News Summary
Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks celebrated its grand opening in Columbia, SC, on March 8, 2025, featuring a ribbon-cutting event attended by locals and city representatives. Named after the founder’s late father, the eatery brings a taste of Philly to the Five Points area with its commitment to quality food and community engagement. Highlights include the signature ‘Big Dave’s Way’ sandwich and new partnerships promising exciting menu options, ensuring a bright future for this vibrant culinary addition.
Columbia Welcomes Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks with a Grand Opening Celebration
Columbia, South Carolina, has just added a delicious gem to its culinary landscape with the grand opening of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks on Saturday, March 8, 2025. Located at 942-B Harden Street, this new eatery is part of an exciting wave of culinary offerings in the vibrant Five Points area.
A Special Ribbon-Cutting Ceremony
The grand opening ceremony kicked off with a lively ribbon-cutting event that drew a crowd of enthusiastic locals and representatives from the City of Columbia’s Economic Development, the Five Points Association, and even Councilman Ed McDowell. The excitement was palpable as franchise owners, including Marc and Kiera Brown alongside Frank and Courtney Williams, proudly showcased their venture.
Pizza and Community Engagement
Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks has made a name for itself not only in the kitchen but also through its commitment to community involvement. The franchise was carefully selected due to its emphasis on high-quality food and active engagement with the neighborhoods it serves. That sense of pride and community love was evident in the smiles on the faces of the owners as they welcomed guests to their brand-new restaurant.
The Inspiration Behind Big Dave’s
Derrick Hayes, the mastermind behind Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, hails from West Philadelphia, where he enjoyed the authentic cheesesteak experience. After moving to Atlanta, he realized that he was missing those flavorful bites and decided to start his own venture. Thus, Big Dave’s was born, named in heartfelt tribute to his late father, “Big Dave”. What began as a humble shop in a gas station back in 2014 in Dunwoody, Georgia, has now blossomed into a thriving brand with locations across the Southeast.
Menu Highlights in Columbia
For those wondering what to order, the Columbia location boasts a signature sandwich called “Big Dave’s Way”. This colossal 18-inch delight features a tantalizing mix of three cheeses, savory onions, peppers, and mushrooms—all served on a classic Amoroso roll. This is a taste that mirrors the streets of Philadelphia right in the heart of South Carolina.
Store Hours and Location
Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., making it an ideal spot for both lunch and dinner cravings. It sits conveniently next to the well-loved Atlanta-based Flying Biscuit, adding to Columbia’s appealing Southern restaurant scene. Shoppers from the nearby Food Lion will surely find themselves drawn to the delectable scents wafting from this new establishment.
New Partnerships and Future Plans
In an exciting twist, Big Dave’s recently announced a partnership with Philly Pretzel Factory, allowing hungry customers to indulge in freshly baked pretzels, complementing their cheesesteak experience. With the opening of the first location in South Carolina, there are strong hopes that this restaurant will flourish based on the eager demand from local patrons and neighboring markets.
A Bright Future Ahead
With Derrick Hayes on board, recognized on prestigious lists like Forbes’ Next 1000 entrepreneurs and Black Enterprise’s 40 Under 40, this venture promises a bright future in the culinary scene. The excitement around Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks is just the beginning of what Columbia can expect as this delightful franchise begins its journey. So, whether you’re a longtime cheesesteak lover or a newbie hoping to treat your tastebuds, Big Dave’s is ready to welcome everyone with open arms and warm sandwiches!
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks Opens in Columbia, SC
Columbia Welcomes Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks
Additional Resources
- WACH: Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks Celebrates Grand Opening
- Wikipedia: Cheesesteak
- Columbia Business Report: Philadelphia Native Brings Cheesesteaks
- Google Search: Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks
- The State: Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks Opening
- Google Scholar: Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks
- Eat This: Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks Opening Locations
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Cheesesteak
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.
