An Atlanta-based Philly cheesesteak shop is opening a Charlotte location this winter

Looking for the perfect melt-your-mouth Philly cheesesteak in Charlotte? Well, a Philly-inspired, Atlanta-based cheesesteak chain from Philadelphia native Derrick Hayes is headed to Charlotte this winter.

The restaurant — Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks — features beef, chicken and salmon cheesesteaks topped with things like onions, banana peppers, mushrooms and sweet peppers, stuffed in Amoroso’s rolls.

The cheesesteak spot, which will be Big Dave’s fifth location, plans to move to a 2,100-square-foot space at 8548 University City Blvd.

While the new Charlotte eatery will be available for lunch and dinner, you will have the options of indoor or patio dining and takeout.

Although, business was slow upon first opening in a 700-square-foot space in Dunwoody, Georgia, Hayes was given “the opportunity of a lifetime” when rapper and actress, Eve posted about her food on social media. Now, with locations in downtown Atlanta, Doraville and Forest Park, Georgia, the cheesesteak chain also plans to host food truck pop-ups in the Charlotte area before the store opens.

“It’s a really big step for us to expand outside of Georgia for the first time,” Hayes said. “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!”

Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks

Location: 8548 University City Blvd, Charlotte, NC 28213

Menu

Cuisine: American, sandwiches

Instagram: @bigdavescheesesteaks

This story was originally published July 24, 2023 at 3:43 PM.

Mari Pressley

The Charlotte Observer

Freelancer Mari Pressley was an intern on the Charlotte Observer’s Service Desk and CharlotteFive. She studies mass communication with a concentration in journalism, while minoring in writing and photography. Her previous experience includes interning for Credit Karma’s Editorial team and serving as Managing Editor at Winthrop University’s school newspaper, The Johnsonian.