TIF funds allow Big Daddy’s to start new chapter in Belleville with remodel, food concept
In his pitch to secure tax increment financing to help finance the renovation of Big Daddy’s in downtown Belleville, owner Scott Schmelzel described bringing a “new and very desirable food concept” to the community.
Specifically, Smeez, Inc., proposed a “modern deli,” according to a business plan submitted to the city with the TIF application.
In an interview with the BND Tuesday, however, Schmelzel said details for the food concept are still being hashed out and could change.
What is certain is that Big Daddy’s will close April 1 and remain shuttered for several months as the space undergoes renovations.
What’s also certain is that the revamped business will serve food and will be held to the terms of the TIF agreement, which mandates it will support 10-15 new jobs.
Securing the TIF from the city “is a big deal, a big factor in helping us stay downtown,” he said.
Big Daddy’s 618, aka Smeez, Inc., was approved for a reimbursement of TIF funds from the city in December.
Proposed improvements
The upcoming renovation isn’t the first planned for the longtime business. In January 2022, the business closed for five weeks for minor improvements, repairs and thorough cleaning and sanitizing.
It also closed in November 2020, reopening the following March. Improvements at that time included the addition of a garage door, which became a popular addition for many food industry businesses during the pandemic. The kitchen closed at this time and never reopened.
The $130,000 renovation plan submitted with the TIF application included the updating and reopening of the kitchen and other updates throughout the building and patio.
Here’s the breakdown according to the business plan:
Kitchen ($5,000) – update hood exhaust system, suppression system, plumbing and fixtures for new deli concept, install new drop ceiling;
Dining Room ($11,000) – new hardwood flooring, lighting;
Bar Room ($6,000) – demolish existing bar, new bar build out with flooring and lighting, remodel to fit deli concept;
Gaming Room/Back Room/Lounge ($20,000) – demolish storage room wall and build out new gaming room, new flooring and lighting, build new lounge room to replace 20-year-old dance floor;
Patio ($25,000) – retrofit existing outdoor patio to include seasonal enclosure to secure structure through winter, lighting, retractable awning system, resurface patio bricks;
Capital Improvements ($50,000) – roof repairs, HVAC replacement, update TVs and sound system, update electrical system, plumbing, add new walk-in cooler to replace 20-year-old unit;
Facade and Storefront ($13,000) – awning LED business marquee sign.
In addition to the renovation, the application stated that the business will create 10-15 new jobs in its first year of operation, while retaining 10 current positions.
Projected taxable annual sales are estimated at $800,000 to $1 million.
The expected project start date is listed on the TIF application as April 1, 2025, when Big Daddy’s 618 closes. The renovation’s expected completion date is Sept. 1, 2025.
Business as usual
Schmelzel announced in May that he and business partner James Sinovic will close the downtown bar on March 31.
The bar has been listed for sale for 10 years. Schmelzel said he’s entertained several offers, and if, at any point, someone wants to buy the business, they will sell.
In the event it should sell, Schmelzel said he’s committed to the city and their agreement.
Until the bar’s closing, it’s business as usual at Big Daddy’s 618. The business will participate in upcoming events including the annual Onesie Bar Crawl on Jan. 25, Mardi Gras festivities, and the St. Patrick’s Day Block Party on March 15.
After the renovation project, the business will reopen to begin a new chapter, offering a new and more modern – yet undetermined – food concept, said Schmelzel.
It also will continue to be involved with events in the area, he added. For updates about these events, visit the Big Daddy’s 618 Facebook page.
