August 29th 2023.
Big Dave's Cheesesteaks is a well-known Black-owned business in Atlanta, renowned for its delicious sandwiches from the North. However, its impact goes far beyond simply crafting delicious meals. In a profile with Fox 5 Atlanta, Derrick Hayes, the owner of Big Dave's, discussed the importance of giving back to the Atlanta neighborhoods that have embraced his food.
He was born and raised in Philadelphia, but Atlanta gave him the opportunity he needed to pursue his dreams. Since 2014, Big Dave's has become a franchise and is now one of the most successful vendors at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
In June, Hayes married Pinky Cole, the founder of Slutty Vegan, forming an entrepreneurial power couple. Together, they have dedicated themselves to giving back to their community. In the course of one day, they distributed over 1,000 meals to families in Atlanta. They have also partnered together to provide life insurance to low-income working class households with incomes under $30,000 a year.
Hayes hopes to be an inspiration to young Black men, encouraging them to never count themselves out, no matter how far-fetched their dream may seem. He believes that many of these individuals are geniuses, but simply don’t know which way to go. He speaks from experience, as he too was once stereotyped for his tattoos. But, Hayes believes that the world doesn’t know what it’s missing until it sees it.
Big Dave's Cheesesteaks currently has five locations in Atlanta, with franchising opportunities available for aspiring entrepreneurs. With their commitment to giving back, Hayes and Cole are not only making a name for themselves, but also inspiring the next generations of entrepreneurs.
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