From Gas Station Grill to National Powerhouse: Big Dave's Cheesesteaks Becomes First Black-Owned Cheesesteak Brand to Crack Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers and Shakers List

Ranked #6 as a Top Innovator in Fast Casual's 2025 Movers and Shakers List

Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, the burgeoning fast casual brand that started in a gas station and is now a nationally-recognized franchise from entrepreneur and visionary Derrick Hayes, has ranked # 6 on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers of 2025. Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks is proud to be the first majority black-owned brand named on this esteemed industry list. Additionally, Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks President Jessie Bray was also honored in the Top 25 Fast Casual Executives list.

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Derrick Hayes, Founder & CEO of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks

“As one of the youngest black men to ever make the Top 100 “Movers & Shakers” list, the impact and inspiration that this award will have on future entrepreneurs who come from a similar background is not lost on me,” said Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks Founder and CEO Derrick Hayes. “It’s an honor that my passion and purpose for this brand is being recognized, and I couldn’t do it without my incredible team and valued franchise partners.”

Named as a tribute to his late father, the West Philly native Derrick Hayes overcame adversity and Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks got its break when Grammy-winning artist and fellow Philadelphian Eve promoted the food after visiting his first location. Since 2014, Hayes has successfully grown Big Dave’s from a 700 square foot space in a gas station in Dunwoody, Georgia to locations across the Southeast (Georgia, Florida, North Caroline, South Carolina) and into major sports stadiums like Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Orlando’s Kia Center. Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks has attained impressive growth all while being self-funded and independently built, and the fast growing brand aims to rapidly scale in 2025 by inking deals for 100 locations by the end of year.

"I'm proud of the growth we have achieved so far as a brand, and it has been a pleasure working with Derrick to see his dream come true,” said Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks President Jessie Bray. “Being recognized as one of the top Movers and Shakers helps pave the way to achieve our goal of 100 signed franchise locations by the end of the year. While being honored as one of the Top 25 Executives in Fast Casual shows our dedication to our team members, it’s our core values, business strategy and fact-based decision making that are the keys to Big Dave's Cheesesteaks long term success."

Awarded annually since 2006, the Top 100 award honors the top 100 brands and 25 executives who are leading the fast casual restaurant industry.

It celebrates their accomplishments in growth and sales, as well as their influence on menu innovation and trends. The award recognizes growth and sales accomplishments but also trend setting and incorporating technology to enhance the customer experience.

To view the “Top 100 Movers & Shakers” list in its entirety, visit https://www.fastcasual.com/resources/2025-fast-casual-top-100-movers-shakers/

About Big Dave's Cheesesteaks

Big Dave's Cheesesteaks, founded by Derrick Hayes, is revolutionizing fast-casual dining with bold flavors, high-quality ingredients, and a commitment to innovation. Established in 2014 in a 700-square-foot gas station in Dunwoody, Georgia, the brand has expanded significantly, now boasting multiple locations across Georgia, including three inside Atlanta's Mercedes-Benz Stadium. In addition to its Georgia presence, Big Dave's has expanded into Florida with locations in Orlando's Camping World Stadium and partnerships with the Orlando Magic at the Amway Center. The brand has also opened its first out-of-state location in Charlotte, North Carolina. The establishment is a tribute to Derrick's late father, David Hayes, whose legacy inspires the brand's dedication to quality and community engagement. For more information visit Big Dave's Cheesesteaks and follow along at @bigdavescheesesteaks

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