He was a prominent figure in the local restaurant scene, opening the Big Cheese in 1984 with his business partner and co-owner Garry Duell. The neighborhood eatery — a mainstay in the community for nearly four decades — is known for its old school, no frills, pizza, Italian dishes, seafood, and family-friendly atmosphere. It's also known for Archer, who treated every guest like a family member.
According to his business partner Duell, Archer's health had been failing him for some time. "He was battling several health fronts in the past five months," Duell wrote on Instagram. "Kidney, heart, and skin were all failing. He was scheduled for a heart surgery on March 19 but never made it to the date."
Longtime customers of the Big Cheese immediately took to the comments, writing, "I am so sorry and so saddened to hear this. Our family loves the Big Cheese community, even now while living out of state. What a beautifully and harmoniously run establishment. Bill will be missed so much. Continue the good work in his legacy and memory," and "He’d let our men’s group meet there every Wednesday. He would sometimes join us, and we’d pray together. What an amazing man and what a legacy he leaves behind with the Big Cheese."
From left: business partners Garry Duell and the late Bill Archer in front of the South Miami staple the Big Cheese
The Big Cheese photo
A South Miami Institution that Will Live On in His Memory by Devoted Customers and University of Miami Students
Over the years, the Big Cheese earned a loyal following, especially among University of Miami fans and students. Archer was a fixture in the community, feeding generations of Miami Hurricanes athletes and supporting local charities, always willing to lend a hand to those in need."I have known Bill since we were eight and 11 years of age," Duell added. "As partners in the Big Cheese, we never had any issues and took on the challenges of running a restaurant head-on and together! He was the day-to-day man in the dining room [and] the kitchen, always roaming the premises when not in the office making deals with our vendors. Brother Bill was so highly regarded in the community! Bill was extremely generous; never a charity he didn’t say yes to! His beloved UM baseball and football were huge with Bill. When UM won several National Champions, Bill would actually get a ring! He was part of the team, keeping them fed with those carbs!"
Besides classic cheese, mushroom, and pepperoni pies, the restaurant’s signature "Miami Slice" pizza stands out, topped with sweet baked ham, pineapple, ricotta cheese, and cinnamon. On the menu, the Big Cheese makes all its products with two percent part-skim cheese, the "best and most expensive cheese in the country," according to its website. In addition to pizza, the menu boasts hearty Italian pasta dishes, as well as big cheese buffalo wings, Italian poppers, New England clam chowder, and beer-battered onion rings.
Despite Archer's passing, the Big Cheese will continue to serve customers at its location on 8080 SW 67th Ave.
How to Attend Bill Archer's Celebration of Life in Pinecrest
Those looking to pay their respects can honor Archer's life at the "Celebration of William B. Archer's Life," a ceremony that will be held on March 14 at 1 p.m. at Christ The King Lutheran Church located at 11295 SW 57 Ave., Miami. Pizza, Caesar salad, and soft drinks from the Big Cheese will be served at a small reception following the ceremony out on the garden terrace under the oak trees."Please join me in a prayer for Bill, that he's at peace and makin' pizzas up in heaven!" concludes Duell, surely with a smile. May he rest in peace.
The Big Cheese. 8080 SW 67th Ave., Miami; 305-662-6855; bigcheesemiami.com.
