Big Daddy’s in Belleville set to close, but owners get TIF incentive to remodel building
Big Daddy’s 618 in downtown Belleville is set to close at the end of March 2025, its owner, Scott Schmelzel, announced in May.
Monday night, Schmelzel entered into a development agreement with the city which will provide reimbursement for improvements he makes to the Big Daddy’s building at 313 E. Main St.
According to the agreement approved by the city council Monday, Smeez, Inc. will receive a reimbursement of $32,500 from tax increment financing (TIF) district 17, which covers a large portion of downtown Belleville along East Main Street.
Schmelzel declined to provide details of the plans for the building.
But in order for him to receive the reimbursement, the agreement states, Smeez, Inc. must complete the following terms:
Invest no less than $130,000 for the remodeling of the existing building by Sept. 1, 2025;
Create two full-time employment positions within the first year of operation;
Create 10 additional part-time positions within two years of operation;
Commit to annual sales subject to sales tax of no less than $800,000;
Smeez, Inc. has to remain and operate at the site for no less than five years;
Schmelzel and business partner James Sinovic announced earlier this year that they plan to close Big Daddy’s 618 after 20 years in business, giving a closing date of March 31, 2025.
The building and adjoining patio have been available for purchase for the last 10 years. The price was reduced from $699,000 to $599,000 to help entice potential buyers.
Schmelzel told the BND in May that they’re “looking to recruit a business for this property that matches the energy and quality of this downtown.”
Big Daddy’s 618 first opened in April 2005. The popular restaurant and bar was one of four locations that included the original Big Daddy’s Soulard, which opened in 1999 and is still operating at 1000 Sidney St. in St. Louis.
Big Daddy’s on Laclede’s Landing, at 118 Morgan St., closed in January 2021 due to COVID. A fourth location opened at 132 N. Main St. in Edwardsville in August 2008 and remains open today.
Updates for the development of 313 E. Main St. will be reported as new information becomes available.
This story was originally published December 18, 2024 at 5:30 AM.
