News Releases

COLUMBUS, OH, May 7, 2008 - With the start of spring, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR) is once again readying its restaurants for the season’s hottest dining trend - al fresco, or outdoor, dining.

While al fresco dining has always been a staple of the restaurant industry, its appeal in recent years has grown significantly. This is good news for CMR, which increases its overall dining space by one-third when patios open for business at the company's ten restaurants.

"Outdoor dining not only allows us to offer an alternative dining experience for our guests, but also enhances our seating capacities significantly," said Carolyn Delp, vice president of marketing for CMR. "As the temperature rises, guests are eager to be outside. We are glad to be able to provide this dining experience for our guests."

In total, CMR locations offer an additional 272 seats in outdoor dining spaces.

Delp said entertainment is frequently provided on the patios at many of the company's restaurants. At Cap City in Grandview, weekly band performances add to the exciting outdoor atmosphere and have made the restaurant a sought-after destination for diners.

The patio at M, CMR's premier fine dining location, offers an extraordinary view of the downtown Columbus skyline and is a favorite nighttime dining spot during the warmer months. Mitchell's Ocean Club at Easton Town Center also features an outdoor, wrap around terrace that opens to the restaurant’s cocktail lounge and piano bar.

Nine of the 10 Rusty Bucket Corner Taverns, managed by CMR, also provide patio seating. New Ocean Prime restaurants opening in Michigan, Arizona and Florida will feature expansive outdoor dining spaces as well.

Certified Master Chef Hartmut Handke of Handke’s Cuisine and Chef Jeff Hostenske of M, a Cameron Mitchell Restaurant faced-off in an Iron Chef-style competition on April 25th to benefit the Columbus Museum of Art.  Chef Showdown 2008, staged in the spacious Lifestyle Communities Pavilion, pitted Handke and Hostenske against one another in a friendly, live cook-off in front of more than 500 guests.  The two chefs thrilled the crowd with their skill and showmanship. 

The secret ingredient, creatively presented moments before the cook-off began, was Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers.  Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers are fresh, never frozen premium chicken tenderloins that are marinated for 24 hours.  They are cooked to order until crisp, golden brown.  The chefs creatively incorporated the Raising Cane’s Chicken Fingers and Secret Sauce in their dishes to be judged.  Judges for the event were Honorary Lead Judge, Chef Hubert Seifert of Spagio’s; co-founder and CEO of Sugardaddy’s Sumptuous Sweeties®, Mark Ballard; Jeni Britton owner of Jeni’s Ice Creams; Robin Davis from Dispatch Kitchen; and Tim McCarthy, the winning bidder of the evening’s auction. 

After the closing gong was rung and the judges had tasted the freshly prepared dishes Chef Jeff Hostenske was declared the winner.

Besides being entertained by extraordinary cooking skills, patrons were treated to fabulous food and desserts catered by Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, Handke’s Cuisine and Pistacia Vera.  Emcee Dom Timberi from WBNS -10TV kept the crowd in high spirits.  While expert commentary from Molly O’Neill of New York City kept the crowd informed.

Deb Susi and Sheryl Zangardi were co-chairs of Chef Showdown 2008.  Twenty-six Women’s Board members served on the Showdown Executive Committee. The event raised over $100,000 for the museum.

As you are likely aware, in February 2008, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants completed the sale of our Fish Market and steakhouse restaurants.  Those restaurants now are owned and operated by Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Inc.  

Our success leading up to these changes has been the loyalty of our guests, like you, who regularly dined at our restaurants through our years of growth.  For that, you have my deepest gratitude.

We hope to continue our relationship with you as you dine at our remaining restaurants – Marcella’s, Mitchell’s Ocean Club, Cap City Diner, Cameron’s, M, Ocean Prime, Martini and Molly Woo’s.  There, you will continue to find the extraordinary guest experience and exceptional food you have come to expect from a Cameron Mitchell restaurant.

I again want to thank you for your support of our restaurants, and I hope I can continue to count you among our most valued guests.  

 

Cameron Mitchell and Associates

Company also names new general manager of restaurant

M, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants’ (CMR) marquee restaurant, has been named an elite Four Diamond property by AAA.  M is one of only three restaurants in Columbus and 756 nationwide to receive the prestigious rating this year.  This is the second consecutive year that M has received the rating.

