News Releases

Leadership Conference recognizes contributions of associates; Mitchell’s Ocean Club named top restaurant

COLUMBUS (August 22, 2011):  Five Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR) associates from central Ohio have been recognized for outstanding performance at the company’s annual Leadership Conference, which was held in Napa Valley, California in early August.

“As our company continues to grow, we acknowledge how fortunate our company has been to attract and retain the best available talent in the hospitality industry,” said David Miller, CMR executive vice president.  “At Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, our commitment is to have great people delivering genuine hospitality, it’s not just something we say, it’s at the core of who we are.  We couldn’t do that without individuals like those who were recognized this year.”

Mitchell’s Ocean Club, located at Easton Town Center in Columbus, Ohio, was named Restaurant of the Year.  Leading that restaurant’s success are General Manager Jeff Shupe of Hilliard and Executive Chef Jared Yazvac of Columbus.

2011 Leadership Awards also were given to Jenn Rossi, general manager of Marcella’s in Columbus’s Short North, who was named General Manager of the Year and is a resident of Columbus; and Cliff Cannon, a resident of Gahanna who was named Dining Room Manager of the Year.

The distinguished Cameron Mitchell Award was given to Ian Rough of Whitehall, regional executive chef, for his leadership in the company.

In other markets, Shawn O’Brien was named Sous Chef of the year for his service at Ocean Prime Orlando, and Sonny Pache of Ocean Prime Dallas, a resident of Victory Park, was named Executive Chef of the Year.

“Nowhere is the extraordinary leadership within our company more apparent than it is with these seven associates,” said Miller.  “They have earned these awards, and we thank them sincerely for their dedication to our company and to the guests we welcome to our restaurants each day.” 

New chef rises through Cameron Mitchell Restaurants to lead company’s marquee restaurant

M, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants’ (CMR) marquee restaurant, has named Jay Cotrell, a 15-year veteran of the restaurant business, as executive chef.  Cotrell most recently served CMR as executive chef of Marcella’s Italian Ristorante in Columbus’ Short North community.

Cotrell joined CMR in 2006, during his tenure in the Columbus State Community College Chef Apprenticeship program, as an apprentice at Molly Woo’s.  During his apprenticeship, he won several awards in student cooking competitions, including being named Apprentice of the year.

A rising star at CMR, Cotrell joined Marcella’s for its grand opening in 2007.  He quickly was promoted from his first position as lead trainer to sous chef and then to executive chef.

“It has been an honor to spend my career as a chef working with Cameron Mitchell Restaurants,” said Cotrell.  “My work as an executive chef provides me with the opportunity to infuse our menus with passion and spontaneity and to develop exquisite selections for our guests.”

“Jay sets himself apart at Cameron Mitchell for his extraordinary kitchen skills and culinary expertise,” said Brian Hinshaw, CMR vice president and executive corporate chef.  “We couldn’t be more pleased that he has chosen to make his career with our restaurants.  Now, guests at M can experience his incredible talents in the same way those who enjoy Marcella’s already have had the opportunity to do.”

M is an elite Four Diamond property, as designated by AAA.  M is one of only two restaurants in Columbus and 756 nationwide to receive the prestigious rating.

Open Monday through Saturday for dinner, M is located on the first level of the Miranova office tower in downtown Columbus, and boasts one of Columbus’s most extraordinary patio views.  For more information, please call (614) 629-0000 or visit the restaurant online at www.matmiranova.com.  For the convenience of guests, reservations are always accepted, and valet parking is provided.

Five local associates recognized at company’s annual Leadership Conference

COLUMBUS (October 1, 2010):  Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR) today announced that five central Ohio associates were among those recognized at the restaurant company’s annual Leadership Conference, which was held on September 14 in Columbus, Ohio.

“Each of these individuals exemplifies what Cameron Mitchell Restaurants is all about – great people delivering genuine hospitality,” said Chuck Kline, CMR vice president of operations.  “There is no doubt that these associates represent the best of the best within our company, and we extend our congratulations and appreciation to them for their outstanding service to our organization and to the guests we serve.”

Among those recognized with 2010 Leadership Awards are Jeremy Hughes of Columbus, who was named Dining Room Manager of the Year for his work at Cap City Diner in Grandview; Jamie Kline of Plain City, named Executive Chef of the Year for CMR Catering Company; and Dennis Gehring of Lewis Center, who was named General Manager of the Year for his work at Marcella’s Polaris.

In addition, Heather Leonard received the distinguished 2010 Cameron Mitchell Award.  Leonard, a resident of Hilliard, serves the CMR corporate office as regional marketing director.

Eugenio Reyes, of CMR’s Ocean Prime Dallas, was named Sous Chef of the Year.

Marcella’s Italian Ristorante in the Short North was selected as Restaurant of the Year for the company.  Marcella’s recently received the 2010 Achievement of Excellence award from the American Culinary Federation, an award that honors concepts that illustrate excellence in the culinary arts and have exceptional food and beverage programs.