Big Dave’s Cheesestakes is bringing the Philly flavor to Tampa Bay.

The West Philadelphia-inspired chain plans to open in late August at 2548 E. Fowler Ave. It will be the first Tampa location for the fast-casual concept and the latest out-of-state chain bringing its menu to Tampa Bay.

The cult favorite serves its beloved halal-certified meats on authentic Amoroso rolls, offering a taste of a West Philadelphia-style cheesesteak. Customers can choose from a selection of beef, chicken or salmon options and customize their sandwiches with a choice of cheese and toppings.

First opening inside a Dunwoody, Georgia, gas station in 2014, Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks has grown to rank No. 4 on the 2026 Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers list. Its menu is currently available in Florida, Georgia, North Carolina and South Carolina, with plans to expand to Washington, D.C. In the Sunshine State, the brand has locations in Orlando and Oviedo.

Despite having no franchise locations in Philadelphia, founder Derrick Hayes was born and raised in West Philadelphia. After moving to Atlanta, Hayes opened Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, named after his late father, and brought his hometown-inspired take on the cheesesteak to the South.

“He’s done everything to keep this an authentic Philly brand, but at the same time offer it nationwide to people that maybe never have had Philly-style cheesesteaks before,” said Mohsin Hussain, co-founder of Black Apron Hospitality Group. “The concept of having egg rolls on a menu with cheesesteaks, it’s a very Philly thing. Having the Amoroso rolls, that is Philly to the core.”

Black Apron Hospitality Group, founded by Hussain, 39, and Raheel Razzaq, 36, is the franchise operating group behind Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks Tampa expansion.

“Both of us are cheesesteak fanatics, and there’s a very specific authentic Philly cheesesteak style,” Hussain said. “Big Dave’s really appealed to us in that it was authentic Philly. The brand itself has a big promise of becoming the national cheesesteak brand.”

The franchise’s 6-, 9- or Big Dave 18-inch cheesesteaks can be paired with a side of loaded Philly Fries topped with chopped cheesesteak, grilled onions and melted cheese. Signature cheesesteak egg rolls come stuffed with beef, salmon or chicken, while Mama Hayes’ Banana Pudding offers something sweeter.

“If you wanted to really taste an authentic Philly cheesesteak from Philly, this is what I imagine when I expect an authentic Philly cheesesteak,” Razzaq said. “The first time I ate it, I fell in love.”

Black Apron Hospitality Group’s founders said they bought out the former Little Greek Fresh Grill location, which will be converted to the new Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks. The group also manages Talkin’ Tacos in Temple Terrace, with a Brandon location of the Mexican chain set to open in the coming months.

“The culture in Tampa is very foodie-centric. There’s always different types of cuisines to try and new concepts opening every other week,” Hussain said.

Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks’ late-August grand opening is sure to tempt the taste buds of Floridians looking to experience the flavors of the City of Brotherly Love.

2548 E. Fowler Ave., Tampa. bigdavesway.com.

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