Another win for Derrick Hayes.
The Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks founder and CEO has secured a four-year agreement that will scale the business at the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta, GA. Starting in 2022, he had two portable vendor cart slots placed around the stadium and soon expanded to three. Now, sports fans will be able to visit a brick-and-mortar location in Section 107 of Mercedes-Benz Stadium and enjoy staple items such as signature cheesesteaks, seasoned fries, chicken tenders, and its newest offering, the Fried Chicken Cheesesteak. The new location will replace the carts.
“We are thrilled to secure this four-year deal with Mercedes-Benz Stadium, further expanding the reach of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks,” Hayes said in a news release. “This partnership aligns perfectly with our mission to bring our exceptional food to even more fans and event-goers. We look forward to being a proud sponsor and delivering an unparalleled dining experience at one of the world’s premier sports and entertainment destinations.”
Under the extended partnership, Hayes will also be sporting a new hat as an ambassador for Mercedes-Benz Stadium’s Westside Works Culinary Program, which is a six-week course that educates students on kitchen safety protocols, international cuisine, baking, culinary math, and restaurant simulations. Through his participation, he will work to enhance the program’s reach and impact.
Hayes’ responsibilities in the program will include speaking engagements at culinary and community events to inspire students to pursue careers in the culinary arts. He will also partner with leading culinary establishments with the goal of paving career pathways for program graduates, and this will include Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks.
Crystal Jones-Peck, director of operations food and beverage for Levy Restaurants at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, commented:
“We are truly excited to have Derrick join the Westside Works Culinary Program. We want to utilize Derrick’s story and success as inspiration to all program participants and students.”
The expansion of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks into Mercedes-Benz Stadium follows the business’ first placement outside of Georgia. As previously mentioned by AFROTECH™, the chain recently expanded to Charlotte, NC, a move anticipated to create 30 jobs.
