Our Story
Finding Inspiration in Every Turn
First Big Dave's Location
(Shell Gas Station)
CEO & Founder, Derrick Hayes, Sr.
Born and raised in West Philadelphia, Derrick Hayes ventured into the food industry by chance. The entrepreneur spent much of his upbringing in the kitchen with his grandfather where he garnered his culinary knowledge by assisting with Sunday dinners and crafting flavorful dishes through the mixture of seasonings and spices. After facing personal hardships, Derrick was given a second chance that inspired him to change the trajectory of his life. Derrick relocated to Atlanta where the cheesesteaks didn’t quite meet his standards of the West Philly staple.
Inspired to bring his West Philly roots to the Peach state, Derrick launched Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks – named for his late father. The original location – which was housed in a 700-square-foot gas station in Dunwoody and called Dave’s Philly Water Ice – rose to fame when Philadelphia native and popular actress Eve visited the location for a taste of home while filming in Atlanta – and the rest is history. Today, Hayes oversees the brand consisting of downtown Atlanta and Doraville, Ga locations, Forest Park, Ga, Lawrenceville, Ga, and multiple outposts in Atlanta’s famed Mercedes-Benz Stadium and a food truck.
In addition to his culinary presence, Hayes stays involved with the community through The David and Derrick Hayes Foundation – a foundation honoring his father in support of early detection and cancer research, and the David & Derrick Hayes College Fund which provides quarterly funding to deserving students with a 3.0 GPA or higher. He also works alongside his wife and Slutty Vegan restaurateur Pinky Cole in executing Square 1: The Liife Experience – a venture offering a suite of mental, physical and financial wellness support to the Black community. A self-made entrepreneur, restaurateur and philanthropist, Derrick has been nationally recognized by Forbes, Good Morning America, Black Enterprise, RevoltTV, People Magazine, Red Table Talk and many more. In 2021 he was named to the Forbes Next 1000 list, and even graced the cover of Essence Magazine in 2022.
Meet The Team
Dedication. Expertise. Passion.
Board of Directors
derrick hayes, sr.
Member
Jessie Bray
Member
antwon alsobrook
Member
Board Member Antwon Alsobrook started his journey as an entrepreneur in the early 2000’s specializing in the convergence of utility engineering, telecom and real estate development industries. Over his tenure, he has navigated the various challenges associated with entrepreneurship. Through faith-based perseverance, he has overcome a myriad of personal and business hardships, politically motivated legal challenges and a global financial crisis to establish the nation’s only, African American owned and operated, Competitive Local Exchange Fiber Carrier (CLEC). With a goal continuing to bridge the digital divide in underserved communities throughout the U.S., his portfolio of companies own and operate over 1000 fiber miles of network infrastructure that pass over 100,000 households. As an active Board Member of Big Dave’s, Mr. Alsobrook lends his years of experience to assist the executive team with making sound, calculated decisions that impact restaurant and corporate operations, investor relations, facilities development, political engagement, legal strategy and community outreach.