by Nancy E Williams
June 20, 2025
Large Dave’s is making headlines once more—this time by an expanded partnership with its largest and first franchisee, Derek Lewis.
In March, BLACK ENTERPRISE spotlighted businessman Derrick Hayes within the article “Large Dave’s Cheesesteaks Opens First Franchise In South Carolina,” highlighting the model’s progress into the Southeast. Now, simply months later, Large Dave’s is making headlines once more — this time by an expanded partnership with its largest and first franchisee, Derek Lewis.
Lewis presently operates six Large Dave’s areas, together with two in Orlando’s Kia Middle by a multi-level partnership with the Orlando Magic, two in Tenting World Stadium, and conventional storefronts in Oviedo and SoDo, Florida. With eight further areas already within the pipeline — solely in Central Florida — Lewis is additional deepening his regional footprint.
Along with his position with Large Dave’s, Lewis can be the most important Philly Pretzel Manufacturing facility franchisee within the Southern area. He not too long ago debuted a Philly Pretzel Manufacturing facility counter inside his Large Dave’s location in Oviedo. Reasonably than a standard standalone store, this progressive collaboration affords a curated menu of Philly favorites beneath one roof, enhancing the visitor expertise and laying the groundwork for future enlargement.
Lewis has a formidable profession within the meals & beverage trade as a former president inside PepsiCo Drinks NA, well known as a company chief, entrepreneur, and social change advocate. Recognized for producing billions in income whereas advancing tradition and neighborhood, Lewis now channels his experience into franchise progress and management. Earlier this 12 months, Lewis added “creator” to his record of accomplishments, publishing his memoir, Survive + Advance: Classes on Residing a Life With out Compromise, sharing classes in resilience and purposeful management.
Lewis is driving native progress with plans to open 4 further Philly Pretzel Manufacturing facility areas throughout Orlando. “Bringing Philly Pretzel Manufacturing facility to Orlando is all about delivering worth and authenticity,” stated Lewis. “As a fan of each manufacturers and a lifelong lover of Philadelphia flavors, I’m excited to supply our company one of the best of Philly in a single place. That is just the start — our restricted menu launch in Oviedo paves the way in which for extra areas throughout Central Florida.”
Constructing on the success of their joint opening in Atlanta earlier this 12 months, the brand new Oviedo location marks the subsequent step within the shared mission of Philly Pretzel Manufacturing facility CEO and Co-Founder, Dan DiZio, and Large Dave’s Cheesesteaks Founder, Derrick Hayes, to introduce genuine Philly flavors to new communities. Right now, Philly Pretzel Manufacturing facility, the world’s largest Philly-style pretzel bakery, presently boasts 170 areas throughout the nation.
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