Ever wonder what it takes to turn childhood hustles into a culinary phenomenon? Derrick Hayes, the mastermind behind Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, did just that. From selling newspapers as a kid to leading a chain that sells a cheesesteak every 58 seconds, his story is pure inspiration. How did a gas station shop become a national sensation?
Derrick Hayes, the visionary CEO of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, embodies the spirit of entrepreneurial resilience, transforming a childhood spent in “survival mode” into a multi-million-dollar culinary empire that now proudly sells a cheesesteak every 58 seconds. His remarkable journey is a testament to how early hustles and unwavering determination can lay the foundation for extraordinary business success in the competitive food industry.
Growing up in the vibrant streets of Philadelphia, Hayes cultivated an innate entrepreneurial spirit, engaging in various side gigs long before the concept of “side hustles” became prevalent among younger generations. From selling newspapers to offering bean pies, he actively sought financial independence, fostering a deep-seated drive for self-reliance rather than depending on his parents for every need. This early immersion in commerce not only provided him with a unique perspective but also ingrained a resilient mindset, proving his ambition was present from a very young age.
Before embarking on his celebrated culinary venture, Hayes held a conventional 9-to-5 position within the postal service. However, a profoundly personal and life-altering event—his father’s battle with a terminal illness—served as a pivotal moment, rerouting his entire life’s trajectory. During this emotionally challenging period, his father expressed a heartfelt wish for Hayes to pursue his own business, a poignant request that ultimately ignited the spark for what would later become Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, a brand affectionately named in his father’s honor.
The path to establishing a thriving food empire was not without its initial significant hurdles. Hayes’s first entrepreneurial attempt, “Dave’s Philly Water Ice,” struggled to gain traction and resonate with the local market outside of his native Philadelphia. Facing mounting financial difficulties and a disheartening lack of community support, he contemplated abandoning his aspirations. Yet, it was his mother’s astute advice that prompted a crucial pivot towards his true passion: cheesesteaks. This strategic shift, coupled with an unexpected viral social media post by a delighted customer, dramatically turned the tide, leading to an unprecedented surge in demand and extensive queues forming outside his modest gas station location.
A decade since its humble beginnings in a Dunwoody, Georgia, gas station, Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks has experienced an explosive and consistent expansion, proudly operating 12 locations across several states, with a remarkable four new restaurants opening within just four months this year alone. The brand’s exceptional success is further underscored by impressive sales figures, including one of its flagship Atlanta locations generating a substantial $1.8 million in net sales last year. Collectively, the chain sells over 1,500 iconic cheesesteaks daily, solidifying its place as a powerhouse in the fast-casual dining sector.
Beyond the impressive financial achievements, Hayes is deeply committed to empowering underserved communities and cultivating an inclusive entrepreneurial ecosystem. A key aspect of his business model is that all Big Dave’s franchise owners proudly identify as Black or BIPOC. This deliberate strategy ensures that resources and opportunities are directly channeled back into these communities, actively propagating his profound belief that his greatest gift lies not in accumulating personal wealth, but in providing others with the invaluable chance to realize their own aspirations and build their own business success.
The enduring success story of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks serves as a powerful narrative of persistent effort and strategic incremental victories rather than an overnight meteoric rise. Hayes views these accumulated challenges and the gradual, dedicated build-up as fundamental to both the brand’s robust identity and his personal growth. His conviction is that genuine and lasting success is meticulously forged through an unwavering commitment to one’s foundational vision and the enduring legacy one strives to establish, making his story a compelling testament to perseverance in the dynamic landscape of the food industry.
