News Summary
Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks is opening its doors in Columbia, South Carolina, on March 8. With a special gift for the first 100 customers, this popular restaurant chain aims to make a significant impact in the local dining scene. Founded by Derrick Hayes, Big Dave’s offers a diverse menu, rooted in tradition, and is poised for growth with plans for additional locations across South Carolina.
Columbia Gets Ready for Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks
Exciting news for cheesesteak lovers in Columbia, South Carolina! The much-anticipated Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks is set to throw open its doors on March 8 at noon. This popular restaurant chain is making its debut in the heart of the Five Points neighborhood, specifically at 942-B Harden Street.
Opening Day Buzz
Everyone is gearing up to celebrate the grand opening, and there’s already a buzz in the air about what’s in store. The first 100 customers who show up in line on the big day will walk away with a special gift. So, if you’re a cheesesteak enthusiast, you might want to set your alarm a little early!
A Little Background on Big Dave’s
For those who might not know, Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks is more than just a place to grab a quick bite; it is a tribute to the founder’s father. The restaurant was founded by Derrick Hayes, a proud native of Philadelphia. He kicked off the Big Dave’s journey back in 2014, starting off in a gas station in Dunwoody, Georgia. Since then, the brand has expanded rapidly, boasting multiple locations across the Atlanta area and even hitting Charlotte in 2024. Now, Columbia gets its very own slice of this delicious cheesesteak empire!
Franchising in South Carolina
In Columbia, the franchise is run by a dynamic duo, Marc Brown and Frank Williams III. They have their eyes set on growth, with plans to launch a total of five Big Dave’s locations throughout South Carolina. This just shows how committed they are to introducing the community to Big Dave’s incredible menu.
Perfect Location for Cheesesteaks
The new location is in a lively strip that already houses some popular spots like Teriyaki Madness, Flying Biscuit Cafe, and Orangetheory Fitness. This means it will be easy to grab a cheesesteak after a workout or enjoying a meal with friends. The location is sure to attract a diverse crowd, from students to families seeking a delicious and hearty meal.
Cheesesteak Selection Galore
Now, let’s talk about the food! Big Dave’s menu features a delightful variety of cheesesteak sandwiches. One standout option is the Classic Dave’s Way Cheesesteak, which is stacked with chopped steak, onions, sweet peppers, banana peppers, mushrooms, and three types of cheese all piled onto an Amoroso’s roll. It’s a flavor explosion that is hard to resist!
Local Connection
Derrick Hayes has had his eyes on South Carolina for a while now. He’s noticed that there are already fans of Big Dave’s traveling from South Carolina to enjoy cheesesteaks at the North Carolina location. It’s clear that Columbia is the perfect place to finally bring that tasty experience a bit closer to home for locals.
Franchisees with a Passion
Marc Brown, a lifelong fan of Big Dave’s, is thrilled to share the beloved brand with Columbia diners. He wants to create a wonderful experience for everyone who walks through the door. The connection between the franchise owners and Derrick Hayes has been strong since the journey of Big Dave’s began. Their mutual dedication to maintaining the quality and standards that customers expect from Big Dave’s bodes well for future growth in the area.
Mark Your Calendars!
So, get ready, Columbia! Mark your calendars for March 8, and be one of the first to enjoy a cheesesteak from Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks. With the buzz building and the promise of scrumptious sandwiches, it looks like Columbia is in for a tasty treat! This is just the beginning, and Big Dave’s is excited to carve out its place in the local dining scene!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Additional Resources
- The State
- MSN Food and Drink
- Post and Courier
- Fast Casual
- MDJ Online
- Wikipedia: Cheesesteak
- Google Search: cheesesteak
- Google Scholar: cheesesteak history
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cheesesteak
- Google News: Big Daves Cheesesteaks

Author: STAFF HERE LEXINGTON WRITER
The LEXINGTON STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERELexington.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Lexington, Fayette County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Woodland Art Fair, Crave Food and Music Festival, and Railbird Festival. Our coverage extends to key organizations like Commerce Lexington and Blue Grass Community Foundation, plus leading businesses in education, manufacturing, and technology that power the local economy such as University of Kentucky, Toyota Motor Manufacturing, and Lexmark. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREBowlingGreen.com and HERELouisville.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Kentucky's dynamic landscape.


