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

Cameron Mitchell’s “dish room to board room story” began when he was 16-years-old and started working as a dishwasher at a local Columbus, Ohio steakhouse. 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 and 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), to become an executive chef by age 23, to be a restaurant general manager by age 24, and ultimately to be 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, 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 book tells the story of Mitchell's rapid rise, his rags to riches story and lessons that any entrepreneur or anyone can learn from it.

Genres: Business, Memoir, Nonfiction

193 pages, Kindle Edition

Published November 11, 2018

Reviews

[Erika Petersen · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this book! I love Cameron Mitchell’s restaurants, so when a coworker mentioned they read this I really wanted to read it. I loved how honest he was about the challenges he faced in his youth, it made the stories of his success even more impactful. It was so cool to hear the origins behind some of my favorite restaurants in Columbus. I especially loved the portion that detailed how Marcella’s came to be. Cameron Mitchell seems like a great person to work for and after reading his book I will go out of my way to support his restaurants.

[Debbie Wakefield · Rating 3 out of 5]

I read this book because my boss’ boss brought up the phrase “yes and” during a meeting, saying we should go above and beyond to be helpful. Now having read the book, the phrase should be used in conjunction with the notion that Cameron Mitchell restaurants prioritize their associates above all else, even the customers. That part is important to not be overlooked.

My scathing three star review comes because of the robotic writing style, looking back at the past with rose colored glasses and the book clearly having been written for CM employees. I’m assuming all new associates get a copy when hired and at their four hour orientation. The last few “chapters” seem ripped from the company’s employee handbook.

I liked the chocolate milkshake story and how that became a symbol of the company.

I think there’s much better memoirs and business books out there.

[Donna Burtch · Rating 4 out of 5]

Columbus, Ohio is known for being a test-market city. I have "tested" many of Cameron Mitchell's restaurants over the years. This was a real treat. To read about the backstory of his life, of his business plans, of his take on how to create a culture of hospitality. Years ago, as a young waitress, I worked for a man in a Delaware, Ohio, restaurant. A child wanted a PBJ. We didn't have PB. He told me to go to the store through our alley and get some. He was a say "yes" kind of guy.

Hats of to Cameron for overcoming many obvious challenges and for bringing great food, served by great teams of people. It is a great book to read.

[Gleb Tsipursky · Rating 5 out of 5]

Most entrepreneurs share the stories of their glories in the book. Cameron Mitchell is admirable for sharing about the vulnerabilities and mistakes, as well as the glories. As a decision-making expert, I can't tell you how many businesses I've strongly advised against growing too quickly because of the founder's intuition that more is better. Mr. Mitchell had to learn that lesson the hard way, and shared his story of doing so. That will help give a lot of other entrepreneurs the visceral appreciation of why it's dangerous. I'll ask my clients who are in danger of growing too fast to strongly consider reading Mr. Mitchell's book.

[Mandy Minick · Rating 4 out of 5]

A very nicely done book about a local success story (both the man himself and the company have enjoyed great success). You won’t be able to enter a Cameron Mitchell restaurant again without noticing the details he discusses in this book. Also, encouraging to read that even CMR faced struggles, setbacks and obstacles in the way to the top and perseverance and commitment to core values carried them through.

[Jeff · Rating 5 out of 5]

Excellent book. Cameron shows how creating a culture of careing for your employees and creating a strong culture can make a strong company. He also shows instances where starting new restaurants without a strong culture caused problems until it was rectified. Very easy read and well worth the time.

[Letty · Rating 5 out of 5]

Quick read & great inspirational story. Being from Columbus Ohio, Cameron Mitchell is a known name. Hearing his story, work ethic, and mission to treat his people well makes me love his restaurants even more.

[Matthew · Rating 2 out of 5]

Interesting read, but very light on actionable material. The author is highly accomplished and does not hesitate to walk you through the what, where, and when, but the how is missing. The entire time, I was wondering, “Ok, but how?”.

[Robert A. · Rating 5 out of 5]

Great lessons for young entrepreneurs

The company that Cameron has built is a great example of what can be accomplished with hard work and perseverance. The biggest lesson is to make your employees, i mean associates, a big part of the business. He proves by doing that your endeavors no matter what they are will be successful.

[Mtp · Rating 4 out of 5]

Great quick read

[Jeff burson · Rating 4 out of 5]

Good book was a quick read. Very interesting if you eat out a lot in Columbus Ohio and also some great management ideas

[Clare · Rating 5 out of 5]

Cameron writes very clearly & to the point. His direct writing style makes this book a quick read. He is also very personable which makes the book feel like you are having a conversation with him.

I enjoyed learning about his successes, failures and growth throughout his career. We get a brief glimpse of his family life. He shows us interesting tidbits about many of his restaurants and what inspired them or who they are named for which makes me want to visit some of his restaurants that I haven’t been to yet.

This book also shows how Cameron applies concepts from other business books that I have read in the past. Although my business is not in food or hospitality, this book still inspires me to continue striving to make raving fans of my clients, colleagues and coworkers.

[Cyndi Fulco · Rating 4 out of 5]

Being in the restaurant business for 28 years I can so relate to the idea of guest service being everything! Loved the message! Great read!