Northport Council Called Meeting To Consider Big Mike’s Deal
Big Mike's Steakhouse in Moundville is a big deal with diners from all across West Alabama and even East Mississippi who travel a long distance to Moundville for a great meal. The place is usually packed and has been one of the most requested dining additions by many Northport residents. Good reason too; Big Mike's has been voted the #1 Steakhouse in the State of Alabama by the Alabama Cattleman's Association.
As Tuscaloosa Thread previously reported, a developmental agreement is in the works to move the popular upscale restaurant to an easier to access site in Northport, across from Walmart. That agreement will be presented at a special called meeting of the Northport City Council Thursday at 5:30 in Northport City Hall.
The only business on the special meeting agenda with be a public hearing on a resolution authorizing the Project Development Agreement for Big Mike’s Steakhouse with Sucarnoochee Investments, LLC and Winship, LLC.
The resolution reads, "Under the proposed Development Agreement, Winship will construct an approximately 6,720 square foot commercial building, including all necessary building equipment, for use as a Big Mike’s Steakhouse. The City will purchase the finished building, which will then be leased to Big Mike’s. Big Mike’s will pay 5% of its gross sales as rent every year. That 5%, along with an additional 2% of sales tax and 2% from a potential cooperative district, will be used to repay the City’s debt. The City will keep the additional 1% of sales tax for use in its general fund. Big Mike’s will agree to operate the restaurant at that location for at least twenty years. If Big Mike’s operates its business at that location for twenty years, it will be able to purchase the property for $100. The total principal investment in the project by the City will not exceed $4,800,000."
Adoption of the resolution has been recommended. However, a check of some social media postings finds some residents not happy with the deal and believe the city is giving too much away at a time of volatility in the restaurant business.
if the agreement is approved, a cooperative district will be formed, financing arrangements will be finalized and the completion of legal validation proceedings through Tuscaloosa County Circuit Court will take place.
Big Mike's has agreed to operate the restaurant in Northport for a minimum of 20 years.
Big Mike's menu includes massive steaks, salads, seafood, homemade soups and more. They have locations in Andalusia, Auburn, Bay Minette, Guntersville, Millbrook, Orange Beach, and Thomasville in addition to the current location in Moundville.
More From Tuscaloosa Thread
