Originally Published: Crain's Detroit Business
Client: Big Rock Italian Chophouse

Big Rock Italian Chophouse is nearly ready for its close-up.

The revamped steakhouse with an upscale Italian culinary twist in Birmingham now has a firm opening date: July 15. Columbus, Ohio-based Cameron Mitchell Restaurants is behind the restaurant at 245 S. Eton St., formerly home to Big Rock Chophouse.

A team of hospitality veterans will run the day-to-day operations at the restaurant and new cigar club.

Roseville native Steve Hermiz has been named general manager and will lead operations. Hermiz has close to 20 years of experience with Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, including helping open Ocean Prime restaurants in New York City and Las Vegas. Chris Mayer will serve as executive chef at Big Rock Italian Chophouse. Mayer has been with Cameron Mitchell Restaurants since 2012, serving various roles at Ocean Prime in Troy. Sue Simich will be sales and concierge manager at the restaurant and cigar club. Simich has been with Cameron Mitchell Restaurants since 2003, and has held various titles at Ocean Prime in Troy.

Cameron Mitchell Restaurants founder and CEO Cameron Mitchell said the team is the right fit.

“Our culture is to put people first, both our associates and guests,” Mitchell said in a news release. “Sue, Chris and Steve all absolutely represent this philosophy of creating a truly extraordinary experience for our guests at every level.”

The 11,000-square-foot property, which was once the Birmingham depot for the Grand Trunk Western Railroad, has undergone a two-year renovation into two concepts.

Big Rock Italian Chophouse will take up 7,718 square feet and have space for 360 guests, including 40 spots on a seasonal outdoor patio. Decor includes original brickwork and design. The new restaurant will have a renovated kitchen with state-of-the-art refrigeration, pasta boilers and a prosciutto slicer, according to the release.

The Rock Cigar Club will make its home in 2,357 square feet. It will offer VIP cigar lockers that give members full access to club and concierge services, along with access to VIP events, offers and incentives.

Big Rock Italian Chophouse will offer a menu of prime steaks and chops, handmade pasta as well as a large high-end wine list, a large selection of bourbon and a signature cocktail menu. The restaurant and cigar club will also offer wines from Big Rock partner Tom Celani, including wines from his Napa Valley-based Celani Family Vineyards.

Illinois-based design firm Knauer Inc. is handling the design work. Knauer locally has also designed Parc restaurant at Campus Martius in downtown Detroit and is working on Presley's Kitchen + Bar, a new project set to open later this year inside the David Whitney Building downtown.

Cameron Mitchell Restaurants announced plans to open Big Rock in June 2023. The project is a joint venture between Cameron Mitchell Restaurants and local investor partners, including Celani and Dario Bergamo. The company is investing about $10 million in renovating the former train station, which housed the LePage family-owned Big Rock Chophouse from 1997 until it closed at the end of 2021.

Read the full article here.