Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks Makes History: How Derrick Hayes Set a New Standard for Black Business

Executive Overview: Breaking Barriers in Fast Casual

Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks just changed the rules for the food industry and Black entrepreneurship.

Derrick Hayes, the visionary behind the brand. Has become the first majority Black-owned operator to crack the top 10 of Fast Casual’s “Top 100 Movers and Shakers” list, coming in at #6 for 2025.

For the restaurant world and for every ambitious entrepreneur in the culture, this is more than an award—it’s a game plan for scaling purpose into power.

From Philly Grit to Southern Hustle: The Origin Story

• Derrick Hayes, born and raised in West Philadelphia, launched Big Dave’s in 2014 out of a tiny gas station in Dunwoody, Georgia.

• The name honors his late father, David Hayes, anchoring the brand in family and dynasty.

• His vision took flight after Grammy-winner Eve put the cheesesteaks on the map, propelling Big Dave’s into the public eye and sparking a wave of national attention.

Scaling with Strategy: What Makes Big Dave’s Different

• Hayes built the business self-funded—no shortcuts, no outside control, just discipline and community partnership.

• The brand’s expansion is strategic: from Georgia to the Carolinas, Florida, and now sports arenas like Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium and Orlando’s Kia Center.

• President Jessie Bray, also named one of Fast Casual’s Top 25 Executives, credits their success to disciplined strategy, fact-based decisions, and a core commitment to team and culture.

Inside the Hayes Hospitality Group: Power Moves with Pinky Cole

Derrick Hayes is married to Pinky Cole, the force behind Slutty Vegan. Together, they’ve created Hayes Hospitality Group, blending Big Dave’s and Slutty Vegan into a rising food empire.

Their partnership is a playbook for Black ownership, franchise scaling, and culture-driven brand building.

They have expanded their family and business, turning Atlanta into the epicenter of modern Black-owned hospitality.

Lessons for Primal Mogul Members: How to Use This Blueprint

Self-Funding Is Strength:

Hayes grew Big Dave’s without depending on outside investors. This means full control, higher risk, but greater reward. The lesson: build your credit, stack your cash, and grow at your own pace.

Honor Your Roots—But Think National:

Start with your culture, family, and local community, but set up systems that scale. Hayes took Philly flavor to the South, then across the Southeast. Don’t be afraid to expand your base.

Brand Partnerships Are the Real Equity:

Align with partners who add value—Pinky Cole and Derrick Hayes are raising the bar together, leveraging both their brands to open new lanes.

Culture Is Currency:

Their food isn’t just about taste; it’s about belonging and aspiration. Every Big Dave’s cheesesteak is a symbol of Black excellence and ownership.

Move with a Long-Term Mindset:

The goal isn’t just trends or virality—it’s to last. Invest in people, systems, and real estate that grow your platform for decades.

Conclusion: Passion, Purpose, and a Playbook for Power

Derrick Hayes built more than a cheesesteak shop. He built a movement anchored in family, fueled by strategy, and powered by Black culture.

For every Primal Mogul member, the message is clear: ownership and discipline set the foundation, but partnership, community, and culture carry you forward.

Study Big Dave’s. Apply the principles. Then, build your own playbook—because real success isn’t given, it’s built from the inside out.

Tap in to Primal Mogul for strategy, Custom AI tools, and the blueprint to create your own breakthrough moment in business and beyond.