Row the boat, plug the leaks: Tyler Perry’s advice built Big Dave’s empire

Derrick Hayes, founder and CEO of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, credits a pivotal business lesson from Hollywood director Tyler Perry for shaping his approach to entrepreneurship. During a roundtable discussion, Perry advised Hayes to “sometimes go in the water, row the boat, leave them in the sand,” emphasizing the necessity of prioritizing vision over the need to appease all stakeholders. Hayes, who opened his first Big Dave’s location in a Georgia gas station in 2014, revealed that this philosophy has guided his strategy as the chain expanded to 12 U.S. locations by 2025. Two Atlanta outlets alone generated $1.1 million to $1.8 million in net sales last year, with the chain selling a cheesesteak every 58 seconds on average. Hayes, now 38, has embraced the idea of focusing on core goals rather than diluting efforts to accommodate every supporter, a shift he attributes to Perry’s counsel. “Sometimes people aren’t going to understand the mission,” Hayes told Fortune, underscoring the tension between ambition and inclusivity in business.

The chain’s growth reflects a blend of strategic expansion and brand differentiation. Big Dave’s, which began as a 700-square-foot operation, now operates in major sports venues like Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium and has set a target of 100 franchise locations by year-end 2025. Hayes’s approach aligns with broader entrepreneurial trends, as leaders like Aravind Srinivas of Perplexity and Workday’s Carl Eschenbach have similarly stressed the importance of unwavering focus. However, Hayes’s journey has not been without challenges. A 2020 flood forced the temporary closure of his flagship Atlanta store, but community support and partnerships—such as with Slutty Vegan founder Pinky Cole—helped the business recover. The chain’s resilience is further highlighted by its role in underserved communities, with 100% of franchise owners identifying as Black or BIPOC and 400 employees currently employed.

Perry’s own business practices, marked by strict boundaries with family, underscore the broader lesson Hayes adopted. Perry disclosed on Kirk Franklin’s podcast that he fired an aunt for unprofessional behavior and cut off financial support to relatives after his mother’s death, mandating they become self-sufficient within 60 days. “You’ve got to watch the family members that come putting holes in the boat,” Perry told Hayes, a metaphor that resonated with the Big Dave’s CEO. This philosophy of separating personal relationships from business operations has parallels in corporate leadership, as seen in Target’s Brian Cornell’s emphasis on aligning decisions with core values. For Hayes, the lesson has translated into a focus on scalable systems over short-term appeasement, a strategy that has driven Big Dave’s to recognition as the first majority Black-owned brand on Fast Casual’s Top 100 Movers and Shakers list in 2025.

Financial data from the chain’s expansion further illustrates its trajectory. PitchBook notes that Big Dave’s secured a later-stage venture capital round in February 2024, with investors including the New Voices Fund. While specific revenue figures are not disclosed, the chain’s presence in high-traffic locations and premium pricing—sandwiches range from $11.99 to $46.99—suggest strong margins. Hayes’s emphasis on franchising, with plans to open 100 locations by year-end, aligns with industry trends toward decentralized growth. This model also reflects a strategic pivot from Hayes’s early struggles, when the business generated less than $100,000 in sales during its first year. A viral endorsement from rapper Eve in 2014 catalyzed initial growth, demonstrating the power of cultural alignment in brand building.

The chain’s community engagement extends beyond economic impact. Hayes has partnered with Cole to distribute meals during crises, including pandemic-era initiatives, and advocates for mentorship in underserved communities. “My gift is giving people opportunity,” he stated, highlighting the intersection of profit and purpose. This ethos, combined with Perry’s influence, positions Big Dave’s as a case study in balancing ambition with ethical leadership. As Hayes navigates rapid expansion, the lessons from his interactions with Perry and other industry leaders underscore the importance of clarity in vision—a principle that has defined his journey from a gas station venture to a national fast-casual powerhouse.

Source: [1] Tyler Perry taught Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks CEO a critical… (https://fortune.com/2025/09/25/big-daves-cheesesteaks-ceo-tyler-perry-entrepreneur-leadership-business-advice-careers/) [2] 'I'm Not Going to Keep Supporting You': Tyler Perry Had… (https://atlantablackstar.com/2025/07/22/tyler-perry-fired-his-aunt-for-always-calling-out-too-much/) [3] Tyler Perry Talks About Firing Aunt, Denying Family's… (https://theshaderoom.com/tyler-perry-talks-about-firing-an-aunt-he-employed-refusing-a-family-members-1-million-request-video/) [4] Big Dave's Cheesesteaks 2025 Company Profile: Valuation,… (https://pitchbook.com/profiles/company/599822-02) [5] Meet the West Philly Native and Founder of Atlanta-Based Big… (https://philadelphia.today/2025/09/derrick-hayes-big-daves-cheesesteaks/) [6] From Gas Station Grill to National Powerhouse: Big Dave's… (https://finance.yahoo.com/news/gas-station-grill-national-powerhouse-130000554.html) [7] Big Dave's Cheesesteaks Growth: CEO Derrick Hayes's Success… (https://www.indexbox.io/blog/big-daves-cheesesteaks-from-gas-station-to-multimillion-dollar-chain/) [8] Big Dave's Cheesesteaks taking over Atlanta one jawn… (https://www.fox5atlanta.com/news/big-daves-cheesesteaks-derrick-hayes-philly-atlanta-black-business-profile) [9] Derrick Hayes Brought Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks To Atlanta (https://afrotech.com/big-daves-cheesesteaks-franchise-derrick-hayes) [10] Big Dave's Cheesesteaks Lands on Fast Casual’s Top… (https://www.blackenterprise.com/big-daves-cheesesteaks-fast-casual-top-100/)