By NOAH WORTHAM | Senior Editor

ALABASTER – Construction has begun to renovate the former O’Charley’s building in Alabaster into a new Big Whiskey’s restaurant.

The opening of a Big Whiskey restaurant in Alabaster was first announced in January. On Wednesday, August 22, the City of Alabaster announced that the developer had begun renovations on the restaurant in the South Promenade shopping center at 285 South Colonial Drive.

“Big Whiskey’s family-friendly atmosphere goes hand in hand with the family-friendly atmosphere of the Alabaster community,” said Big Whiskey co-owner Paul Sundy in an official press release in January.

The City of Alabaster’s Downtown Redevelopment Authority approved a facade design grant earlier this year to support extensive renovations to the facility. According to minutes from the authority’s April 10 meeting, various renovations will be done on the building’s exterior, including work on the outdoor patio and seating area, removal of hardboard and siding, and possibly a mural.

The original opening date was set for July, but during the meeting with the redevelopment authority, a new opening date was tentatively set for October. However, exterior renovations began in August, and during the meeting it was reported that the facility will take four months to build.

Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant & Bar’s new location in Alabaster is the second announced in the county, following a second location in Hoover announced for Tattersall Park near Publix in March 2023. The first location in Hoover opened its doors in 2020 and is located at Stadium Trace.

Big Whiskey’s American Restaurant & Bar offers lunch, dinner and weekend brunch with a menu that offers a wide variety of choices.

Appetizer highlights include Chicken Bacon Ranch Fries, Boom Boom Shrimps, Buffalo Chicken Dip and Wontons, Southwest Egg Rolls, Nachos and more.

The company also offers various wings in different flavors as well as several salads and soups to choose from. The main menu consists of seafood, steaks, ribs, pork chops, burgers, chicken, sandwiches, wraps, pasta and tacos.

The restaurant also offers a full bar with a selection of different drinks including margaritas, cocktails, fishbowls, beer, wine and whiskey.