Big Rock Italian Chophouse – a much-anticipated new restaurant – is gearing up to open in Birmingham’s Rail District this July, and it’s on the lookout for over 100 new employees. This upscale Italian chophouse will breathe new life into the historic Grand Trunk Railway Station at 245 S. Eton Street, a site formerly home to the beloved Big Rock Chophouse which closed in 2021. Backed by a $10 million investment, the venture is a joint project between Columbus-based Cameron Mitchell Restaurants and local partners Tom Celani and Dario Bergamo. The result is a dining destination that promises to combine classic steakhouse luxury with authentic Italian culinary flair – a combination sure to excite Metro Detroit foodies and job seekers alike.

Big Rock Italian Chophouse, Facebook

Historic Birmingham Rail District Welcomes a New Upscale Chophouse

Located in Birmingham’s historic Rail District, Big Rock Italian Chophouse marries a premium steakhouse experience with the elegance of upscale Italian dining. Housed in the carefully renovated Grand Trunk Western Railroad Depot (a local landmark), the restaurant retains an “old school charm” while introducing modern upscale vibes. For longtime residents, it’s heartening to see the old train station transformed into a vibrant new eatery – especially one carrying on the Big Rock name with a fresh Italian twist. This project has been nearly two years in the making, and the excitement in the community is palpable as the July opening approaches. It’s not just another Birmingham restaurant opening; it’s the revival of a cherished space and a boost to the local dining scene.

  

Upscale Italian Dining Meets Classic Steakhouse Experience

Big Rock Italian Chophouse plans to offer the best of both worlds when it comes to cuisine: think prime steaks and chops paired with handmade Italian pastas and fine wines. The menu will focus on premium cuts of beef (true to the chophouse name) as well as Italian favorites – dishes like veal Parmesan, lasagna, branzino, fresh salads, and rich pastas made in-house. Guests can expect a robust wine list, an extensive bourbon selection, and handcrafted cocktails to complement the meals. This combination of a classic steakhouse with authentic Italian cuisine will set the restaurant apart in the Metro Detroit dining scene, offering a unique upscale Italian dining experience not currently found elsewhere in Birmingham.

Equally impressive is the ambiance and space. The restaurant spans 11,000 square feet of the historic station, with design by Chicago-based firm Knauer, Inc., ensuring that the interior is as grand as the building’s heritage. When it opens, Big Rock Italian Chophouse will seat approximately 375 guests, including over 100 on a landscaped outdoor patio. There will be three distinct bars inside, so whether you’re in the mood for a craft cocktail, a glass of wine, or an after-dinner digestif, you’ll find a spot that suits the occasion. Multiple private dining rooms are available as well, making it an attractive venue for business dinners, celebrations, or large family events. The outdoor patio is slated to feature a pergola and even a cozy fireplace, allowing guests to enjoy Michigan summer evenings and beyond in style.

  • 375+ seats: Plenty of room to accommodate guests, including 100+ outdoor patio seats for al fresco dining.

  • Three bars: Enjoy a cocktail at the elegant main bar, a wine at the dedicated wine bar, or a whiskey in a more intimate lounge setting – the restaurant will have three unique bar areas to explore.

  • Private dining rooms: Several private dining spaces will be available for reserve, perfect for celebrations, corporate events, or private family dinners.

  • Old-world atmosphere: The decor and design will highlight the location’s historic character (a 1930s-era train station) while adding modern touches and luxurious comfort. Expect opulent rooms with vintage-inspired details that evoke old-world Italy and classic Detroit grandeur.

  • Exclusive cigar lounge: Perhaps the most buzzed-about feature is The Rock Cigar Club, a members-only cigar lounge and private club on the upper level. This VIP club will have its own entrance, personal cigar lockers, and a terrace where members can unwind with specialty cigars in a sophisticated setting.

The inclusion of The Rock Cigar Club sets Big Rock Italian Chophouse apart from typical restaurants. This exclusive club (separate from the main dining areas) will offer a private membership experience for cigar aficionados and those seeking a VIP lounge atmosphere. Members will enjoy perks like a personal concierge, guaranteed reservations at the restaurant, and even preferred reservations at Cameron Mitchell’s restaurants nationwide. For Birmingham and Metro Detroit locals who appreciate a fine cigar with their dinner or after a long day, this is a unique addition that hasn’t been seen in the area’s restaurant scene before. In short, Big Rock Italian Chophouse is shaping up to be more than just a place to eat – it’s positioned to be an all-in-one dining, social, and entertainment destination.

Big Rock Italian Chophouse, Facebook

100+ Restaurant Jobs Coming to Metro Detroit (Now Hiring!)

