By Susan Selasky | Detroit Free Press | Published June 8, 2023

A new restaurant concept with a familiar name is headed for the former Big Rock Chophouse location in Birmingham’s rail district.

Big Rock Italian Chophouse on Thursday was announced as a new concept from Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR) for 245 S. Eton Street in Birmingham.

In mid-April, the company submitted design plans to Birmingham’s Historic District Commission for a restaurant at Birmingham Grand Trunk Western Railroad Depot.

The project transforms the historic train station and former home of Big Rock Chophouse into the new upscale eatery, cigar lounge, and private member club. Big Rock Chophouse was sold and closed in 2021 by longtime owners Norm and Bonnie LePage.

Big Rock Chophouse outdoor patio. The Birmingham restaurant will close at the end of the year. Photo Credit: Big Rock Chophouse

This new, $10 million project is a joint venture, according to a news release, with Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR) and several local investors partners, including Tom Celani and Dario Bergamo.

“We’re thrilled to introduce Big Rock Italian Chophouse to Birmingham. Over the next year, our team will work to update and reintroduce this spectacular property,” said Cameron Mitchell, company founder. “We consider southeast Michigan a second home market and are eagerly looking forward to the opening and success of another new concept in Birmingham.”

The restaurant group said it is creating an 11,000-square-foot signature “fine-dining Italian Chophouse.” Big Rock Italian Chophouse will serve prime steaks and chops, a selection of handmade pasta with rich and robust sauces, a world-class wine list, an extensive bourbon collection, and handcrafted cocktails.

The new Big Rock Italian Chophouse will be designed by Chicago-based Knauer, Inc.

“Our goal is to create a comfortable space that will bring people together, not just for a special occasion but to enjoy each other’s company over a glass of wine, a great meal, or a cigar,” said Bergamo in a news release.

A rendering of the planned Big Rock Italian Chophouse in Birmingham. Photo Credit: Cameron Mitchell Restaurants

Plans are for the expansive restaurant to have nearly 400 seats, including more than 100 outdoors. There will be three bars and multiple private dining rooms. The property will also feature a  private cigar club with a terrace.

“From dining and drinking to enjoying a cigar with friends after a long day, this will be a premier destination for many years to come, ” said Tom Celani in a news release.

The space is expected to have a mix of contemporary and classic design elements, including rich leather and wood accents and overhead canopies to create a “warm and comfortable ambiance.”

A highlight of the private membership club is that it includes a personal concierge with guaranteed reservations not only at the new Big Rock Italian Chophouse but any Cameron Mitchell Restaurant nationwide, including Ocean Prime in Troy. Club members will also have access to an exclusive lounge and separate cigar lounge with “luxury amenities” and special events, according to a news release.

A rendering of the planned Big Rock Italian Chophouse in Birmingham. Photo Credit: Cameron Mitchell Restaurants

Under its restaurant portfolio, CMR has operated several of its restaurant concepts in Michigan, including Cameron’s Steakhouse (now Mare Mediterranean) in Birmingham and Mitchell’s Fish Market in Livonia, Lansing, Rochester Hills and Birmingham (Sidecar Slider Bar), which were sold to Ruth’s Hospitality in 2008.

Its sister company, the Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern, operates locations in Bloomfield Hills, Northville Township and Bingham Farms.

Ocean Prime restaurants, also from CMR, were first introduced in Troy 15 years ago. Since then, 17 Ocean Prime locations have opened across the country. A new Ocean Prime is opening on June 21 in Las Vegas.

CMR restaurants are known for their genuine hospitality mantra of  “Yes is the Answer, What is the Question?” That’s also the title of Cameron Mitchell’s book detailing his rise from dishwasher to restauranteur.