RESERVE STORY
 

When Norm and Bonnie LePage opened the Big Rock Chop House eight years ago, they set the standard in this area for upscale steak restaurants.  Now they're back again with the opening of The Reserve, a premier banquet hall designed to host an array of social, corporate and community events.  Located next to the Big Rock Chop House at the corner of Maple Road and Eton, the new facility opens this month.  Norm LePage said the 6,800 square-foot hall was designed to reflect Cranbrook, Meadow Brook Hall and other manors found around Birmingham and Bloomfield Hills, making the guests feel as if they entered a private estate. 

And the close proximity between the restaurant and banquet facility will provide a huge benefit for anyone holding a formal event that's likely to last longer than a couple hours. "When people host a wedding or bar mitzvah, it's more than just a one day affair," he said. "We see a real plus in being able to host a complete weekend of memorable events within one location.  Families can enjoy a Friday evening rehearsal dinner for the bride and groom at Big Rock, prior to a Saturday night wedding at The Reserve, followed by drinks at our popular martini bar - Got Rocks, or a Sunday brunch back at Big Rock."
 

Mahogany wood, vaulted ceilings, a stone and granite fireplace, custom-designed glass chandeliers and other elegant touches add to The Reserve's residential character.  State-of-the art features also add to its ambiance. Among those is special overhead LED lighting that can be programmed to enhance the mood or theme of an event. The main dining area, all 3,600 square feet of it, can be divided into two rooms.  The entire facility, including the reception area, can be opened into a single large room and hold up to 300 guests.
 

The new facility will be a welcomed addition to the Eton Street corridor, which is quickly redeveloping itself with townhouses and mixed-use developments. It becomes the only stand-alone banquet hall in the entire area.  And the attention to detail is apparent the moment you walk into the facility, from original artwork to textured wall coverings accented by select iridescent tiles. General Manager Vera Day Rizer said The Reserve will offer the same level of excellence and hospitality that's become a standard at the Big Rock Chop House.  "Our whole goal is to make sure that anyone hosting an event will feel like they're coming into our home, and they'll be treated like an honored guest," she said.  "We're here to create a once-in-a-lifetime experience for our guests. I'm never going to give someone a party without making sure it's worth every penny they spent."