Birmingham, Mich. September 8, 2016 – Big Rock Chophouse and The Reserve’s General Manager, Vera Day Rizer was recently honored by the Michigan Restaurant Association with a Champion Award and named 2016 Restaurant Manager of the Year.
The Michigan Restaurant Association’s Industry Champion Awards recognize outstanding employees of the foodservice industry who have demonstrated professionalism in performing their jobs and have contributed to the positive image of Michigan’s restaurant industry.
“We have been working side-by-side with Vera for over 30 years and she is a true professional and an expert in all areas of the restaurant industry,” said Norman and Bonnie LePage, owners of Big Rock Chophouse. “She’s literally like a walking restaurant encyclopedia!”
Vera began her restaurant career working with the LePages as a bartender in 1984 and quickly moved up the ranks. Prior to opening Big Rock Chophouse, she worked for them at The Townsend Hotel when they opened it in 1987 as Food and Beverage Manager for five years. She also helped open several restaurants including two in Indianapolis, one of which seated 500 people with a 700-seat banquet room at the Union Station complex.
Vera was named General Manager of Big Rock Chophouse in 1996 and the restaurant’s on-site banquet facility, The Reserve, 10 years ago. She’s an expert in building loyalty among her staff and currently oversees 93 employees at the two properties. With a special focus on quality customer service, Vera instills in her team that the guests’ dining experience is key. Because of this philosophy, her employees all reflect this same passion. There is very little turnover at the restaurant and everyone on her team, including the front and the back of the house, are all empowered to be as successful as they want to be.
“When you’re a new restaurant, there’s a lot of excitement and press. When you’ve been around for a long time you need a spirit that keeps your staff excited and encourages the best customer service and quality of food everyday,” added LePage. “Vera does this and she stays the course no matter what! Her focus on exceptional food and service, coupled with a motivated staff result in loyal and happy customers.”
To celebrate this prestigious award and Vera’s 20-year anniversary, Big Rock Chophouse will be offering a special list of Vera’s Top 20 menu items for $20 now through November 23, 2016. For a complete list of items on special, visit bigrockchophouse.com.
Big Rock Chophouse is open Monday through Thursday from 11 a.m. to 10 p.m., Fridays from 11 a.m. to midnight, Saturdays from noon to midnight and closed on Sundays.
Big Rock Chophouse combines the rustic, casual feel of a mountain lodge with the high-energy electricity of a contemporary club, providing an eclectic mix unlike any other dining experience in Metro Detroit. The restaurant is also home to Got Rocks, A Diamond Crown Cigar Lounge, located upstairs from Big Rock Chophouse’s main dining room. For more information on upcoming events or to make reservations, call 248.647.7774 or visit us online at www.bigrockchophouse.com.