Columbia’s food scene just got a little cheesier — Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks opens Saturday in Five Points, bringing authentic Philly flavor to the city.

Owner Derrick Hayes, a West Philadelphia native, started Big Dave’s after moving to Atlanta and realizing the cheesesteaks there just weren’t the same. Named in honor of his late father, “Big Dave”, the brand began as a small shop in a Georgia gas station and has since grown into a well-known franchise across the Southeast.

The local franchise is run by Mark Brown, who is married to Hayes’ cousin, making this location a family affair. It's located next to another Atlanta-based favorite in Flying Biscuit, adding to the growing lineup of Southern transplant restaurants in Columbia.

Derrick Hayes chopping up a cheesesteak at Big Dave's in Columbia. | Video by COLAtoday

David here — when I visited, the team was still training, but Hayes personally cooked me a Big Dave’s Way cheesesteak — his signature 18-inch sandwich stacked with three cheeses, onions, peppers, and mushrooms on an Amoroso roll. It was huge, definitely a two-meal sandwich.

With the Harden Street block across from Food Lion evolving, Hayes is excited to be part of the revitalization: “I’ve been hearing great things about the area, it just felt like the right place.”

Big Dave’s is open from 11 a.m. to 9 p.m., perfect for lunch or dinner. If it’s your first visit, Hayes suggests ordering it Big Dave’s Way.