Business & Tech

Birmingham 4-Star Restaurant Has New Executive Chef

Gabby Milton, of Ferndale, has contributed fresh, creative menu items to evolving menu at Big Rock Chophouse in Birmingham, owners say.

BIRMINGHAM, MI – Big Rock Chophouse has a new executive chef, Ferndale resident Gabby Milton, who joined the restaurant as its executive sous chef two years ago.

The announcement was made Wednesday by Big Rock Chophouse owners Norman and Bonnie LePage.

Milton replaces Matthew Fitchett, who recently left the restaurant to work at Pine Lake Country Club.

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In her new role, Milton will be responsible for overseeing the day-to-day back of the house operations of the Big Rock Chophouse’s 4-Star restaurant, its private dining facility, The Reserve, and all off-site catering events. She will train and manage a team of 30 while creating and overseeing the restaurant’s award-winning menu.

Milton has more than 10 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industry. She began her career in 2006 as co-owner of the Menu Manager, a dinner design studio offering easy meal preparation, catering, kids cooking camps, wholesale food delivery, and other food-related services, in Midland. This is where she discovered her love for food and decided to sell her half of the business in 2007 to attend culinary school.

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In 2009, Milton graduated from the Texas Culinary Academy, a Le Cordon Bleu school, receiving her degree in Culinary Arts. After graduation, she interned with Walt Disney World in Florida, where she worked in the global banquets and catering department for six months. She then moved back to Texas and served as a catering chef at Villa St. Clair, a wedding and special events facility.

Wanting to be closer to her family, Milton decided to move back to Michigan in 2011 and accepted a job at the acclaimed H Hotel, in Midland. She spent two years there before joining Big Rock Chophouse as executive sous chef in April 2014.

In making the announcement of Milton’s promotion the Pages said she has been instrumental in the evolution of the Big Rock Chophouse menu with “amazing fresh and creative menu items.”

Milton, who enjoys traveling, said her experiences from all over the world have influenced her passion for food and culinary style. She appreciates trying new things everywhere she goes and her philosophy when it comes to food is simplicity and attention to detail.

Throughout May, a special appetizers are available to welcome Milton the executive chef position at Big Rock Chophouse, 245 S. Eton St. Hours are from 11 a.m. – 10 p.m., Monday through Thursday; 11 a.m – midnight Fridays and noon – midnight on Saturdays. Besides the restaurant, the business also includes The Reserve, a banquet facility, and the Got Rocks Diamond Crown Cigar Lounge. More information online at bigrockchophouse.com.

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