In the world of franchising, few stories are as compelling as that of Derrick Hayes, the CEO and founder of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks. Starting from humble beginnings in a gas station in Georgia, Derrick Hayes has transformed his passion for cheesesteaks into a nationally recognized brand. Join us as we delve into his remarkable journey, the challenges he faced, and the lessons he learned along the way.
Derrick Hayes journey began not in a bustling restaurant but in a gas station in Dunwoody, Georgia. After facing numerous rejections from potential locations, he approached Mike, the gas station owner, and asked for a chance to open his restaurant. “I took what I like to say a dump and made it a national team,” he recalls. This tenacity and resourcefulness set the tone for his future endeavors.
The soul of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks is rooted in Derrick desire to honor his late father, whom he lost to lung cancer. Naming the restaurant after his father, Hayes was driven by the dream of creating a legacy that his children could inherit. “I always said, one day I will be driving in the car with my kids and we will see a Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks sign just like McDonald’s,” he shared. This vision kept him motivated through the struggles of starting from scratch.
Derrick’s initial days at the gas station were marked by challenges that tested his resolve. With extension cords running across the floor and freezers in the dining area, he built his brand from the ground up. “Every time something would break, I would go on Instagram and say, ‘Hey guys, I am gonna be closed for the rest of the day. My grill is not working,'” he recalls. This authenticity resonated with customers, who appreciated the realness of his journey.
As Derrick Hayes brand grew, he understood the importance of strategic partnerships. His collaboration with Amoroso’s, a renowned bread supplier from Philadelphia, was crucial. “I wanted to bring out the authentic taste of Philly,” Hayes explained. By showcasing year over year volume and proving his commitment to authenticity, Derrick Hayes secured a partnership that not only enhanced his product but also elevated his brand’s credibility.
The journey from a gas station to a franchise required Derrick to think big. With a vision of taking Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks beyond Georgia, he built relationships with suppliers who could support his growth. “I always tried to build the brand as if I was already national,” he stated. This foresight allowed him to scale effectively, preparing for a demand that would soon follow.
Today, Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks is not just a restaurant; it has become an iconic food item in Mercedes Benz Stadium, recognized as the highest grossing business within the venue. Derrick Hayes grassroots approach and dedication to quality have opened doors to opportunities in other arenas, including partnerships with the Orlando Magic and UCF. “I spent a lot of years questioning why isn’t the brand scaling the way I want it to. But I learned that patience is key in business,” he reflected.
Derrick Hayes journey from a gas station to a national franchise is a testament to resilience, authenticity, and the power of vision. His story emphasizes that success in business comes from honoring your roots, building genuine relationships, and being patient through the ups and downs. As Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks continues to grow, his commitment to quality and legacy remains at the forefront of his mission.
