Rockhill: Pizza and steaks return to a Cherry Hill landmark

Big John's Steaks & Pizza cast a big shadow during its 30 years on Route 70 in Cherry Hill before it closed in late 2012 and moved to West Berlin.

Last spring, the building, on the westbound lanes near Route 295, was razed.

New owner Andrew Welder, who as a youngster ate his first pizza at Big John's, not only built a modern metel structure on the same site, he has set out to reimagine the tried-and-true Philly pizza-shop menu. With the bonus of a milkshake bar.

Last week, Welder opened Rockhill (1800 Route 70 East, 856-424-4455), after the restaurant's cross street.

Welder, whose family has owned Pepper Mill in West Chester since 1982, is a grad of Cornell University's hospitality school.  He is backed by Marc Oppen, who most recently ran Ocean Prime in Center City.

Rockhill has the look and feel of a diner - concrete floor, open ceiling, brisk waitress service, counter service (with TVs), and takeout counter.

Welder said he's going for a downscale vibe with an upscale quality. His staff grinds meat for the burgers, which are started on a sizzling cast-iron griddle before they're finished on a flat-top.

It's also offering a greater-than-the-average selection of gluten-free items.

Menu is here.

Hours are 10:30 a.m. to 9 p.m. Monday to Thursday, till 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday, and till 8:30 p.m. Sunday.