Cameron Mitchell's 1st restaurant undergoing makeover with new look, updated menu

Just because Cameron Mitchell Restaurants LLC is in a bit of a local growth spurt, it doesn't mean it’s neglecting the eateries that built the business.

Much of the news from the Columbus-based company and its namesake restaurateur has been about new restaurants, including the upcoming Hudson 29 Kitchen & Drink and a just-confirmed steakhouse in Grandview Heights, but the oldest restaurant in the portfolio is getting a refresh as well.

Cameron’s American Bistro, 2185 W. Dublin-Granville Road, will reopen Jan. 27 with a remodeled interior and a re-conceived menu. It closed Jan. 14.

“It’s basically a brand-new restaurant,” Mitchell told me.

Despite the new look and new grub, the restaurant is sticking to its neighborhood bistro roots. Cameron’s is Mitchell’s first restaurant, opened in October 1993.

“We’re excited to launch again,” he said.

The new look is described as brighter with warm earth tones and new lighting. Two granite-top dining tables for larger parties will be added. The bar is getting a new granite bar top and flat-panel televisions. Employees are getting new uniforms.

The menu update includes appetizers like salmon carpaccio with house-made crackers and oysters bingo, which has creamed spinach and an asiago aioli. Entrees include the familiar like Cameron’s Walleye alongside new choices such as mushroom gnocchi, pork chop & clams and roasted chicken with a quinoa cucumber salad.

New wine and beer have been added at the bar, while seasonal cocktails including the popular American Bourbon Cider and Hot Buttered Rum remain.

Nine-year Mitchell’s veteran Kelli Gordon is general manager and Jeff Lindemeyer is executive chef.

Another older Mitchell restaurant could be in line for future upgrades too. Mitchell previously told Columbus Business First that the Cap City Diner on Olentangy River Road – the third eatery he opened – could be remodeled down the road as well.

Cameron Mitchell’s company has grown to 19 restaurants under eight different brands. That includes 11 Ocean Prime restaurants, which is the company’s growth brand outside of Central Ohio, including an upcoming Beverly Hills site. It also has a catering and events division and a sister company, the Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern, which has 15 restaurants.

January 22, 2014
By Dan Eaton
Columbus Business First
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