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.”