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Cameron Mitchell
Cameron Mitchell is president and founder of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, headquartered in Columbus, Ohio. A lifelong entrepreneur, Mitchell is an accomplished businessman, culinary expert and nationally recognized restaurateur. His prominence in the industry increased exponentially in early 2008, when he guided the sale of two of his most popular concepts—Mitchell’s/Columbus Fish Market and Mitchell’s/Cameron’s Steakhouse, a total of 22 restaurants—to Ruth’s Hospitality Group for $92 million.

Career
At the age of 22, Mitchell graduated from the Culinary Institute of America (CIA). He started his professional career with the now defunct 55 Restaurant Group in Columbus, Ohio and rose through the company’s ranks until he was directing all restaurant operations.

In 1993, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants began with the launch of Cameron’s American Bistro, an intimate, contemporary restaurant in northwest Columbus. Through the development of new concepts and the expansion of several of his most popular concepts, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants grew to become a 33-unit, multi-concept operation with locations in nine states. At the company’s peak, in 2007, sales exceeded $120 million annually.

Mitchell has spent the years since the sale rebuilding his company. CMR remains independent and privately held, with 18 units and seven different concepts, as well as a separate catering company. CMR also continues to manage the growth and development of its “sister company,” The Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern.

Awards and Acknowledgements

 * Golden Chain Award, Nation's Restaurant News, 2009
 * Silver Plate Award - Chain Full Service, International Foodservice Manufacturers Association, 2007
 * Commitment to People Award, The Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers (CHART) 2007
 * Industry Recognition Award, The Ohio State University Hospitality Management Program 2006
 * Richard Melman Concepts of Tomorrow Award, Restaurant Hospitality Magazine, 2005
 * High Performance Restaurant Leadership Award, Multi-Concept Restaurants, Restaurant Business Magazine, 2001
 * Entrepreneur of the Year, Ohio, Ernst & Young, 2001
 * Inducted into the "Society of Concepts of Tomorrow Visionaries," Restaurant Hospitality Magazine, 1999
 * Food Service Operator of the Year, U.S. Small Business Association & Greater Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, 1999
 * Named one of the "50 New Taste Makers," Nation's Restaurant News, 1999
 * Small Businessperson of the Year, U.S. Small Business Association & Greater Columbus Area Chamber of Commerce, 1999
 * Forty Under 40 Award, Columbus Business First, 1996