Big’s Barbecue and Brews will maintain their restaurant space on Second Avenue North as they work on remodeling the space in uptown Mount Vernon.
Nanette Rambo, one of the owners, said work has started in the remodel of the former Alger’s Pizza Palace space.
“We’re going to be going with a more open concept kitchen,” Rambo said. “We’ll also be working on refreshing the look of the dining room with the remodel.”
Rambo said as their catering business has grown in recent years, they have started to hit limitations with what they’re able to do in the current kitchen space.
“When we saw the for sale sign on Alger’s Pizza Palace, it was the space we were looking for,” Rambo said. “It offers us a much larger kitchen to house all of our business and expands the brewing opportunities.”
Rambo said that Jimmy is struggling to keep up with his brewing when it comes to beers, and they will be installing a portion of the restaurant to cater to that increase. That will build their ability to allow beer kegs with their catering, as well as providing for more brews for the restaurant itself.
Another of those changes with the new space will be new menu items, including the possibility of breakfast.
“We’re thinking items like smoked ham for breakfast sandwiches,” Rambo said. “Having a griddle in that space will also open the opportunities of what we can offer on our lunch and dinner menu. I’m thinking opportunities for things like Italian beef sandwiches.”
Of course, that renovation of the building will take time. Rambo said they are currently targeting a November opening date.
In the interim, the restaurant remains open at the Second Avenue North location until the work is complete on the remodel, with all of the brews and menu items people have grown to love from the restaurant.
“My hope is that when we’re ready to turn that sign to open on First Street, it will be a smooth operation to close the space on Second Avenue North that has served us well over the years,” Rambo said.