Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks Lands The Entire District of Columbia as National Expansion Reaches New Heights

New franchise deal

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.

Market expansion plans

“Washington, D.C. is the perfect market for where this brand is headed,” said Founder & CEO Derrick ayes. “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.