This Week on Food Court: Derrick Hayes of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks!

From the streets of West Philadelphia to the heart of Atlanta’s food scene, Derrick Hayes is the definition of a hustler with heart. We sit down with the CEO and founder of the Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks empire to talk about his incredible journey — from cooking with his grandfather as a kid to building one of the fastest-rising food brands in the country.

Did you know Big Dave’s ranked #6 on Fast Casual’s Movers & Shakers list? Or that a single cheesesteak post from Eve changed his entire business overnight? We talk all about his booming franchise locations, his game-changing All Purpose Spice blend , and what it means to bring authentic Philly flavor to the South.

But that’s not all — Derrick also gives us a sneak peek into his upcoming appearance as a featured speaker at InvestFest 2025
, and shares how he's turning his platform into purpose through the David and Derrick Hayes Foundation and college fund initiatives.

Oh — and yes, he drops gems on entrepreneurship, purpose, and why being real, relentless, and rooted in your "why" is the key to scaling success.

Derrick Hayes isn’t just selling sandwiches — he’s building legacy. Tap in. This one’s for the dreamers.

You can hear it now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, YouTube, and wherever you listen to your podcasts.