Established
2014
Franchise Units
16
Minimum Investment
$450,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$850,000
Home Based
No
Description
Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks is more than just a restaurant—it’s a movement in the American fast-casual dining scene. Known for its authentic Philly-style cheesesteaks with a modern twist, the brand has quickly risen to national fame for its bold flavors, high-quality ingredients, and cultural impact. With media coverage from major outlets and a loyal fan base that spans across the United States, Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks represents not only an incredible food franchise opportunity but also a chance to join a story of resilience, community, and entrepreneurship.
As the demand for comfort food and premium quick-service dining grows, Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks has positioned itself as a leader in the booming sandwich and cheesesteak market. Its strong reputation, innovative menu, and community-first approach make it one of the most promising franchise opportunities for aspiring restaurateurs in the USA.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
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Proven Success Model – With rapid growth, viral brand recognition, and customer demand, Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks has already proven its scalability and profitability.
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High-Quality Menu – Offering authentic Philly-style cheesesteaks, loaded fries, and signature sandwiches made with premium ingredients.
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Strong Brand Reputation – Featured by national media outlets and embraced by celebrities, athletes, and food critics.
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Growing Industry – The fast-casual dining market in the USA is projected to grow significantly, and cheesesteaks represent a niche with untapped potential nationwide.
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Comprehensive Training & Support – Franchisees gain access to extensive pre-opening, marketing, and operational support.
Background
- Established Year: 2014
- Founders: Derrick Hayes
- Franchise Active Units: N/A
- Industry Category: Fast Casual / Quick Service Restaurant (QSR)
- Market Presence: Headquartered in Atlanta, GA, with a rapidly expanding footprint across the Southeastern United States and a mission to go coast-to-coast.
- The Story: Derrick Hayes moved to Atlanta with a dream and his father’s legacy in mind. Starting in a 700-square-foot space inside a Shell gas station, the quality of the food quickly outgrew its surroundings. Today, Big Dave's is an award-winning powerhouse, recognized for its explosive growth and its ability to maintain "Philly standards" no matter where the kitchen is located.
Support Training
We don't leave our partners to figure it out on their own. Our support system is designed to take you from "First Inquiry" to "Grand Opening" with confidence.
Pre-Launch Support: Expert guidance on site selection, lease negotiations, and kitchen design to ensure your footprint is optimized for high volume.
Initial Training (The Big Dave’s Academy): A multi-week immersive program covering everything from the "Flip" of the steak on the grill to back-office management and inventory control.
Marketing Powerhouse: You get access to our brand assets, local store marketing playbooks, and the "halo effect" of our national PR efforts.
Operational Support: Dedicated field consultants who visit your location to help streamline throughput and maintain food quality.
Tech Stack: A fully integrated POS and delivery platform system to manage third-party orders and in-store sales seamlessly.
Ideal Candidate
Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks is looking for passionate entrepreneurs who are ready to take part in a fast-growing brand. The ideal franchisee is:
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Entrepreneurial & Driven – Motivated to run a restaurant with energy and dedication.
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Food Passionate – Loves serving high-quality food and creating great dining experiences.
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Business Background – Prior restaurant or business management experience preferred but not mandatory.
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Financial Capability – Ability to invest in setup, operations, and growth.
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Community-Oriented – Interested in connecting with the local community, hosting events, and building customer loyalty.
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Location Preference – Urban centers, college towns, shopping districts, and high-traffic suburban areas are prime markets for expansion.
Financial Detail
| Category | Estimated Detail |
| Total Investment Required | $450,000 – $850,000 (Varies by location/size) |
| Minimum Liquid Capital | $200,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 – $50,000 |
| Royalty Fees | 6% of Gross Sales |
| Marketing Fund | 2% of Gross Sales |
| Infrastructure/Construction | Varies based on "Shell" vs. "Second Generation" space |
| Expected ROI | Highly dependent on location and operational efficiency |
| Break-even Time | Typically 18–36 months under optimal management |
| Revenue Streams | Dine-in, Takeout, Third-party Delivery, and Catering |