David Miller, a nationally recognized restaurant executive and 20-year veteran of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR), has been elevated to the position of president and chief operating officer (COO) of the company. Miller has served the company for more than two decades in a variety of leadership roles, most recently as executive vice president of CMR.
Miller’s appointment was announced by company founder Cameron Mitchell at CMR’s senior management meeting, held February 16. Mitchell will retain his role as founder and CEO of the restaurant company, which is headquartered in Columbus, Ohio.
“It has been an honor to work alongside David as a friend and business partner for so many years, as we collaborated to build this company to the position it holds today. There is no one who deserves this recognition more,” Mitchell says. “David’s vision for our concepts, our associates and our operations, as well as his unmatched ability to successfully execute that vision, have contributed like no other to the growth of Cameron Mitchell Restaurants.”
Miller, a 35-year veteran of the hospitality industry, began his management career in 1987 with the Stouffer Restaurant Company, working in markets across the Midwest and on the west coast. He joined CMR in 1996 as a general manager for Cap City Fine Diner. He was promoted in 1997 as CMR’s first director of operations, when the company had just three restaurants. Today, the company has opened more than 70 restaurants across the country and launched a national concept—Ocean Prime—in some of the nation’s largest metropolitan areas.
Miller attended The Ohio State University and Columbus State Community College where he studied hospitality management. He currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Columbus State Foundation, where he is leading a capital campaign to raise funds for the college’s Culinary Hospitality School. He has served as the chair of The Ohio State University Hospitality Management Advisory Board, where he was instrumental in many school initiatives and continues to be active in shaping their hospitality program. Additionally, he is a co-founder of the Columbus Food and Wine Affair.
“David’s unique approach to leadership and mentoring across Cameron Mitchell Restaurants has been an integral part of our ability to grow over the past 20 years, as he helped maintain and further define our culture,” Mitchell adds. “From guiding the development of our diverse concepts, the national Ocean Prime brand, and our own catering and construction companies, David’s deliberate, thoughtful counsel has been critical to our business success.”
As Miller assumes more responsibilities for oversight of CMR’s day-to-day business, Mitchell intends to remain active and fully engaged in the company. Mitchell will have an enhanced focus on CMR’s growing restaurant portfolio, including long-term planning and strategic development, as well as continuing to represent the company nationally and in local communities where its restaurants are located.
“Working with a dynamic executive team that has more than 200 years of combined CMR experience, as well as a fearless, innovative leader like Cameron has been a true pleasure, and I am thrilled and humbled for the opportunity that lies ahead,” Miller says. “But at the heart of it all is our exceptional family of associates, who each day ensure that every guest who dines at a Cameron Mitchell restaurant receives our carefully crafted brand of Great People Delivering Genuine Hospitality combined with an unparalleled culinary experience. I am proud to continue to work with them in this new role.”
As part of the transition to Miller’s new role, three current CMR veterans have been promoted to additional company responsibilities. Chuck Kline has been named senior vice president of operations, Wayne Schick has been named senior vice president of restaurant planning and procurement, and Brian Hinshaw has been named senior vice president of food and beverage. Each has been with CMR for nearly 20 years.
Miller is a Dayton, Ohio, native and resides with his wife of 26 years and their three boys in Bexley, Ohio.
