Marcella’s now features lunch combos, Cameron’s offers a diverse selection of American cuisines
COLUMBUS, OH, June 2, 2008 – The menus for two of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants’ (CMR) hottest dining destinations have been enhanced. New features have been added to the lunch menu at Marcella’s Polaris, including a number of delicious combinations, and an all-new selection of diverse American cuisines is now available at Cameron’s American Bistro (Cameron’s) in Linworth.
“Cameron Mitchell Restaurants is committed to keeping our menus fresh and diverse,” said Brian Hinshaw, regional executive chef for Marcella’s and Cameron’s. “This means introducing new dishes and special feature items regularly and providing a variety of selections at lunch and dinner. The new menus at Marcella’s Polaris and Cameron’s reflect this commitment.”
The new lunch menu at Marcella’s Polaris offers combinations of a half Panini or a mini pizza with a cup of soup or a small salad. Marcella’s favorites also are available, including entrée salads, full oven-baked Panini sandwiches and the ristorante’s renowned pizzas and pastas. In addition, lunch guests can choose from an assortment of fresh cheeses (or formaggi), a selection of Italian cured meats (including prosciutto, capicola, salami and sopressata), hot and cold small plates designed for sharing, and a variety of enticing desserts.
Celebrating its 15th anniversary in 2008, the new menu at Cameron’s features the best in fresh steaks, seafood and pastas from culinary capitals of the U.S. The restaurant’s steak and chop selection includes a heritage farm pork chop, lamb porterhouse, New York Strip with truffle fries and filet mignon with blue cheese mashed potatoes. Reflecting the comfort foods of Creole cuisine, low country shrimp with goat cheese grits and a Creole shrimp fettuccini with crawfish, crab and lobster in a chipotle cream sauce also are available.
Summer is walleye season, and the famous Cameron’s Walleye, a perennial favorite of guests since the restaurant opened, again will be featured throughout the season. The entree is served with a Ritz cracker crust, garlic mashed potatoes and broccolini and is topped with a lump crab and shallot cream sauce. In addition to the walleye, the menu also offers a hoisin-glazed salmon, pan-seared scallops and pan-roasted halibut.
Marcella’s Polaris is open from 11:30 a.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 11:30 a.m. to 11 p.m. Friday, noon to 11 p.m. Saturday and noon to 9 p.m. Sunday. The hours of operation for Cameron’s are 5 p.m. to 10 p.m. Monday through Thursday, 5 p.m. to 11 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 5 p.m. to 9 p.m. Sunday. For the convenience of guests, reservations are always accepted online at www.cameronmitchell.com or by calling the restaurant.
Marcella’s opens today in company’s former Martini Polaris location
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Dec. 5, 2007 – Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR) is opening its second Marcella’s location today in its former Martini restaurant on Polaris Parkway. 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 bring Marcella’s to Polaris.
“Marcella’s is one of the most exciting concepts we’ve introduced and has performed far beyond our expectations,” said Cameron Mitchell, president and founder of CMR. “We are eager to test the concept in a suburban setting, where families, friends and co-workers all feel welcome, and we are excited to bring it to Polaris-area diners.”
Modeled after a traditional Italian café, Marcella’s features wine sold by the quartino; an authentic menu that includes a selection of olives, cheese and meat, hot and cold small plates, and pizza and pasta dishes, among a number of other entrees; 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). Reservations can be made online at www. cameronmitchell.com or by calling 614/844-6500.
Re-developing Martini on Polaris is the first step toward growth for the concept. 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.
Renowned Italian chef to cook with Cameron Mitchell Restaurants team, visit associates
WHO: The real Marcella – Italian woman who inspired the popular new Cameron Mitchell restaurant in the Short North
WHAT: Namesake of Marcella’s to visit restaurant and cook with chefs
WHERE: Marcella’s, Short North Arts District, 615 N. High St.
WHEN: Tuesday, Oct. 16, 2007, 1 to 3 p.m.
INFORMATION: A renowned Italian chef, Marcella is traveling from her hometown of Tuscany to visit her namesake restaurant and cook with Cameron and the chefs of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR). She will also interact with CMR associates and share her cooking with them.
Marcella has dedicated her life to cooking. She has worked in several restaurants in Tuscany, and she currently serves as cook and housekeeper of the Villa, a favorite vacation destination of Cameron Mitchell and his family.
Inspired by Marcella’s cooking and modeled after a traditional Italian café, Marcella’s opened in the Short North in May. The restaurant, described as “a bustling, urban burst of Italian flavor and energy,” features wine sold by the “quartino” (1/3 bottle), and a diverse, authentic “cicchetti” (small plate) menu.
Marcella will prepare her favorite dishes with CMR chefs, who will be available to share information on Italian cooking.
VISUALS/INTERVIEWOPPORTUNITIES:
• Marcella cooking with CMR chefs
• Marcella interacting with CMR associates
• Interviews with CMR chefs and associates
CONTACT: Heather Leonard at 614-738-9004 or Hinda Mitchell at 614-537-8926
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 16, 2007 – 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.
COLUMBUS, Ohio, Oct. 16, 2007 – Marcella’s, the newest concept from renowned restaurateur Cameron Mitchell, has been tapped as the company’s newest success story. The first location for the concept, in downtown Columbus, Ohio’s Short North Arts District, has experienced record-setting sales and attendance figures since opening in May 2007.
“Marcella’s is one of the most exciting concepts we’ve introduced and has performed far beyond our expectations,” said Cameron Mitchell, founder and president of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR). “Clearly, our guests are ready for a lively, casual dining experience where families, friends and co-workers all feel welcome.”
CMR announced today that the company will convert its Martini Italian Bistro restaurant in the Polaris area of north Columbus to a Marcella’s by mid-December 2007. Mitchell also said the company is evaluating locations in Chicago, Miami and New York City, as well as in other major metropolitan areas.
“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.” He said Marcella’s sales have exceeded initial predictions, at about 50 percent higher than originally projected.
While the downtown Columbus location currently is open for dinner only, the Polaris location will be open for both lunch and dinner. “We are eager to explore the opportunities for Marcella’s in a suburban setting,” said Mitchell. “The restaurant’s flexible menu, which encourages sharing and plate-passing so guests can enjoy a variety of great Italian foods, makes it ideal for lunch, dinner and after-work gatherings.”
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.
“Our team thrives on the opportunity to develop new concepts and bring them to market,” Mitchell added. “In addition to Mitchell’s Fish Market and Cameron’s Steakhouse, we also see growth potential in our Mitchell’s Ocean Club concept and in the Rusty Bucket Corner Tavern (a CMR-managed company).”
Martini Italian Bistro at Polaris will close after dinner on Oct. 28 and re-open as Marcella's on Dec. 5. The location will receive major renovations both on the restaurant’s interior and exterior.
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.”
Marcella’s Ristorante to give Short North a bustling, urban burst of energy
COLUMBUS, Ohio ( May 29, 2007) – 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.
