In this exclusive with Derrick "D" Hayes, the founder of Big Dave's Cheesesteaks, he shares how the values hardwork, determination, and community outreach his father instilled in him propelled him during his entrepreneurship path to become a successful restaurateur and mentor.

Topics Covered

• Lessons in leadership
• Self-discovery as an entrepreneur
• Importance of mentorship
• Generational wealth
• Nonprofit organization
• Future of Big Dave's Cheesesteaks

More on Derrick Hayes

As a West Philadelphia native, restaurateur and philanthropist Derrick “D” Hayes understands the value of hard work, dedication, and perseverance. His vision for his restaurant, Big Dave's Cheesesteaks, began in 2014 as he aimed to merge his passion for community, food, and business. What started as a small water-ice shop in a 749 sq. ft Shell gas station in Dunwoody, Georgia since 2016 has now augmented into the nationally known Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, a thriving cheesecake empire with store and mobile locations all across metro Atlanta.

Having experienced its biggest year to date in 2020, during a global pandemic, with an increase of over 100% in sales, Hayes takes pride in Big Dave's Cheesesteaks being "Bigger Than Food”. Placing much importance on providing high-quality, hand-made food and lending a helping hand to those in need, whether offering free meals to customers, feeding local frontline workers, or employing the communities' youth, Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks lives up to its motto with the business philosophy being rooted in community involvement, quality food, and exceptional customer service. In 2021 Hayes passion for community & food landed him an illustrious spot as a Forbes 2021 Next 1000 Honoree.

D. Hayes continuously pours into the very communities that support and stand behind the Big Dave's Cheesesteaks brand. He credits his inspiration and motivation to succeed to the namesake of the Big Dave's establishment: his late father, David Hayes, to whom he promised he would start a business of his own before his passing. Galvanizing his staff and his community's efforts, he believes the story Big Dave's Cheesesteaks is writing will leave an incredible legacy for years to come. Hayes is also the founder of the David & Derrick Hayes Foundation & Co-Owner of vegan cheesesteak concept “Dinkies” with Slutty Vegan ATL CEO & Vegan restaurant phenom, Pinky Cole.

More on Big Dave's Cheesesteaks

Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks is one of the fastest-growing businesses in Atlanta, Georgia. With burgeoning locations in downtown Atlanta and Dunwoody, as well the upcoming opening of a franchise in Doraville, Big Dave’s has positioned itself as a premier eatery and staple of the greater Atlanta community. Derrick Hayes, a West Philadelphia native, serves as President and CEO of the company and continues to successfully intertwine authentic traditional Philadelphia cuisine and family-like atmosphere into the fabric of the restaurant. Patrons rave about popular menu items like beef, chicken and salmon cheesesteak egg rolls and also praise Big Dave’s modern take on the Philadelphia classic with entrees like the “Dave’s Way” Cheesesteak. It comes as no surprise that Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks has ranked in the top 10 in the Best Sandwich category at the 2018 World Food Championships, and frequently sports lines wrapped around the downtown venue filled with customers yearning for a taste of Philly.

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