Big Mike’s Steakhouse coming to Millbrook

Monday was a chamber of commerce day for Millbrook Mayor Al Kelley.

The sun was shining. It was warm. It was the perfect day for a new business announcement — and not just any business. It is one that will anchor a downtown vision for years to come.

“The weather has been a little rough,” Kelley said. “We saw this (weather) window coming about eight days and knew it would work.”

Just moments before Kelley made the official announcement Big Mike’s Steakhouse was coming to town, he made sure his clothing was appropriate before stepping out of his office about 200 yards away.

“I broke out my jeans and boots for this,” Kelley said. “I don’t normally wear them and it was a tough walk, but worth it.”

Big Mike’s Steakhouse was founded by ‘Big Mike’ Cole, Scott Powell and Caine Conway in Thomasville in 2013. It now has locations Andalusia, Orange Beach, Moundville, Auburn, Guntersville and one under construction in Bay Minette.

“I ate at the one in Orange Beach a few years ago,” Kelley said. “I thought it would be a good fit here in Millbrook.”

The opportunity presented itself in November 2024 for Kelley to meet Cole, Powell and Conway. They had heard about 17 Springs and were interested in it. They met on site. Conversations were had. They then gathered at Smokehouse Pit Barbeque on Main Street afterwards. A deal was soon struck the “old country way.”

“They said they wanted beer and wings,” Kelley said. “We had a bunch of wings and the conversation continued.”

Kelley said he had done his homework. He knew they loved to locate Big Mike’s in old buildings.

Before they left, Kelley asked them to take a look at the old WELCOME Food Pantry Building. It belongs to the city and was left vacant last year when the food pantry changed locations. It hadn’t been cleaned and there were no plans for it.

“I had said we might just tear it down,” Kelley said. “When they saw it, their eyes got as big as saucers.”

Kelley and the Big Mike’s crew walked through the building. A few sketches were made.

“You could see the wheels turning,” Kelley said. 

Big Mike himself said he didn’t speak too much.

“I’m a grill guy,” Cole said. “You’ll find me in the kitchen.”

Cole is a chef and restaurant manager who wanted to bring rural towns and smaller markets a quality steakhouse. Powell and Conway met Cole 30 years ago and share the vision as well.

“I threw my grill away after meeting this guy,” Powell said.

The trio are also cattle farmers but can’t grow enough beef to supply their restaurants. They source it from Texas and strive to provide quality.

The location fits in with a growing downtown Millbrook.

Its Main Street location means easy access to Cobbs Ford Road and Interstate 65. It is also easily accessible from eastern Elmore County. 

Kelley said the project is just the beginning for the area.

“Big Mike’s is a destination,” Kelley said. “We've been looking for that catalyst to start this downtown area. It will attract people from all across the River Region.”

The Millbrook City Council recently approved development of a master plan for Village Green which is across the street from the Main Street and Grandview Road location. A walkway along the creek is also planned.

The location is planned to have about 200 parking spaces, enough to accommodate more 5,000 square feet of dining space.

The city gave the Millbrook Redevelopment Authority the building to renovate and lease to Big Mike’s.

“Doing that way made it an easier process,” Millbrook project manager Stuart Peters said. “It will have a gabled roof and open design.”

Weather has played an issue in getting construction started but has allowed all the bureaucracy of moving the property through the redevelopment process to work.

“It can be a logistical headache at times,” Peters said. “It’s estimated that it can open in August.”

Big Mike’s Steakhouse has been rated the No. 1 steakhouse in Alabama by the Alabama Cattleman’s Association. It is also rated in the top nine restaurant destinations in the state.

Kelley likes the way the Big Mike’s proprietors operate. 

“They want to make a difference in a town like ours,” Kelley said. “I can’t appreciate that enough. I believe in the next few years we’re going to see our downtown evolve into a significant economic hub for our city. Big Mike’s will foster a positive impact in the area and create a sense of pride and excitement within our community.”