Photo: Courtesy of Big Dave's Cheesesteaks
Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, an Atlanta-based cheesesteak restaurant chain, is expanding to Charlotte.
Its Charlotte location, the first outside the state of Georgia, will open in University City this winter.
Why it matters: Owner Derrick Hayes, originally from West Philadelphia, set out to bring Philly-inspired cheesesteaks to Atlanta nearly 10 years ago. Since then, the restaurant has expanded to four brick-and-mortar locations across Georgia, plus a food truck and three stands inside Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
What we’re watching: Hayes’ wife, Pinky Cole, is the founder of Slutty Vegan, a popular vegan burger joint in Atlanta. Cole told Axios’ Alexis Clinton last year that she also has plans to expand to Charlotte.
Pinky Cole and Derrick Hayes recently married in June, Axios Atlanta’s Thomas Wheatley reported. Notable names in attendance included Young Jeezy and Jeannie Mai Jenkins, former Mayor Kasim Reed and Doug E. Fresh. Photo: Paras Griffin/Getty Images
“Charlotte is booming right now, and we’re excited and honored that Big Dave’s gets to be a part of the community,” Hayes said in a statement.
What to expect: The 2,100-square-foot restaurant will have indoor and outdoor seating and will be open for lunch and dinner.
- Sandwich flavors include beef, chicken and salmon cheesesteaks. Plus, expect loaded fries, cheesesteak egg rolls and salads.
Details: Big Dave’s will be located at 8548 University City Blvd., near Harris Teeter.
[Go deeper: The 34 most anticipated new restaurants and bars in Charlotte]