“It is an honor that M has been named among this elite group of restaurants again this year,” said Cameron Mitchell, president and founder of CMR.  “Our associates are at the heart of our accomplishments, and receiving a Four Diamond rating is a tribute to the dedication and extraordinary effort of every member of our team.”

AAA’s Diamond rating system, adopted in 1977, is North America’s premier rating program.  Each year, AAA’s professional field representatives conduct unannounced visits to rigorously evaluate accommodations and establishments throughout the U.S., Canada, Caribbean and Mexico.  Facilities that meet strict quality guidelines are assigned an overall rating of one to five Diamonds. 

A Four Diamond rating recognizes excellence in service, food quality and presentation and facility atmosphere and décor.  To receive this rating, establishments must consistently deliver a luxury experience.  Less than three percent of the 60,000 AAA-approved and Diamond rated properties achieve this distinction. 

“AAA members recognize and trust the Diamond rating system,” said Kristen Luff, who was recently named general manager of M.  “Because they use the system to select restaurants and accommodations, it is a privilege to receive the Four Diamond designation.”

Luff brings more than 11 years of experience in the foodservice industry to M.  Joining Cameron Mitchell Restaurants in 1999, she has held leadership positions at several of the company’s restaurants.  Most recently, she served as assistant manager of Mitchell’s Steakhouse Polaris.

“We are pleased to have someone of Kristen’s caliber lead M,” said Mitchell.  “Kristen brings a strong knowledge of our company, a passion for fine food and wine and a love of the foodservice industry to her new position. We are very fortunate to have her as a member of our team.” 

Open Monday through Saturday for dinner, M is located on the first level of the Miranova office tower in downtown Columbus.  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.

Holiday to be marked with traditional lion dances and special menu items

Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR) will celebrate Chinese New Year at Molly Woo’s, located at the grand entrance to Polaris Fashion Place, from Feb. 7 to Feb. 21, 2008.  Special menu items and traditional lion dances will bring the festivities of the holiday to Columbus-area diners. 

During the two-week celebration at Molly Woo’s, guests will have the opportunity to enjoy special Chinese New Year menu items, including duck potstickers, tangerine glazed duck, chicken and asparagus and coconut ice cream.  Symbolic lion dances also will take place to usher in the New Year and bestow good luck upon guests.

The lion dances, featuring an internationally known dance troupe led by Sifu Naayers, will be performed on Feb. 11 and Feb. 18 beginning at 7:30 p.m.  Fireworks will start the festivities as two lion dancers (each lion consists of two people), a Buddha, drummer, gong player and three cymbal players make their way around the restaurant entertaining guests.

Chinese New Year begins on the first day of the first lunar month in the Chinese calendar, which is Feb. 7 this year, and ends on the Lantern Festival fourteen days later.  Each year is traditionally represented by one of 12 animals.  2008 is the Year of the Rat. 

Dinner reservations are recommended for the evenings of the lion dances and can be made by calling 614-985-9667.  For more information about the Chinese New Year celebration at Molly Woo’s, visit www.cameronmitchell.com.

Company to focus on developing new concepts, expanding existing concepts

COLUMBUS – Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR) today announced that the company has agreed to sell its Columbus Fish Market, Mitchell’s Fish Market, Mitchell’s Steakhouse and Cameron’s Steakhouse concepts to Ruth’s Chris Steak House, Inc. (Nasdaq: RUTH) for $94 million.

“This is an extraordinary opportunity for our company.  Although this is a bittersweet time for me personally, the sale paves the way to achieve our goals of innovation and expansion,” said Cameron Mitchell, president and founder of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants.  “It also provides the resources needed to help the Fish Market and Steakhouse concepts thrive and realize their potential, which will bring significant opportunities for those associates.”

According to Mitchell, the sale will allow the company to focus on the expansion of two highly successful concepts – Mitchell’s Ocean Club and Marcella’s – and to develop new concepts and bring them to the market. Cameron Mitchell Restaurants has four Mitchell’s Ocean Club locations scheduled to open in 2008 alone (Troy, MI and Scottsdale, AZ; and signed letters of intent in Miami and Orlando, FL).   The company continues to explore opportunities to grow Marcella’s, their newest concept. Mitchell also stated that the company is scheduled to open four Rusty Bucket Corner Taverns (a CMR-managed company) in 2008 as well.

