Big Man's Cafe will open its second location in Ocala on Friday, December 6.
Big Man's Cafe will open its second location in Ocala on Friday, December 6. Credit: Big Man's Cafe

A restaurant that has been serving soul food in “big man” quantities out of east Ocala will open its second location in the city this week.

Big Man’s Cafe will open its new restaurant at 9425 SE Maricamp Road on Friday, December 6. The restaurant replaces the former Southern Eatery within the Silver Springs Shores community.

Big Man’s Cafe is owned and operated by Christian J. Gerald, Sr., who opened his first location in Ocala just over two years ago.

Big Man's Cafe, which is located at 1011 NE 14th Street, is working on its second location in Ocala.
Big Man’s Cafe opened its first location at 1011 NE 14th Street in Ocala over two years ago. Credit: Ocala-News.com Staff

Since opening at 1011 NE 14th Street, the original Big Man’s Cafe has developed a loyal customer base due to its extensive menu and ample portions.

The restaurant bills itself as making “Southern food with soul,” offering several classic dishes including ribs, smothered chicken, fried pork chops, and stewed beef.

Pork chops and mixed rice
Pork chops are among the many traditional soul dishes served at Big Man’s Cafe in Ocala.

Breakfast options include meat choices like steak and wings, and dessert offerings include quarter-sized pie pieces.

The restaurant also features several classic side dishes, including seasoned rice, mashed potatoes, candied yams, collard greens, French fries, coleslaw, and mac and cheese.

Will you make it out to try the new restaurant? Share your comments below.

Jeremiah Delgado has lived in Florida for over 25 years, moving to the Sunshine State from Chicago, Illinois in 1999, just before his 11th birthday. While living in Winter Springs, Florida, Delgado attended...