Big Dave's Cheesesteaks opens new downtown Atlanta location after closure

ATLANTA - Big Dave's Cheesesteaks is back with a new location in downtown Atlanta.

Big Dave's Cheesesteaks, which is known for its unique take on the classic Philadelphia sandwich, was forced to close its original downtown location last year after a major water main break left residents without water and forced many businesses to close for several days.

On July 13, 2024, owner Derrick Hayes announced that the downtown location would not be reopening. At the time, he promised to return to downtown Atlanta. 

The new location at 300 Marietta Street celebrated its grand opening on Saturday. The grand opening was attended by dozens of supporters and fans of Big Dave's Cheesesteaks.

Hayes also announced a "major" partnership with Philly Pretzel Factory and told his followers on Instagram that "when" the Philadelphia Eagles win the Super Bowl, he will give away 5,000 free pretzels.
 

 Hayes was born and raised in West Philadelphia and spent much of his childhood in the kitchen with his grandfather. According to his website, when he moved to Atlanta, he was unable to find a cheesesteak that met his standard of the West Philly staple. That inspired him to launch Big Dave's Cheesesteaks, which is named for his late father. His first location was in a gas station in Dunwoody. Now, he has locations in downtown Atlanta, Doraville, Forst Park, Lawrenceville and inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium. 

Hayes is married to Slutty Vegan owner Pink Cole and the power couple work together to give back to the Atlanta community.