“Our company is in an exceptional position today to do what we love – create new concepts and introduce them across the country,” said Mitchell.  “Proceeds from this sale will help drive our entrepreneurial spirit and allow us to capitalize on the growth potential of our current concepts.  It also will strengthen the company’s balance sheet and enable us to reward our partners.”

Both companies have signed a purchase agreement and the transaction is expected to be completed in first quarter 2008.  Piper Jaffray & Co. served as financial advisor to Cameron Mitchell Restaurants.

Cameron Mitchell Restaurants LLC operates nine different concepts encompassing 33 restaurants in Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati, Ohio; Chicago, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Newport and Louisville, Kentucky; Tampa, Jacksonville and Sandestin, Florida; Lansing and Detroit, Michigan; Milwaukee, Wisconsin and Stamford, Connecticut. Concepts include Cameron's American Bistro, Cap City Fine Diner & Bar, Martini Italian Bistro, M, Molly Woo's Asian Bistro, Marcella’s, Mitchell's Steakhouse (a.k.a. Cameron’s Steakhouse), Mitchell's Fish Market (a.k.a. Columbus Fish Market), Mitchell’s Ocean Club and Cameron Mitchell Catering Company.  Rusty Bucket Corner Tavern currently operates eight units with four in development.  For more information on Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, visit www.cameronmitchell.com.

release 11-6.pdf

First step toward growth for Cameron Mitchell Restaurants’ newest concept

Cameron Mitchell Restaurants’ (CMR) Martini Italian Bistro on Polaris Parkway soon will be transformed into the company’s newest concept — Marcella’s.  The popularity of Marcella’s in the Short North, which has experienced record-setting sales and attendance figures since opening in May 2007, and the desire to test the concept in a suburban setting, led to the decision to re-develop the Polaris Parkway restaurant. 

“Marcella’s is one of the most exciting concepts we’ve introduced,” said Cameron Mitchell, president and founder of CMR.  “It has performed far beyond our expectations, and we are eager to test the concept in a suburban setting.  Re-developing Martini on Polaris is the first step toward growth for Marcella’s.”   As part of the announcement, Mitchell held several events featuring the restaurant’s inspiration and namesake – Marcella – a renowned Tuscan chef visiting Columbus from Italy.

According to Mitchell, CMR is evaluating locations in Chicago, Miami and New York City, as well as in other major metropolitan areas, for additional Marcella’s. 

“CMR has experienced strong growth in the last few years, enabling us now to look at options for new levels of expansion and innovation,” said Mitchell.  “It is clear that Marcella’s will be part of that expansion effort, and we are looking forward to bringing the concept to new markets in the coming years.”

Modeled after a traditional Italian café, Marcella’s features wine sold by the quartino; a diverse, authentic cicchetti (small plate) menu; an open kitchen and accordion-style windows that open to the street.  Tables are placed close together to create the feeling that guests are among friends.

“Marcella’s is lively, casual and fun,” said Mitchell.  “Our flexible menu and small plates allow guests to enjoy a variety of great Italian foods and eat as little or as much as they want.  We encourage sharing and plate-passing, and guests can go there for lunch, dinner, a snack or to sample some of the 50 Italian wines available.”

Open daily for lunch and dinner, Marcella’s will seat 209 indoors and 80 on the patio.  Prices range from around $10 for most pastas to $19 for the highest-priced dish (Veal Milanese). 

Martini Polaris will close for renovation after dinner on Oct. 28 and open as Marcella’s on Dec. 5, just in time for holiday parties and gatherings. To make an online reservation for Marcella’s, visit www.cameronmitchell.com.

Cameron Mitchell Restaurants LLC operates nine different concepts encompassing 31 restaurants and a catering division in Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati, Ohio; Chicago, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Newport and Louisville, Kentucky; Tampa and Sandestin, Florida; Lansing and Detroit, Michigan; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Concepts include Cameron's American Bistro, Cap City Fine Diner & Bar, Martini Italian Bistro, M, Molly Woo's Asian Bistro, Marcella’s, Mitchell's Steakhouse (a.k.a. Cameron’s Steakhouse), Mitchell's Fish Market (a.k.a. Columbus Fish Market), Mitchell’s Ocean Club and Cameron Mitchell Catering Company.  Rusty Bucket Corner Tavern currently operates seven units with four in development.  For more information on Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, visit www.cameronmitchell.com.

