The Orlando Magic announced today a multiyear partnership with Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks. The partnership brings the cheesesteak franchise with humble beginnings to the Sunshine State. Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks will place their first Orlando location inside the Magic’s home, Kia Center.
“The Magic are thrilled to team up with Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks and be the first to welcome the franchise to Central Florida,” said Magic Senior Vice President of Global Partnerships J.T. McWalters. “As two companies that believe in the power of teamwork, we look forward to working with the first franchise in Florida and it’s new owner, Derek Lewis. We can’t wait to connect Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks with our local community and give our fans a taste of what it’s all about.”
The partnership will also feature brand integrations including in-arena signage during all Magic home games, and food offerings in the Kia Center with a concession stand on the promenade level and a food cart on the terrace level.
“I’m thrilled to bring Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks to the heart of Orlando’s sports and entertainment scene,” said Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks’ first franchise owner Derek Lewis. “This partnership with the Orlando Magic and Kia Center represents a perfect fusion of exceptional food and exhilarating basketball. Opening our doors on October 11 during the preseason is just the beginning of what, I believe, will be a game-changing presence in the arena. As the first franchise owner of Big Dave’s, I’m committed to delivering the same quality and flavor that Derrick Hayes has made famous, while creating a unique experience for Magic fans and visitors alike. This venture is more than just about great cheesesteaks; it’s about fostering community, celebrating diversity, and being part of the electric atmosphere that the Orlando Magic brings to the city. Get ready, Orlando – we’re about to elevate your game day experience!”
Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks plans to open 10 Central Florida locations. Founder and CEO Derrick Hayes opened the original location in 2016 in Dunwoody, Ga., which began as a 700-square-foot gas station called Dave’s Philly Water Ice. It has grown to six locations, one in North Carolina and five in Georgia including several in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium and is now expanding to Florida
About Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks
Founded in 2016, Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks was very much a labor of love for founder and CEO Derrick Hayes – inspired by his love for cooking with his grandfather, his love for his father and his love for his West Philadelphia roots, Big Dave’s was born. The original location, a 700-square-foot gas station in Dunwoody, Ga. called Dave’s Philly Water Ice, was where it all started for Hayes. Five locations are open throughout Georgia including outposts in Atlanta’s Mercedes-Benz Stadium and one in North Carolina. Hayes is a self-made entrepreneur, restaurateur, and philanthropist, and started The David and Derrick Hayes Foundation – a foundation honoring his father in support of early detection and cancer research, and the David & Derrick Hayes College Fund which provides quarterly funding to deserving students with a 3.0 GPA or higher. Hayes brings that same community and teamwork philosophy to Big Dave’s Cheesesteaks. For more information visit About us | Big Dave’s Way (bigdavesway.com).
About the Orlando Magic
Orlando’s NBA franchise since 1989, the Magic’s mission is to be world champions on and off the court, delivering legendary moments every step of the way. Under the DeVos family’s ownership, the Magic have seen great success in a relatively short history, winning seven division championships (1995, 1996, 2008, 2009, 2010, 2019, 2024) with seven 50-plus win seasons and capturing the Eastern Conference title in 1995 and 2009. Off the court, on an annual basis, the Orlando Magic gives more than $2 million to the local community by way of sponsorships of events, donated tickets, autographed merchandise and grants. Orlando Magic community relations programs impact an estimated 100,000 kids each year, while a Magic staff-wide initiative provides more than 7,000 volunteer hours annually. In addition, the Orlando Magic Youth Foundation (OMYF) which serves at-risk youth, has distributed more than $29 million to local nonprofit community organizations over the last 34 years. The Magic’s other entities include the team’s NBA G League affiliate, the Osceola Magic, 2021 G League champions; the Orlando Solar Bears of the ECHL, which serves as the affiliate to the NHL’s Tampa Bay Lightning; and Magic Gaming of the NBA 2K League. The Magic play their home games at the award-winning Kia Center – voted by fans no. 1 in the NBA for game experience; honored with TheStadiumBusiness Awards’ Customer Experience Award; named SportsBusiness Journal’s Sports Facility of the Year; and awarded the Venue Excellence Award (VEA) by the International Association of Venue Managers. The Magic was also named in the inaugural “Best Places to Work in Sports 2023” awards by the Sports Business Journal, and was the only sports franchise among the four major professional leagues (NBA, NFL, NHL, MLB) to be honored. For ticket information, visit OrlandoMagic.com or call 407-89-MAGIC.
