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    Cameron Mitchell Restaurants Turn 20

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    When Columbus native Cameron Mitchell opened the doors of his first restaurant, Cameron’s American Bistro, on October 5, 1993, he could not anticipate it would be the beginning of a legacy. He wanted to build something that would last, a place where his family could come to grow, a neighborhood joint that felt like it belonged to all in the community.

    Cameron’s American Bistro, located at 2185 West Dublin-Granville Road in Linworth, set the precedent for a family of restaurants now known as the CMR Group (Cameron Mitchell Restaurants), which currently operates 19 restaurants under 8 different concepts, including Cap City Diner, Molly Woo’s Asian Bistro, and most recently, The Pearl, in the heart of the Short North.

    CMR’s sister company, the Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern, has been a successful franchise for 11 years, and currently includes 14 eateries scattered throughout Ohio, Indiana, and Michaigan.

    In the past 20 years, Mitchell has received several awards including the Silver Plate Award from the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association in 2007, and the Golden Chain Award from Nation’s Restaurant News in 2009. M, CMR’s marquee restaurant, has also been named a Four Diamond property by AAA.

    Mitchell attributes his success to the people who work for him. A noted company man, Mitchell primarily promotes from within, which not only makes for a loyal staff, but one that is as invested in being the best as he is.

    An average 85% of his management staff all began their careers with CMR at other positions. Associates regularly become GMs, team leaders, and primary restaurant operators, a practice Mitchell implemented years ago that’s still par for the course today.

    “We like to provide opportunity for our people to move up in our team, and to create their own teams,” Mitchell shared when asked about the secret to his continued success. “A lot of our folks work hard, and are committed to what they’re a part of, which makes working feel a lot more like spending time with friends and family, not just making a pay check. It’s that passion, that love, that keeps me, and really, everything, going.”

    The CMR Group will be opening two new restaurants in the upcoming year: an American grille in The Lane in Upper Arlington, and a steakhouse in Gahanna at 1370 East Johnstown Road.

    For a complete list of the CMR family of restaurants and what they have to offer, visit www.cameronmitchell.com.

    For an extended interview with Cameron from earlier this year, CLICK HERE.

    Photo by Walker Evans.

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    Ayana Wilson
    Ayana Wilsonhttps://columbusunderground.com
    Ayana Wilson is a former staff writer at Columbus Underground who covered local restaurant industry news.
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