 

Cameron Mitchell, president and founder of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR), has been honored with a 2007 Silver Plate Award by the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association (IFMA). Silver Plate Awards are presented annually to the most accomplished, innovative and distinguished foodservice operators.  Mitchell is one of only nine recipients nationwide to receive the award this year.

“In our company, associates come first, and our past, present and future success is directly attributed to our people,” said Mitchell.  “This award is a shared tribute to the accomplishments and dedication of our entire team.” 

Silver Plate Award winners are evaluated on management, marketing, human resources and industry and civic participation.  Recipients are chosen in nine categories by a jury that includes national trade press editors. Mitchell was honored for his accomplishments in the Chain Full Service category.

A 25-year foodservice veteran, Mitchell has built thriving restaurant concepts through careful planning and smart growth.  His company boasts 31 successful restaurants that span nine different concepts and a catering division.  Serving more than 3 million guests in 2006, Mitchell credits the success of CMR to a culture and philosophy that focuses on associates, knowing that guests will have a wonderful experience only when associates are truly happy.

“Cameron has demonstrated his long-term commitment to the success of all associates,” said Chuck Davis, vice president of human resources for CMR.  “He offers his associates a fun, positive and rewarding atmosphere in which to work every day, and he is truly deserving of this prestigious award.”

Mitchell’s contributions to the industry have come at both the local and national levels.  He served on the Central Ohio Restaurant Association Board of Directors and later on the Board of the National Restaurant Association.  He also served as chairman of the National Restaurant Association’s political action committee and on the Culinary Institute of America’s Board of Trustees.

IFMA is a leading trade association comprising more than 500 of the world’s most prestigious food, equipment and supply manufacturers in the foodservice industry.  Mitchell received the award at the association’s 53rd Annual Gold and Silver Plate Celebration in Chicago in May.

Cameron Mitchell Restaurants LLC operates nine different concepts encompassing 31 restaurants and a catering division in Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati, Ohio; Chicago, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Newport and Louisville, Kentucky; Tampa and Sandestin, Florida; Lansing and Detroit, Michigan; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Concepts include Cameron's American Bistro, Cap City Fine Diner & Bar, Martini Italian Bistro, M, Molly Woo's Asian Bistro, Marcella’s, Cameron’s Steakhouse (a.k.a. Mitchell’s Steakhouse), Mitchell's Fish Market (a.k.a. Columbus Fish Market), Mitchell’s Ocean Club and Cameron Mitchell Catering Company.  Rusty Bucket Corner Tavern currently operates seven units with four in development.  For more information on Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, visit www.cameronmitchell.com.

 

One of only 15 recipients nationwide to receive prestigious honor

The Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers (CHART) awarded Cameron Mitchell, president and founder of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR), the 2007 Commitment to People Award.  Mitchell received the award on Aug. 6 during the organization’s 74th semi-annual hospitality training conference in Tucson, Ariz.

Created in 1993, the award is given annually to a CEO/president in the hospitality industry who demonstrates outstanding commitment to the development of his or her associates.

“Cameron believes associates come first and understands that past, present and future success is directly attributed to his people,” said Josh Davies, president of CHART and director of Training and Development for Sage Hospitality Resources.  “He strives to ensure that his associates are happy with their jobs and work environment by maintaining an “open door” policy, meeting face-to-face several times a year and conducting bi-annual associate opinion surveys.”

In addition to giving associates the opportunity to comment and contribute to the operation of the company, Mitchell also recognizes exemplary service, provides associates perks that are not common in the industry — the company’s restaurants are closed for seven major holidays and they close early on Super Bowl Sunday — and offers numerous opportunities for training and development at all associate levels.

“At CMR, associates are individuals with ideas that need to be shared and needs that need to be met,” said Mitchell.  “Our associates are the foundation of our organization, and when we put them first, the results are spectacular.”

Mitchell credits the growth of CMR to the company’s “people first” culture and philosophy, knowing that guests will have a wonderful experience only when associates are truly happy.

“The culture we stand by and the well-being of all our associates are at the forefront of every decision we make and we would not have it any other way,” said Mitchell.  “Our associates are at the heart of our accomplishments, and this award is a tribute to the dedication and extraordinary effort of every member of our team.”

