Big Dave's Cheesesteaks continues its expansion into Central Florida following its debut at Orlando's Camping World Stadium and Kia Center.
Emerging Atlanta franchise, Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks is expanding its presence in Central Florida following last year's fall debut with two concession stands at Orlando's Kia Center, and a further two concessions at Camping World Stadium.
At the time Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks owner Derrick Hayes shared how the deals were part of an “ambitious expansion initiative” led by former PepsiCo executive Derek Lewis, “who acquired Florida’s first 10 Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks franchises.”
The latest news is that the first two brick-and-mortar locations are already under development, with the first location set to open in Oviedo at 441 E Mitchell Hammock Road, followed by another in Orlando, at 45 W Crystal Lake St.
Both stores are expected to open by the beginning of next year, with further locations planned for Lake, Brevard, Volusia, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.
Central Florida franchise Derek Lewis is excited to be partnering with Big Dave’s founder Derrick Hayes, after visiting Hayes’ corporate location in Atlanta and tastinf the sandwiches.
“I’m a big, huge fan of cheesesteaks, and once I took a bite out of a Big Dave’s cheesesteak and their egg rolls, I knew that I wanted to get involved. It’s that good,” said Lewis. “Once Derrick got his franchising team and system in place, I said ‘When can we start?’”
Lewis said he sees lots of potential for growth for Big Dave’s in and around his home in Orlando, with his franchise territory covering Lake, Brevard, Volusia, Orange, Osceola and Seminole counties.
“We've got a very dynamic trade area here in central Florida and we’ll look at all those counties to penetrate in and develop Big Dave’s there,” he commented.
Founded in 2016, Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks was very much a labor of love for founder and CEO Derrick Hayes – inspired by his love for cooking with his grandfather, his love for his father and his love for his West Philadelphia roots, Big Dave’s was born.
The original location, a 700-square-foot gas station in Dunwoody, Ga. called Dave’s Philly Water Ice, was where it all started for Hayes. Five locations are open throughout Georgia including outposts in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium and one in North Carolina.
Its restaurants make authentic-style Philadelphia cheesesteaks and cheesesteak egg rolls with beef, chicken and salmon. Its menu also offers a veggie cheesesteak and several sauces with varying spice levels to complement the food.
For more information visit About us | Big Dave's Way (bigdavesway.com).
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