Big Dave’s Cheesesteak Faces Another Water Crisis in Atlanta

News Summary

Derrick Hayes, owner of Big Dave’s Cheesesteak, confronts a second water disaster at his new Forest Park location after icy conditions led to a pipe burst. While his previous location suffered severe damage that resulted in permanent closure, this recent incident may be more manageable, allowing him to reopen soon. Despite the challenges, Hayes remains optimistic and plans to expand with five more locations. Known for their diverse menu, Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks continues to attract loyal customers in the Atlanta area.

Atlanta’s Big Dave’s Cheesesteak Restaurant Faces Second Water Disaster

In the bustling heart of Atlanta, Derrick Hayes, the proud owner of Big Dave’s Cheesesteak, finds himself facing another unexpected setback. If you remember, last summer, Hayes had to shut down his flagship restaurant due to a major sewage pipe burst. The chaos of that incident left many residents clamoring for updates, and now, just when he thought he was all set at his new location in Forest Park, Georgia, Mother Nature had another surprise in store.

A Chilly Surprise in Forest Park

This week, the rains came down, but not in a gentle way. Instead, icy conditions caused a burst in the pipes at his new restaurant, leaving approximately six inches of water on the floor. The damage was enough to make anyone’s stomach turn, especially for Hayes, who recently thought he’d put that nightmare behind him. As he assessed the damage, he couldn’t help but think about how just last year, he experienced a similar disaster that forced him to permanently close down his downtown location at 57th and Forsyth St.

Recalling the first leak, Hayes expressed that the experience was “a nightmare.” Back then, the ceiling had even caved in, leading to significant destruction. The incident was so severe that it was simply beyond repair, resulting in the permanent closure of what had been his flagship spot for cheesesteaks.

Relief in the Midst of Chaos

Though Hayes had another pipe burst to deal with, he this time felt a bit of relief. Unlike the last episode, the damage this time around was manageable, allowing Big Dave’s Cheesesteak to reopen its doors by Friday. It’s a welcome turn of events that suggests Hayes’s luck might finally be changing. After all, there is something to be said for resilience, and Hayes has it in spades.

Operating multiple locations in and around Atlanta, along with a restaurant in Charlotte, North Carolina, he has successfully grown his business despite the setbacks. Starting out with a small venture under the name Dave’s Philly Water Ice at a Shell gas station, Hayes transitioned into the cheesesteak game with Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks in 2019, and the journey has been anything but dull.

A Menu to Satisfy Everyone

Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks does more than just serve up classic cheesesteaks. Their menu has something for everyone’s taste buds. From beef and chicken options to salmon and veggie cheesesteaks, along with mouthwatering egg rolls and crispy fries, it’s no surprise that Hayes’s eatery has garnered a loyal following. It’s a bit of comfort food heaven for those craving something filling and delicious.

Future Plans on the Horizon

Looking ahead, Hayes doesn’t let the challenges of breakage and water damage cloud his vision. He remains optimistic about future growth. According to customer feedback, he’s already got plans in place to add five more locations to the Big Dave’s brand. This means even more opportunities for folks to snag a cheesesteak, toss back an egg roll, and enjoy a bit of Southern hospitality right in their neighborhoods.

Building a Legacy

What started from a humble food venture has blossomed into a collection of cherished restaurants. Hayes illustrates a captivating story of resilience, Readying himself to overcome the next obstacle that comes his way, he’s not just feeding people; he’s building a legacy. So the next time you’re in Atlanta or Charlotte and you feel the hunger pangs hit, keep an eye out for Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks. Who knows? You might just walk into a thriving hub that’s well worth the visit.

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Additional Resources

• What Now Atlanta: Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks Relocating
• Fox 5 Atlanta: Repairs Continue After Water Main Breaks
• Patch: Elmhurst Eatery Opens After 8-Day Closure
• WGN TV: Can You Spot Black Ice?
• OC Register: Disneyland’s Busted Pipes