Founded by Mohsin Hussain and Raheel Razzaq, Black Apron Hospitality is building a portfolio of next-big-thing brands in the Tampa Bay area. Hussain and Razzaq launched the smash-hit Temple Terrace outpost of the South Florida-born franchise Talkin’ Tacos; and now, Black Apron is preparing to debut Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks in the market.
“We’re always looking for brands that have the promise of future growth, scaling, great branding, great leadership, and great food,” Hussain told What Now on Wednesday. “Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks really stuck out with these authentic Philly cheesesteaks. We love cheesesteaks, and it’s really hard to find a good one.”
The Big Dave’s menu features signature cheesesteaks like the Dave’s Way Beef (Our flagship: hand-chopped halal beef, melted cheese, grilled onions and Dave’s signature seasoning), Dave’s Way Chicken (Juicy hand-chopped halal chicken with melted cheese and grilled onions, seasoned the Dave’s Way), and—a big standout—the Dave’s Way Salmon (A Big Dave’s original — seasoned salmon chopped and grilled with cheese and onions on a fresh roll). There are also other Fan Favorites like Cheesesteak Egg Rolls, Philly Fries, and, for dessert, Banana Pudding.
Once sold on the product, Hussain says, Black Apron Hospitality decided to introduce the concept to the Tampa Bay market. It’s opening in late August at 2548 E Fowler Ave in Temple Terrace, not far from Black Apron’s Talkin’ Tacos location.
“We approached the team and bounced some ideas back and forth,” said Hussain. “This was the location for the introduction to the market. It’s definitely the first of several. This is a test of the market, and we’re expecting a great response, because the food is extremely good, and we know how hard it is to find a really good cheesesteak.”
Opening in the East Fowler Avenue location, Talkin’ Tacos will join a retail and restaurant community that includes Dave’s Hot Chicken, Chipotle, and Mojo Books & Records.
You can keep up with all things Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks by following @bigdavescheesesteaks on Instagram.
