The city of Miami is mourning the loss of Bill Archer, the beloved owner of "The Big Cheese," who passed away at the age of 71. Local 10 News confirmed his death on Friday, prompting an outpouring of tributes from the community. Archer’s pizza restaurant, which he owned for over 40 years, became a cherished local landmark.
The Big Cheese, which opened in 1984, became a Miami staple known for its Italian dishes and strong connection to the University of Miami. It was the official sponsor of the university’s athletic department and served not only current athletes but also past Hurricane legends, building a lasting bond with the community.
In 2019, The Big Cheese was recognized as Senate Small Business of the Week by U.S. Senator Marco Rubio, who told Local 10, "The Big Cheese is not just a great restaurant; they are also an incredible supporter of the Miami community. During the aftermath of Hurricane Irma, they donated food to the Monroe County Emergency Operations Center. The Big Cheese is also the official sponsor of the University of Miami Athletic department, providing both the Hurricanes and their competitors with pre-game meals."
Tributes have poured in across social media, including an Instagram post by miamistadium, which remembered Archer as a key figure in Miami’s culture. The post highlighted his role in feeding UM students and athletes since the '80s, calling it "Quite a legacy, fam" reflecting the deep respect Archer earned within the community.
The Big Cheese continues to operate at 8080 SW 67 Avenue.
