Yes Is the Answer. What Is the Question?

How Faith in People and a Culture of Hospitality Built a Modern American Restaurant Company

By: Cameron Mitchell

Narrated by: Barry G. Bernson

Cameron Mitchell’s “dish room to boardroom story” began when he was 16-years-old and started working as a dishwasher at a local steakhouse in Columbus, Ohio. Two years later, when Mitchell was working as a line cook during a chaotic shift change, he had an epiphany. He realized he loved the restaurant business and set out to make it his lifelong career. He knew he wanted to be the president of a restaurant company, one day.

That evening, he put pen to paper to map out his career goals, waking his mother in the middle of the night to share them with her. Those goals - to attend the prestigious Culinary Institute of America (CIA), become an executive chef by age 23, be a restaurant general manager by age 24, and, ultimately, become the president of a company by the age of 35 - eventually were the benchmarks that would set the course of his restaurant industry career.

In 2008, Mitchell’s prominence in the industry increased exponentially when he guided the sale of two of his most popular concepts - Mitchell’s Fish Market and Mitchell’s Steakhouse and a total of 22 restaurants - to Ruth’s Hospitality Group for $92 million.

To this day, CMR remains independent and privately held, recognizing nearly $200 million in annual revenue from its 34 restaurants and catering division. This audiobook tells the story of Mitchell's rapid rise, his rags to riches story and lessons that any entrepreneur or anyone can learn from it.

©2019 Ideapress Publishing (P)2019 Ideapress Publishing

Insightful and honest

Very helpful insights, and open and honest about stickers and failures. Highly recommend to all entrepreneurs!

Transparent

I Enjoyed hearing about the highs and lows in life and in business. Also making some of the same mistakes twice.

Absolutely Awe Struck!

Cameron Mitchell's teenage years and unwavering love of the industry resemble my own. This book eloquently states his dedication to his team and putting people first, something I struggle to convey in my business plan. I felt his sincerity in his words and knew they were not just "catch phrases". He has clearly created the work environment I've always longed for yet never had! The driving force of my Why for wanting my restaurant.

Specifically, in chapter 10, how he talks about the seemingly small acts that gave Huge impacts on his team member's personal lives is a great inspiration to me and my "why". His generosity drove me to tears knowing that my goal of owning my restaurant is to give my team the work environment they've never had but always deserved! People truly are the driving force of this industry!

Amazing- Thank You

COLUMBUS IS LUCKY TO HAVE A PROFESSIONAL THAT CARES ABOUT THE AREA. IF EVERYONE COULD ADAPT HIS “YES” CONCEPT

Excellent

If you work in the industry and are looking for some new found inspiration to keep going, give this book a listen you won't regret it.