From hustling out of a small gas station in Dunwoody, Georgia, to serving up the most iconic food item in Mercedes-Benz Stadium, Derrick Hayes is changing the culture of the franchise industry. Derrick founded Big Dave's Cheesesteaks to honor his late father and build a lasting legacy for his children. Today, it ranks among the top fast-casual concepts in America.

In this episode of the Franchise Whispering podcast, host Bob McKay talks with Derrick about the grind, the vision, and the immense patience required to build an authentic brand. Derrick shares the strategic moves that fueled his growth—including a pivotal supply chain deal with Philadelphia's famous Amoroso bakery—and explains why he believes the community, not the founder, truly owns a brand.

Whether you are an aspiring franchisee or a seasoned business owner, Derrick’s story of bringing Allen Iverson-level swagger and authenticity to the restaurant space will leave you inspired to get to work.

Key Takeaways

• The Gas Station Grind: How embracing the struggle of operating out of a tiny convenience store taught Derrick the hardest and most valuable lessons in business.
• Supply Chain as Marketing: Why partnering with Amoroso rolls wasn't just about food costs, but a crucial marketing strategy to guarantee authentic Philly flavor worldwide.
• The True Brand Owners: Why the community has the biggest voice in your company, and how giving back during crises (like COVID-19) builds unbreakable brand loyalty.
• Cultivating Internal Leadership: How to incentivize employees with phantom equity, peer reviews, and cross-training to maintain an incredible 4.9-star standard across locations.
• A Culture Shift: How Derrick and his wife (founder of Slutty Vegan) lean on each other to scale their empires, and why he channels his idol, Allen Iverson, to do things his own way in the fast-casual space.

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