Cameron Mitchell of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants

We’re really privileged to have Cameron Mitchell, Founder and CEO of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, the CRM Group on this episode.

And he is no stranger to anyone in central Ohio. And now Cameron Mitchell Restaurants are breaking out on the national scene, with restaurants from coast to coast.

We’re going to hear more about his success, his origins, where it all came from, and some of the challenges that they have in the restaurant industry today. And we’ll get Cameron’s take on the 10 most controversial restaurant policies.

Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR) will be celebrating its 30th anniversary in 2022, and Mitchell has enjoyed success as a lifelong entrepreneur, accomplished businessman, culinary expert and nationally recognized restaurateur.

Cameron has been a much-needed voice for the industry, pushing for PPP loan amendments for the hospitality sector, being appointed as one of 18 CEO’s on Ohio Governor DeWine’s Economic Recovery Task Force, collaborating with the Cleveland Clinic to create a company-wide safety protocol, writing op-eds for national hospitality trade publications, and appearing on national television representing not only CMR, but other independent restaurant companies.

With an entrepreneur’s energy, vision and passion, Mitchell’s sights are set on the development of new restaurant concepts, and the expansion of concepts currently in his company’s portfolio, particularly Ocean Prime (known in Columbus, OH, as Mitchell’s Ocean Club). Plans include the continued introduction of this concept in major metropolitan markets throughout the United States.

Among his service to numerous local charities and committees in Columbus, Ohio, where he lives with his family, is his dedication to The United Way, Nationwide Children’s Hospital Foundation, and the Columbus State Community College Foundation. Cameron chaired the capital campaign, led by his $3.5 million donation, towards the newly opened Mitchell Hall, a $40 million, state-of-the-art Hospitality Management and Culinary Arts School at Columbus State. He is also an active member of the Young President’s Gold Organization, the Columbus Partnership, and he serves on the board of directors of the charter school, KIPP Columbus.

The Driving the Cbus podcast co-hosts, Scott McComb, CEO of Heartland Bank and Kailyn Bucklew (McComb), a third-generation community banker, offer two different perspectives as they sit down and get real with local business owners. From well-established companies to startups, small businesses are the heart and soul of Columbus. Tune in to find out how it all began, what keeps them up at night – the current struggles they face, and what successes they are most proud of with some entertaining stories along the way.