes that everything happens for a reason.

The same day he made that announcement, Hayes revealed that he’d signed the lease on a new location. Two weeks later, with family, friends, colleagues and supporters, including his wife and owner of Slutty Vegan, Pinky Cole Hayes, and actor Bill Duke, in attendance, he unveiled what marks his sixth restaurant. 

“With or without anybody’s help, we were going to be standing because I got God, so I’m happy about everything right now. I’m still in shock that we got this location so fast, but it feels good.

“This was meant for me. I was worried about my employees every day not being able to come back to work. I was worried about my managers not being able to operate, and about the people of Atlanta not being able to continue to have success with Big Dave Cheesesteaks.”

He and his team hope to open the new flagship, located at a former Waffle House site, within eight to ten weeks. 

“I’m announcing a better location with more foot traffic and a better area that gives me more exposure, more brand notoriety, and I’m just able to put a different type of feeling on Marietta Street and bring a landmark to the city all over again.”

The restaurant will serve the same menu with the addition of beer products and continue to aim to replicate the feeling and authenticity of a shop in Philly— with more flashy neon lights to draw people in. 

August not only marks Black Business Month but also Hayes’ 10th year in business on Aug. 4. He teased that he has some big announcements coming soon, and hopes to host a block party to celebrate once the restaurant opens.  

“I dedicated my brand to my father, and every time that I feel like I’m getting knocked down, I know he’s there helping me get back up. So I’m not doing this by myself. Same thing for Atlanta: when I get knocked back down, they’re helping me get back up, and when they get knocked down, I’m here to help them get back up. We work together, and I think that’s what allowed me to be successful in my brand and grow this in a whole different way.”

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