BIRMINGHAM — The American Culinary Federation, a national organization of professional chefs, honored Big Rock Chophouse with an achievement of excellence award at the 2014 Central Regional Conference held at the Renaissance St. Louis Grand Hotel in St. Louis, Mo.
Big Rock Chophouse is one of 12 operations to receive the award during the 2014 Central Regional Conference, which recognizes foodservice establishments that exemplify a commitment to excellence, culinary officials said. Criteria for the award, according to culinary officials, are being in operation for at least five consecutive years; nomination by a federation chapter, member or individual in the foodservice profession; and being a recognized industry leader.
Big Rock Chophouse is located in the former Birmingham Grand Trunk and Western Railroad Depot, a historical landmark in the city that officially closed in 1978. The building sat empty until 1984, when it was restored and converted into a restaurant by Norman and Bonnie LePage. It was named Norman’s Eton Street Station until 1997, when the LePage’s and their partners, Ray and Mary Nicholson, officially changed it into Big Rock Chophouse.