COLUMBUS – Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR) today announced it has retained Piper Jaffray & Company to assist the Columbus-based restaurant company in evaluating strategic business financing alternatives.  One such alternative could be a sale of a majority interest in the company’s Columbus Fish Market and Mitchell’s Fish Market concept.  If such a transaction occurred, CMR would continue to own, operate and expand the company’s other eight concepts and focus on the development of new concepts.

 “CMR has experienced strong growth in the last few years, enabling us now to look at options for new levels of expansion and innovation,” said Cameron Mitchell, founder and president of CMR.
 “With 19 restaurants by the end of this year and growth through new units and same-store sales, our Mitchell’s Fish Market restaurant concept is now poised for a national roll-out and is on its way to major prominence,” Mitchell said. “New capital will be a great complement and help drive expansion.  We believe Mitchell’s Fish Market, with its upscale casual focus, sophisticated atmosphere and emphasis on fresh seafood, will be extremely attractive to the right investors.”
 
“For the remainder of CMR, a strategic sale or other arrangement that infuses new capital would enhance one of our core strengths, which is in developing new concepts and bringing them to market,” Mitchell added.  “We see growth potential in our Mitchell’s Ocean Club and Cameron’s Steakhouse concepts, in our just-opened Marcella’s Italian café, in the Rusty Bucket Corner Tavern (a CMR-managed company) and in other concepts that are in development.”

 “This would accelerate our entrepreneurial focus and be a win-win for our Mitchell’s Fish Market team and for our other concepts as well,” he said.

 Mitchell emphasized that he foresees no changes in leadership or staffing either during the process or in the near term.  “We will make decisions so as to create maximum opportunity for all of our associates,” he said.

 Mitchell said the Piper Jaffray analysis, while focused on the Mitchell’s Fish Market properties, would look at the whole range of options generated by the growth and success of CMR in the past few years.

CMR will not have further information until the Piper Jaffray recommendations are complete.

Cameron Mitchell Restaurants today will debut its latest creation when it opens Marcella’s Ristorante, Pizzeria and Wine Bar in Columbus’ popular Short North Arts District.

Marcella’s, located at 615 N. High Street, two blocks north of the Greater Columbus Convention Center, is being described as “a bustling, urban burst of Italian flavor and energy.” Marcella’s Ristorante is modeled after a traditional Italian café featuring wine sold by the “quartino” (1/3 bottle), and a diverse, authentic “cicchetti” (small plate) menu. 

“This restaurant is going to be noisy, casual and fun,” said President Cameron Mitchell. “People can come there for dinner, a snack, or to sample some of the 50 Italian wines available.”

Marcella’s was designed to resemble a traditional Italian wine bar, with hardwood floors, an open kitchen and accordion-style windows that open to the street. Table service will vary in design from table to table, and chairs will deliberately be mismatched to give the environment a more casual air. Tables will be close together creating a feeling that guests are among friends. 

“We want guests to feel that they are sharing an experience as well as a meal,” Mitchell said. “When we bring out appetizers or cheeses, for example, we’ll bring out a number of small plates so that everyone can share. It’s all about community – the community we have with our friends and families as well as the community in which we live.”

Pronounced mar-CHELL-uz, the restaurant will seat 120. Prices range from around $10 for most pastas to $19 for the highest-priced dish (Veal Milanese). Open daily, Marcella’s will serve guests from 4 p.m. until late into the evening. Reservations are recommended and may be made by calling 614.223.2100.

Cameron Mitchell Restaurants LLC operates nine different concepts encompassing 30 restaurants and a catering division (Cameron Mitchell Catering Company) in Columbus, Cleveland and Cincinnati, Ohio; Chicago, Illinois; Indianapolis, Indiana; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; Newport and Louisville, Kentucky; Tampa, Florida; Lansing and Detroit, Michigan; and Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Concepts include Cameron's American Bistro, Cap City Fine Diner & Bar, Martini Italian Bistro, M, Molly Woo's Asian Bistro, Marcella’s, Mitchell's Steakhouse (a.k.a. Cameron’s Steakhouse), Mitchell's Fish Market (a.k.a. Columbus Fish Market), Mitchell’s Ocean Club and Cameron Mitchell Catering Company. Rusty Bucket Corner Tavern, with seven units currently and four in development, is a sister company of CMR.  For more information on Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, visit www.cameronmitchell.com.

Marcella's Release FINAL.pdf