With the grand opening on the horizon, Big Rock Italian Chophouse is now hiring over 100 employees to staff this expansive restaurant. This is one of the largest restaurant hiring efforts in Metro Detroit in recent memory, and it’s a fantastic opportunity for local job seekers – whether you’re an experienced hospitality professional or someone looking to break into the restaurant industry at a high-profile venue. If you’ve been searching for restaurant jobs in Metro Detroit, now is the time to polish your resume.

Available positions span both the front-of-house and back-of-house operations. The restaurant is filling roles in guest services and hospitality, as well as food and beverage service. Some of the key positions include:

  • Guest Services: Friendly faces to welcome and seat guests (hosts/hostesses, concierge, reservation coordinators).

  • Servers: Professional waitstaff to provide table service in the dining rooms and patio.

  • Bartenders: Experienced bartenders to craft cocktails and manage service at the three bar locations.

  • Line Cooks: Kitchen staff to prepare the prime steaks, pastas, and other menu specialties with excellence.

  • General Utility Staff: Back-of-house support roles, such as dishwashers, cleaning crew, and other utility positions to keep the operation running smoothly.

All told, more than 100 positions are up for grabs, which means Big Rock Italian Chophouse will be creating a significant number of jobs in Birmingham. The restaurant will initially open for dinner service daily, so many roles will encompass evening and night shifts, perfect for those who thrive in the dinner hospitality scene. Given the scale and reputation of this $10M project, these jobs are expected to come with thorough training and the chance to be part of a premiere opening team. It’s not every day that a new upscale Italian dining establishment of this size opens its doors, so joining the team now means you’ll be part of the restaurant’s story from day one.

How to Apply for a Position

Big Rock Italian Chophouse has made it convenient to apply for these roles, aiming to attract great local talent quickly. Interested applicants can apply in person or online, whichever is easiest:

  • In Person: Visit the Big Rock Italian Chophouse hiring office for open interviews. The hiring office is located at The Reserve, 325 S. Eton St., Birmingham, MI. Walk-in applicants are welcomed Monday – Friday from 10:00 AM to 6:00 PM, and Saturdays from 10:00 AM to 3:00 PM. The Reserve is adjacent to the restaurant site, making it a convenient location to meet the hiring team and potentially land an on-the-spot interview. Be sure to bring a resume and be prepared to discuss your hospitality experience and enthusiasm for the concept. (Professional attire and a friendly attitude recommended!)

  • Online: Candidates can also apply online via the official website. Simply head to bigrockitalianchophouse.com and navigate to the careers section. The online application will allow you to fill out your information, list your desired position, and upload any relevant documents. This is a great option if you can’t make it to an in-person session or prefer to apply from home. After applying online, qualified candidates will likely be contacted by the management team for next steps.

Whichever method you choose, acting sooner rather than later is wise – with buzz building around the restaurant’s opening, many hospitality professionals in Metro Detroit will be vying for these positions. Landing a spot on the opening team could be a career boost, as you’ll gain experience working in a high-end restaurant environment under the umbrella of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (a company known for its strong culture and training in the industry). Plus, employees will get to be part of the excitement as the community counts down to opening day.

   

Birmingham’s Newest Dining Destination Opens This July – Don’t Miss Out

Metro Detroit, get ready to say “Benvenuto” (welcome) to Big Rock Italian Chophouse this summer. Slated to open in July 2025, this grand restaurant is shaping up to be Birmingham’s newest dining jewel and a regional attraction for food lovers. The combination of historic location, luxurious design, and a menu packed with steakhouse classics and Italian delights is generating a lot of local buzz. It’s safe to say that Big Rock Italian Chophouse is not just another restaurant opening – it’s an event that represents the growth of our local dining scene and the revitalization of a historic space.

For job seekers in the area, this is a golden opportunity to join a team that’s bringing something special to town. If you’re passionate about hospitality, don’t hesitate to apply for those open positions – you could become part of a flagship restaurant that people will talk about for years to come. And for locals eagerly awaiting a new place to dine, the wait is almost over. In just a few weeks, you could be sipping a craft cocktail on the patio under the pergola, enjoying a perfectly cooked steak or a bowl of handmade pasta inside a beautifully restored train station, or even indulging in a post-dinner cigar in the exclusive lounge

Mark your calendars and spread the word: Big Rock Italian Chophouse is coming to Birmingham in July. Whether you’re looking to land a great restaurant job in Metro Detroit or just excited to experience a new upscale Italian dining spot with friends and family, this grand opening is one you won’t want to miss. Let’s support this local venture – apply if you’re job-hunting, and if you’re a foodie, get ready to make a reservation for a dining experience that promises to be the talk of Metro Detroit. Birmingham’s newest dining destination is almost here – welcome aboard the excitement!


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