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

Length: 5 hrs and 10 mins

Publisher's summary

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

Great great book

I’m a owner of busy restaurant in Ohio, but this book will help me to improve my business. Thank u for write this book.

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.

Sorry, CM comes across way to arrogant for me.

This is the first review I have ever posted on Audible even though I have been a customer way before they were acquired by Amazon. I grew up in the restaurant business in Atlanta at the age of 13 (before child labor laws ( - : and have known many Restauranteur’s (Truett Cathy, etc.) so I came to appreciate the leadership it takes to be successful. I too looked at the CIA (Culinary Institute of America). Small World !

I just can’t get by all of the “I was right” comments (and they are literally in just about every chapter)

Not to mention the “my private country club” or “the villa we stay at in Italy.” Having your executive team stand up and read the note for the gift you gave them for working a million hours a week for a year ??? When we have clients come in town and they want the “CEO” to join them for dinner, I certainly fall into line as my team is awesome and “make me” come along even when they know that titles don’t mean a lot in our organization. We often times take them to the Ocean Prime location as it is right by the Tampa International Airport and without a doubt, Jarred and Lauren truly do understand how to deliver a great experience. Jarred’s wife actually works the lunch shift at Ocean Prime so they don’t end up working together. True wisdom !

I am just more of a fan of Servant Leadership and there are quite a few Restauranteurs and Entrepreneurs that have built billion dollar brands whose books actually teach you something along the way of their individual experience. There is a very good possibility I am truly just “missing it” (would not be the first time!) on this book so please find out for yourself. I am not a judge but merely a spectator. If you are reading this review, thank you for your time!

Not inspiring at at.

He maybe a great business man, but in my opinion; not a good story teller much less a writer.