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South Miami’s beloved Big Cheese Italian restaurant recently reopened after undergoing what longtime owner Garry Duell describes as a building facelift both inside and outside. As one customer put it, “The Big Cheese still has the wonderful atmosphere but it’s spruced up a bit.”
Duell says, “We put on a new roof, which now looks kind of reminiscent of an Italian villa, painted the interior and reframed all of the memorabilia on The Big Cheese Walls of Fame. We also upgraded the kitchen in stainless steel and added a much-needed non-skid epoxy floor.”
The point-of-sale system was also automated to increase efficiency and speed. Now, when a customer contacts the restaurant by phone or on the website, they can place orders, including catering orders, for pick up or delivery.
Those aren’t the only additions to The Big Cheese, though.
Duell recounts how a family friend named Christian Arrabal of AdviseCRE was inquiring about real estate in the area in 2025 and learned that Felipe Grabiel, owner of Walls Old Fashioned Ice Cream across the street from The Big Cheese, had a situation with his landlord and would have to close Walls.
Arrabal knew that Duell had a food truck up for sale so he told Grabiel to give him a call. As a result, late last year Walls Old Fashioned Ice Cream reopened in Duell’s newly renovated food truck and is back in business on the south side of the The Big Cheese. Ironically, The Big Cheese’s first location was where Walls used to be. The restaurant moved to its current location in 1993.
“Our customers loved to eat a meal at The Big Cheese and then walk over to Walls for ice cream,” says Duell. “Now they can enjoy lunch or dinner, and then step outside and have their favorite ice cream without crossing busy 67th Avenue. It’s the perfect combination for them and for us.”
According to Grabiel, Duell’s timing of the food truck offer was perfect.
“Garry has been great. He’s very straightforward and accommodating. He wants us to succeed because he realizes we’re in a symbiotic relationship. We’re serving 99 percent of the Walls offerings that we had at the original location.”
The Big Cheese was founded in 1984 by Duell and his childhood friend Bill Archer, who passed away last year. Archer was a native Miamian who learned to make pizza right out of high school. He then moved to California where he honed his pizza skills.
“By all accounts, Bill was a wizard when it came to making pizza,” says Duell.
For 42 years since its inception, the restaurant has been a favorite of local families and University of Miami students, especially the Hurricanes football team.
“The players and coaches from football, baseball and basketball love it here because the food is great and reasonably priced,” says Duell. “They enjoy seeing all the UM memorabilia adorning the walls. They’ve all been here, from the late Coach Ron Fraser and Coach Dennis Erickson to Craig Erickson, Alonzo Highsmith, Melvin Bratton and The Rock. Now, Coach Cristobal is keeping the winning tradition going.”
Miami attorney Bill Gregory has been a frequent patron of The Big Cheese since the restaurant first opened in 1984.
“The Big Cheese is one of my family’s favorite places and we’ve gone there innumerable times,” Gregory says. “It’s just good food, very satisfying. Every Christmas Eve, I pick up tubs of ziti, lasagna and garlic rolls. The restaurant is crazy busy that night but it’s a beloved Gregory family tradition.”
Duell attributes his restaurant’s success to a number of factors: great Italian food, large portions, a family atmosphere and a tremendous staff.
“There’s something for everyone at The Big Cheese,” he says. “Many of our employees have been with us for more than 20 years and they know our customers. We’re keeping the tradition going in Bill’s honor. His youngest daughter, Ally Archer, and my oldest son, Garrett Duell, are also contributing at the Big Cheese. I’m confident Brother Bill is smiling down from heaven, pleased with what’s happening.”
The Big Cheese is located at 8080 SW 67th Avenue in South Miami. For more information, visit bigcheesemiami.com or call 305-662-6855.
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