Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks opens first Washington, D.C. location in Chinatown/Gallery Place

Big Dave's Cheesesteaks has secured a downtown Washington, D.C. site at 730 7th St., NW. The address places the restaurant in the Chinatown/Gallery Place corridor near the Gallery Place-Chinatown Metro station and within walking distance of Capital One Arena and the National Portrait Gallery.

Company leadership framed the choice as strategic for both customer access and neighborhood activity. "We wanted our first D.C. location to be somewhere that already has energy," said Derrick Hayes, founder and CEO, in a company press release. Shawna Snyder, chief operating officer, added that location decisions must make sense "for the business and for the community we are entering."

Franchise strategy and local partner

The D.C. expansion is being executed by franchise group BIG DMV, which will lead Big Dave's rollout across the region. The selection of a high-visibility, downtown site reflects the brand's stated franchise model: target accessible locations that can attract both residents and visitors and serve as a foundation for additional units.

Big Dave's has been in a period of accelerated growth. The brand climbed to No. 4 on Fast Casual's Top 100 Movers & Shakers list, driven by increasing franchise demand in major markets. Existing footprint highlights include Atlanta, presence inside Mercedes‑Benz Stadium, Orlando locations, a food truck and new franchise deals in South Carolina.

Founding story and brand positioning

The Chinatown/Gallery Place corridor is a high-foot-traffic area with transit access and nearby attractions that attract pre- and post-event crowds. For Big Dave's, that environment offers a chance to introduce its menu to both residents and the city's steady flow of visitors. For the neighborhood, the arrival of a national fast-casual cheesesteak brand adds another quick-service option in a dining zone known for its varied offerings.

Expect the D.C. unit to follow the brand's standard fast-casual model, geared toward accessible, high-visibility storefronts that serve walk-in traffic and event-driven demand. The project is part of an organized franchise rollout under BIG DMV rather than a single-owner test unit.

Watch for details on the opening date, menu specifics for the D.C. store, and whether the brand will introduce region-specific limited-time offers or partnerships as it integrates into the local market.