A downtown Belleville business reopens. Its new kitchen will soon follow

After closing at the end of March to undergo a renovation at its downtown Belleville site, Big Daddy’s 618 is open again.

The popular watering hole reopened Thursday for its 21st year to a great crowd, said owner Scott Schmelzel.

“We’re happy to be back in business downtown,” he said.

The building’s facade has a fresh, new look and a lot of cosmetic improvements were made inside. New features include a new gaming room area and new games. The bar has more room behind it for staff to work.

From now through the end of the month, Schmelzel said work will continue on the kitchen, which will house the new deli. New equipment is due to arrive over the next couple of weeks, and the deli launch starts at the beginning of September.

Schmelzel said he timed the deli’s opening for when things get back to normal, meaning after Labor Day and when kids are back in school and people’s regular routines are back in place.

For now, the deli’s menu boards are covered with plastic, but if you look hard enough, they can get an idea of what’s coming.

“Two decades is a long time in this business,” said Schmelzel. “We’ve tried to adapt.”

Big Daddy’s has outlasted other downtown sandwich shops including Panera Bread, Jimmy John’s and Quiznos.

“I’m excited to bring a brand new product downtown,” Schmelzel said, adding that he’s received great reactions from the community.

TIF funding made improvements possible

Schmelzel’s company, Smeez Inc., received tax increment financing from the city to assist with the recent renovation and addition of the deli to Big Daddy’s.

Securing the TIF from the city was “a big deal, a big factor in helping us stay downtown,” Schmelzel said in January.

The $130,000 renovation plan allowed him to make updates that included capital improvements (HVAC, roof repairs, electrical and plumbing updates), cosmetic changes and the addition of a new kitchen.

The agreement also allowed the addition of the gaming room, improvements to the patio and the updates to the building’s facade.

Part of the agreement with the city included the addition of 10-15 new jobs during the first year of operation while retaining the 10 existing positions.

It’s about supporting local businesses

In addition to the deli, Schmelzel said there’s a lot to look forward to in downtown Belleville.

“We – Big Daddy’s and Downtown Belleville – have a busy calendar of events” over the next few months, he said.

Events include the ‘80s Pub Crawl, Oktoberfest, Pridefest, Chili Cook-Off and the city’s Halloween events – Witches Brew Walk, Trunk or Treat and Halloween pub crawl.

In running his business and through his relationships with fellow business owners, Schmelzel said what he does has been “all about supporting local for the last 20 years.”

About Big Daddy’s 618

Big Daddy’s 618, located at 313 E. Main St. in Belleville, first opened in April 2005.

Hours for the month of August are 3 p.m. to closing Wednesday-Saturday. Business hours will change when the deli opens in September.

For updates and more information, visit the Big Daddy’s 618 Facebook page.

This story was originally published August 11, 2025 at 1:38 PM.