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From a press release:
“Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks is continuing its rapid rise from breakout regional favorite to national fast casual contender with the announcement of its first Washington, D.C. franchise deal; further accelerating the brand’s East Coast expansion strategy. The new franchise entity, BIG DMV, is operated by a group of successful restaurant operators based in the Washington, D.C. market and will lead the development and operation of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks throughout the region. The deal marks another major milestone under the leadership of Chief Operating Officer Shawna Snyder, whose focused and disciplined growth strategy continues driving the brand into key markets nationwide.
The latest expansion marks another step in Big Dave’s accelerating national rise,
following major supplier partnerships with Amoroso’s Baking Company and Philly’s Best Steak Company and the company’s recent Tampa market announcement. With infrastructure strengthening and franchise demand increasing, Big Dave’s continues gaining momentum as one of fast casual’s emerging growth brands.
“Washington, D.C. is the perfect market for where this brand is headed,” said Founder & CEO Derrick Hayes. “It’s culturally diverse, highly influential, and filled with consumers who connect with authentic concepts. Shawna has brought a new level of execution and strategic focus to our growth efforts, and we’re seeing that momentum translate into real expansion opportunities.”
Since stepping into the COO role, Shawna has quickly emerged as a driving force behind Big Dave’s national growth, helping position the company as a brand capable of scaling far beyond its regional roots. Her focus on aligning the company with experienced operating groups and infrastructure-ready markets is already producing measurable results.
“Growth only works when you have the right operators behind it,” said Shawna. “BIG DMV represents exactly the kind of partnership we’re looking for; experienced restaurant leaders who understand hospitality, execution, and long-term brand building. D.C. is a high-energy market with incredible diversity and demand for elevated fast casual experiences, making it a natural fit for Big Dave’s.”
The Washington metropolitan area remains one of the strongest restaurant markets on the East Coast, driven by population density, tourism, cultural diversity, and continued demand for premium fast casual dining concepts. For Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, the market represents another strategic step in the company’s transition from emerging brand to national player. Driven by increasing franchise interest and strengthening infrastructure, Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks continues expanding with a deliberate focus on experienced operating groups capable of executing multi-unit growth strategies and delivering long-term enterprise value.
About Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks
Founded by Derrick Hayes in honor of his late father, Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks has grown from a 700-square-foot gas station shop into one of the fastest-growing fast casual brands in America. Known for its bold, Philly-style flavors and viral appeal, the brand blends authentic cheesesteaks with a mission rooted in community, culture, and legacy. In 2025, Big Dave’s was named to Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers & Shakers list, recognizing its national momentum and entrepreneurial impact. As the brand expands through franchising, stadium partnerships, and purpose-driven hospitality, it continues to redefine what a modern fast casual concept can look like.”
Updates as we learn exact locations.