Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks to reopen after Atlanta water crisis [Video]

ATLANTA — Hundreds of small businesses across Atlanta had to shutter their doors last summer after a massive water main break caused extensive damage and money down the drain. 

But now, one iconic restaurant is ready to welcome customers in Atlanta once again — just in a new location. 

Derrick Hayes, the owner of Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks, announced in mid-July of 2024 that he would not reopen his flagship restaurant after the Atlanta water crisis. The flagship restaurant was located in Downtown Atlanta, off Forsyth Street NW. Hayes is a West Philadelphia native who named the restaurant chain after his late father. He opened the first location in a 700-square-foot Shell gas station in Dunwoody, Georgia. 

“The water really… killed the location, it’s not worth reopening,” Hayes said in an Instagram video following the water crisis. “We’ve been through a lot trying to get it …