Popular Cheesesteak Chain to Open 16 New Locations Across Several Lucky Southern States

Cheesesteaks might make you think of Philly, but it's a Georgia-based chain that plans to spread the iconic Philadelphia classic sandwich to the southern states. A Pennsylvanian founded Big Dave's Cheesesteaks and became popular, named one of the Top 10 Best Sandwiches by World Food Champions in 2023. 

Many chain restaurants face closures and bankruptcy, but other dining-chains see that as an opportunity for expansion. Customers want to enjoy going out to eat more, but rising costs have kept them away and turning toward more home-cooked meals for affordability. Find out if the hot new cheesesteak chain is coming to your city, and see what customers love about the menu. 

It's not just your average cheesesteak on Big Dave's menu, but a variety of adaptations on the classic rib-eye sandwich. In addition to the expected beef and chicken options, salmon or veggie cheesesteaks keep it fresh and exciting for customers. They also have assorted egg roll options like cheesesteak or buffalo chicken fillings. 

Of course, they have to have fries and dipping sauces on the menu — and banana pudding for a classic Southern dessert.    

Derrick Hayes was born and raised in West Philadelphia before relocating to Georgia, where he was inspired to share his culinary roots with The Peach State. He named his business after his late father, Dave, and opened the first location in a gas station outside of Atlanta. 

Derrick and his cheesesteaks rose to prominence when actress Eve stopped by while filming in the area. She loved the taste of home and helped elevate the brand's status to what it is today.  

Big Dave's new flagship location will open near Centennial Olympic Park in downtown Atlanta. Founder Hayes says it's more than just a place to eat: It symbolizes their resilience and growth. 

Ten new restaurants will open in Florida, blessing the Sunshine State with good old-fashioned Philly cheesesteaks. The expansion will start in Oviedo, Florida, at The Park development on Mitchell-Hammock Road, with the other locations soon to follow. 

South Carolina will see a new location in Columbia’s Five Points District, which already has a location secured. They plan to continue expanding with five additional restaurant locations in the state. Charlotte, North Carolina, already received its brand new location in May — it was the first out-of-state location to open. 

Big Dave's is the hot spot in Georgia to grab a cheesesteak, and they're determined to bring their delicious sandwiches to the rest of the southern states. 

They stay adaptable to the shifting restaurant economics by using food trucks and dine-in locations that allow them to bring their food to where customers are. Currently, 16 locations are in the immediate pipeline, but Hayes has big plans and aims to open 100 locations by 2025. 

Location expansion is risky during an extended period of American household cutbacks aimed at stretching dining budgets and lowering overall grocery costs, but if the prices are low and the food is delicious, then Big Dave's is sure to be just as loved outside of Georgia as it is in its home state.