Atlanta-based, Philly-inspired Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks is preparing to expand its home state for the first time, opening a new site in Charlotte at 8548 University City Blvd.
This will be the company’s fifth location, moving into the Town Center Plaza, according to the Charlotte Observer. The new 2,100-square-foot location will open in Winter 2023 with indoor and outdoor patio seating. Big Dave’s Cheesesteak will be open for lunch and dinner, as well as takeout service. When the restaurant opens later this year, possibly early next year, customers can expect delicious cheesesteaks that are based on West Philly classics.
Founder and CEO Derrick Hayes started the business in 2014 from Dunwoody, GA, in a small 700-square-foot site. The restaurant eventually blew up in popularity because rapper and actress Eve posted about the food on her social media. After that, the company expanded to locations in downtown Atlanta, Doraville, and Forest Park, Georgia. Before Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks comes to Charlotte, the company plans to host pop-ups in the area before the opening to give the city a taste of what’s to come.
“It’s a really big step for us to expand outside of Georgia for the first time,” Hayes tells the Charlotte Observer. “Charlotte is booming right now, and we’re excited and honored that Big Dave’s gets to be a part of the community. Queen City — get ready to have your mind blown!”
