Derrick Hayes
Derrick Hayes | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Born | May 8, 1987 West Philadelphia, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, U.S. |
| Occupations | Entrepreneur, restaurateur |
| Years active | 2014–present |
| Known for | Founder of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks |
| Partner | Aisha “Pinky” Cole |
| Children | 3 |
| Website | Official website |
Derrick Hayes is an American entrepreneur and restaurateur. He is the founder of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, a fast-casual restaurant chain based in the United States.[1][2][3]
Early life and career
Hayes was born and raised in West Philadelphia, a neighborhood in Philadelphia. He was introduced to cooking at a young age through family members and developed an interest in food preparation and business during his childhood. Hayes later moved to the state of Georgia, where he pursued entrepreneurial opportunities in the food service industry.[4][5]
In 2014, Hayes founded Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks in the Atlanta metropolitan area. The restaurant concept focuses on Philadelphia-style cheesesteaks and related menu items. The original location operated out of a small retail space.[6]
Over time, the business expanded to multiple locations across several U.S. states. In addition to standalone restaurants, Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks has operated in high-traffic commercial and entertainment venues. Hayes remains involved in the ownership and management of the company.[7][8]
Hayes has been involved in community-focused initiatives, including activities related to education, financial literacy, and local economic development. These efforts have included collaborations with nonprofit organizations and participation in public outreach programs.[9]
Hayes is in a relationship with entrepreneur Aisha “Pinky” Cole, the founder of the restaurant chain Slutty Vegan. He has three children. Hayes resides in the Atlanta metropolitan area.[10][11][12]
References
- ^ Burleigh, Emma. "Big Dave's Cheesesteaks CEO grew up in 'survival mode' selling newspapers and bean pies—now his chain sells a $12 cheesesteak every 58 seconds". Fortune. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
- ^ Holland, Frank (2023-08-31). "36-year-old CEO took Philly cheesesteaks to Atlanta, sold over $2.3 million at one store in the last year—now he wants to help others do the same". CNBC. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
- ^ Ryan, Eric. "How The Founder Of Big Dave's Cheesesteaks Turned One Gas Station Shop Into An Empire". Forbes. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
- ^ "Breaking boundaries: Derrick Hayes on purpose, power, building Big Dave's Cheesesteaks". Fast Casual. 2025-09-02. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
- ^ Engineering, Blavity (2025-11-25). "Derrick Hayes Scaled Big Dave's Cheesesteaks Into A Multi-Million-Dollar Franchise, But His Legacy Is About More Than Money". AfroTech. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
- ^ "Episode 203- How Your Losses Make You Better with Entrepreneur Derrick Hayes". Molly Fletcher. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
- ^ https://finance.yahoo.com/news/multimillion-dollar-restaurant-ceo-used-150525876.html
- ^ https://www.nrn.com/quick-service/how-big-dave-s-went-from-atlanta-gas-station-to-national-franchise-success
- ^ "The Gospel According To Derrick Hayes: The "Big Dave's Cheesesteaks" Founder Shares How A Sandwich Saved His Life, And Now, Countless Others'". Essence. 2023-02-16. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
- ^ Williams, Kenneth. "Derrick and Pinky Cole Hayes on Their Revolutionary Black Love". EBONY. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
- ^ "Derrick Hayes And Pinky Cole On Love, Friendship, And Building Bank As A Power Couple!". BET. Retrieved 2026-01-19.
- ^ McClain, Tristan (2022-04-12). "Stars of "Doubling Down with the Derricos" & founder of Big Dave's Cheesesteak, Derrick Hayes". Money Making Conversations Master Class. Retrieved 2026-01-19.