Cameron Mitchell Restaurant veterans will lead 360 seat restaurant and lounge that brings an upscale mix of new and old to the historic location

BIRMINGHAM, Mich., June 5, 2025— In preparation for its July 15 opening, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR) proudly announces the leadership team for Big Rock Italian Chophouse and The Rock Cigar Club: Steve Hermiz as General Manager, Chris Mayer as Executive Chef and Sue Simich as Sales and Concierge Manager.

Each member of the leadership team has deep roots within CMR and brings decades of hospitality experience, ensuring the renovated and reimaged destination is guided by industry veterans who exemplify the company’s people-first philosophy.

According to Cameron Mitchell, Founder and CEO of CMR, “Our culture is to put people first, both our associates and guests.  Sue, Chris and Steve all absolutely represent this philosophy of creating a truly extraordinary experience for our guests at every level.” 

Meet the Leadership Team

Steve Hermiz, General Manager

A Roseville native, Hermiz brings nearly 20 years of leadership experience at CMR, including key roles in opening Ocean Prime locations in New York City and Las Vegas. He returns to Michigan to oversee Big Rock Italian Chophouse’s operations and lead The Rock Cigar Club.

Chris Mayer, Executive Chef

Chef Mayer also started his CMR journey at Ocean Prime Troy and now brings over two decades of culinary expertise to Big Rock Italian Chophouse. He will lead a kitchen that showcases premium steaks, chops, chef curated pastas, and innovative Italian-inspired cuisine.

Sue Simich, Sales and Concierge Manager

Simich began her hospitality career in her family’s restaurant before joining CMR in 2003. With extensive experience in event planning and guest services, she will manage private events, guest relations, and exclusive concierge services for VIPs of The Rock Cigar Club.

A New Chapter for a Historic Location

Located in a storied Birmingham landmark, the 11,000-square-foot property has undergone a transformative two-year renovation, now housing two distinct yet complementary experiences: Big Rock Italian Chophouse features 7,718 square feet of restaurant space, while The Rock Cigar Club occupies 2,357 square feet of refined, luxury lounge space including the addition of the Annex, a newly built second floor space. The Rock Cigar Club is currently selling VIP Cigar Lockers that will give locker holders full access to The Rock Cigar Club and exclusive concierge services in addition to VIP events, offers and incentives. Interested VIPs can visit TheRockCigarClub.com to learn more. 

Big Rock Italian Chophouse offers an upscale, contemporary setting perfect for business dinners, special occasions, or a night out. The design emphasizes luxury and historical charm, with features such as hand-painted brickwork, new chandeliers and booths, and multiple fireplaces.  

The venue now seats approximately 360 guests, up from 300, including 40 seats on the seasonal outdoor patio. Original brickwork and historic design elements have been preserved to blend modern elegance with classic charm.

Wines from Big Rock Italian Chophouse partner Tom Celani, including selections from his Napa Valley-based Celani Family Vineyards, will be featured at the restaurant and cigar club. These wines are well-suited to complement the luxurious and refined dining experience and  will allow guests to enjoy limited edition and small batch bottles of Ardore or others, creating a personalized and high-end experience.

Highlights include:

• Signature dishes featuring USDA prime steaks and chops, fresh seafood and chef curated pastas
• An expansive wine list and craft cocktail program
• Three private dining rooms for family, corporate, or celebratory gatherings
• Seasonal outdoor seating 

·       The restaurant will have an extensive wine program featuring a mix of New and Old-World wines

Big Rock Italian Chophouse updates also include completely renovated kitchen with state-of-the-art refrigeration, pasta boilers and prosciutto slicer (menu details will be announced prior to the opening).  

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About Cameron Mitchell Restaurants
Founded by Cameron Mitchell in 1993, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, LLC (CMR) has built a diverse portfolio of varied concepts, ranging from multi-location upscale destinations to single neighborhood favorites. Today, CMR operates 51 restaurants company-wide under 20 different concepts, with 23 locations in Columbus, Ohio, including Budd Dairy Food Hall. In addition, Cameron Mitchell Premier Events, the premier catering and event planning company in central Ohio, oversees three venues in Columbus. The national Ocean Prime brand has 21 locations in 15 states plus the District of Columbia, with upcoming locations opening in Nashville, Tenn. in 2025. The Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern, a sister company of CMR, currently operates 18 locations in three states. CMR and the various concepts have received numerous culinary, leadership, entrepreneur, community service and readers’ choice awards.

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Marx Layne & Co.
Ben Curry
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