Derrick Hayes: Turning Humble Beginnings into a Cheesesteak Empire

Photo Courtesy of BigDavesway.com

Derrick Hayes is redefining what it means to succeed in the restaurant industry. As the founder and CEO of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, Hayes has built a multi-million-dollar empire from a small gas station location in Atlanta, bringing authentic Philly cheesesteaks to the South. His journey is a powerful example of resilience, vision, and honoring legacy through entrepreneurship.

A Vision Rooted in Legacy

Born and raised in West Philadelphia, Hayes named Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks in honor of his late father, whose passing from lung cancer became the driving force behind Hayes’ entrepreneurial dream. His father’s advice, “Don’t work your whole life without achieving something meaningful,” motivated Hayes to create a legacy that would make his family proud.

When Hayes moved to Atlanta in 2014, he started with a water ice shop in a Shell gas station. Facing challenges like broken equipment and low initial sales, he quickly realized that success would require adaptability. Hayes pivoted his business model, introducing authentic Philly cheesesteaks, which soon gained traction in Atlanta’s food scene.

Overcoming Challenges

Hayes’ journey was far from easy. As a first-time entrepreneur with no business experience, he struggled to secure a location and worked tirelessly to build his brand recognition. During the early years, his restaurant earned less than $100,000 annually, and he had to work with limited resources, including faulty kitchen equipment.

In 2020, the COVID-19 pandemic forced Hayes to temporarily shut down his flagship location. Rather than giving up, he used the time to plan and refine his vision, ensuring the business would emerge stronger.

Scaling Success

Today, Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks is more than a local favorite—it’s a growing franchise with ambitious plans to open 100 locations by 2025. Hayes’ accomplishments include:

Operating multiple restaurants across Atlanta.
Securing three locations inside the Mercedes-Benz Stadium, home to the Atlanta Falcons.
Launching a food truck to expand reach.
Generating $2.3 million in profits from the flagship downtown Atlanta location in the past year.

His entrepreneurial journey skyrocketed when fellow Philadelphia native and rapper Eve promoted his business on social media, bringing national attention to the brand.

Philanthropy and Community Impact

Hayes is as committed to giving back as he is to growing his business:

During the COVID-19 pandemic, he provided over 1,000 meals to frontline workers and underserved communities.
He actively employs local youth, providing opportunities to break generational cycles of poverty.
His mission extends beyond profits—he aims to inspire others from disadvantaged backgrounds to pursue entrepreneurship.

Hayes’ philanthropic efforts reflect his belief that success should be shared with the community, building a foundation for others to achieve their dreams.

Building a Legacy

In 2021, Hayes was named a Forbes Next 1000 Honoree, recognizing his entrepreneurial spirit and impact. Alongside his wife, Pinky Cole, CEO of Slutty Vegan ATL, Hayes continues to expand his business ventures while maintaining a focus on community and family.

With Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks projected to generate $15-20 million in sales this year, Hayes is proving that dedication, adaptability, and a focus on quality can turn even the humblest beginnings into a thriving empire.

Inspiring the Next Generation

Derrick Hayes’ story resonates with aspiring entrepreneurs who face barriers to success. From a gas station startup to a nationwide franchise, his journey demonstrates the power of perseverance and the importance of staying true to your roots.

Through his business and philanthropy, Hayes reminds us that entrepreneurship is about more than financial gain—it’s about creating opportunities, honoring legacy, and uplifting communities. His legacy is one of resilience, innovation, and a commitment to breaking barriers for the next generation.