Hotel and Big Mike's Steakhouse coming to Bay Minette

By KAYLA GREEN
Executive Editor
kayla@gulfcoastmedia.com
Posted 1/29/25

Baldwin County is growing, if you haven't heard, and Bay Minette is getting in on the action.

Cobblestone Hotels and Big Mike's Steakhouse are bringing their recognizable names to the county …

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Hotel and Big Mike's Steakhouse coming to Bay Minette

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Baldwin County is growing, if you haven't heard, and Bay Minette is getting in on the action.

Cobblestone Hotels and Big Mike's Steakhouse are bringing their recognizable names to the county seat in Baldwin's northern area, marking a milestone in the city's downtown revitalization efforts through an ongoing collaboration between the City of Bay Minette, North Baldwin Utilities, the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance and other local partners. The development is fueled by the momentum of Novelis's transformative investment in the area.

"The City of Bay Minette is very excited about the decision of Big Mike's Restaurant and Cobblestone Hotels to locate in our downtown area," Mayor Bob Wills said. "We have been working very hard over the past several years to bring new restaurants and hotels, not only for our city but in particular for our downtown. We believe that the addition of Big Mike's and Cobblestone will act as a catalyst to bring more people to our downtown area, which will, in turn, make it more attractive for other restaurants and retailers to locate here."

Cobblestone Hotels will bring its Mainstreet by Cobblestone concept to the corner of McMillian Avenue and D'Olive Street. The 40,000-square-foot hotel will have 54 rooms, including six extended stay suites, and offer amenities such as an indoor pool, fitness center, a complimentary hot breakfast and free Wi-Fi. Guests will immerse themselves in Bay Minette's rich heritage, with each room featuring historical artwork that highlights the community's charm. Cobblestone will create 10 new jobs, with construction estimated to begin in March and be open for summer 2026.

"There has long been a significant need for hotel rooms here," Wills said. "Not only will Cobblestone fulfill this need, but they will have the greater effect of bringing more groups to Bay Minette for various meetings, seminars, court-related events and the like."

Complimenting this development is Big Mike's Steakhouse — an Alabama favorite with six locations, including one in Orange Beach — which will soon open on North Hoyle Avenue in downtown Bay Minette. Known for its premium steaks and welcoming atmosphere, the restaurant will offer afternoon and dinner service, creating an estimated 40 new jobs for the community. Construction will begin in the coming weeks, and the restaurant is estimated to be open in July.

"Big Mike's has a great track record in other cities similar to us in bringing patrons to the downtown area," Wills said. "We anticipate that they will be equally as successful in Bay Minette."

Wills said he sees these projects as just the beginning of a new era of growth for Bay Minette.

"The vibrancy of its downtown area is the key to the health and progress of any city. With the addition of Big Mike's and Cobblestone Hotel, we are very optimistic and excited about the future of Bay Minette," he said.

These announcements come as Novelis, a global leader in aluminum recycling, makes progress on its $4.1 billion investment in an aluminum manufacturing facility set to create 1,000 jobs in North Baldwin.

"The economic impact of Novelis in North Baldwin County is already evident, and we're only beginning to see the ripple effects of this generational economic development project," said Lee Lawson, president and CEO of the Baldwin County Economic Development Alliance. "The arrival of Cobblestone Hotels and Big Mike's Steakhouse reflects the growth and opportunity in Bay Minette, benefitting businesses and residents for years to come by bringing sales and lodging tax revenue and helping to revitalize downtown. I applaud the dedication of Mayor Bob Wills and Bay Minette leaders in driving these projects and meaningful progress for the community."