Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks Expands to Camping World Stadium This Fall
Iconic Philadelphia-Style Cheesesteaks to Delight Fans at 65,000-Seat Stadium in Downtown Orlando
ORLANDO, Florida (Friday, September 20, 2024) — Florida Citrus Sports is thrilled to welcome Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks to Camping World Stadium this fall, as the award-winning purveyor of authentic Philadelphia-style cheesesteaks brings its renowned flavors to sports and entertainment enthusiasts at the 65,000-seat stadium in the heart of Downtown Orlando.
Big Dave’s will debut its two concession stands at Camping World Stadium—a historic venue owned and operated by the City of Orlando—on Nov. 18, as P!NK takes the stage for a highly anticipated concert, and will also be featured at all subsequent events in the venue, including the Florida Blue Florida Classic (Nov. 23), the Pop-Tarts Bowl (Dec. 28), the Cheez-It Citrus Bowl (Dec. 31) and the NFL Pro Bowl Games (Feb. 2, 2025).
“We’re excited to partner with Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks as they make their debut here in Central Florida,” said Steve Hogan, CEO of Florida Citrus Sports. “At FCS, we’re all about bringing people together through unique experiences, and this collaboration with the Big Dave’s team is a perfect fit. Both of our organizations are committed to supporting the community, and we can’t wait to introduce Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks to our fans and showcase what makes them special across Camping World Stadium’s calendar of signature events.”
Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks will be available on the west field-level concourse at Camping World Stadium, near sections 134 and 135, and will also be featured on the stadium’s plaza level in the north end zone. The stadium locations are part of an ambitious expansion initiative spearheaded by corporate visionary and former PepsiCo executive Derek Lewis, who acquired the Sunshine State’s first 10 Big Dave’s franchises from Founder and CEO Derrick Hayes earlier this year.
“I’m absolutely thrilled to partner with Derek Lewis, a true corporate legend, and Florida Citrus Sports to bring Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks to Camping World Stadium,” said Hayes. “This collaboration represents more than just expanding our franchise; it’s about creating a culinary experience that resonates with the vibrant spirit of Florida’s sports community.
“Derek’s business acumen and the dynamic atmosphere of Camping World Stadium provide the perfect backdrop for our authentic cheesesteaks,” Hayes continued. “We’re not just opening a store; we’re becoming part of a legacy, serving up our passion-filled flavors to fans and food lovers alike. This partnership embodies the entrepreneurial spirit and community engagement that Big Dave’s has always stood for. I can’t wait to see our cheesesteaks become a staple of the game day experience!”
Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks plans to open its 10 forthcoming Central Florida locations over the next six months. Hayes opened the original location in 2016 in Dunwoody, Ga., where the Big Dave’s story began in a 700-square-foot gas station called Dave’s Philly Water Ice. Big Dave’s has since grown to six locations—one in North Carolina and five in Georgia, including a concession stand at Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium.
For more information about Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, please visit bigdavesway.com.
WHAT THEY’RE SAYING
Derek Lewis, Corporate Visionary and Investor, Owner of First 10 Big Dave’s Franchises in Florida
“I am thrilled to announce our partnership with Florida Citrus Sports and Camping World Stadium, bringing two Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks franchises to this iconic venue. This collaboration is a testament to the power of long-standing relationships and shared visions for community impact. My history with the executives here, dating back to my PepsiCo days, has evolved into a partnership that goes beyond business—it’s about creating unforgettable experiences for sports fans and food enthusiasts alike.
Introducing Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks to Camping World Stadium isn’t just about serving great food; it’s about becoming an integral part of the fan experience. We’re combining the electric atmosphere of live sports with the mouthwatering flavors that have made Big Dave’s a household name. This venture represents a perfect blend of my corporate experience and entrepreneurial spirit, all in service of delivering excellence to the Orlando community.
As we prepare to launch these two locations, I’m excited about the opportunities this creates—not just for our business, but for job creation, community engagement, and elevating the overall stadium experience. This partnership is a win-win, and I can’t wait for fans to taste the difference at their next event!”
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