MANSFIELD — Local 501c3 Gravity Ohio, North Central State College (NCSC) and the NCSC Foundation will be hosting members of the world class Cameron Mitchell Restaurants team on April 30.
Area culinary students will learn from the guests on Tuesday, April 30 at Dan Lew Exchange (DLX). Students from Mansfield Senior High, Madison Comprehensive High School and Pioneer Joint Vocational will be in attendance and will receive a complimentary copy of Cameron Mitchell’s book, “Yes is the Answer! What is the Question?”
The joint lunch event will educate and spotlight the extraordinary culinary work currently happening in the area, and exploring the partnerships that will enhance the training of career center students with a college-based culinary business program.
Gravity Ohio founder, Chef Dan Lew, and NCSC are examining how area students can enhance their education and prepare them for culinary entrepreneurship with a college education.
Lew’s vision is to use the DLX kitchen to create a “culinary incubation” laboratory where students can prepare and serve family, friends and guests with a unique cultural dining experience.
The proposed concept is for NCSC to offer the classroom work. Chef Lew will lead the practicum training.
“This partnership includes educating students on the importance of creating a program that integrates farm-to-table fresh foods with unique cultural dining experiences,” Lew said, “and a college-based workforce development training plan that will positively impact our local community.”
Dr. Dorey Diab, North Central State College president, has been recognized at the national level for his work to elevate community college education.
“NCSC is uniquely qualified to assist students to begin a rewarding career by starting their college education here so our citizens prosper,” Diab said. “It is an honor and privilege to be of service and help advance our students, while increasing their earning potential and creating a robust plan for continuing their education.”
The concept includes the NCSC Foundation assisting students with scholarships to remove potential financial barriers for completing the program.
Chris Copper, vice president for the NCSC Foundation and Development, said the foundation is “committed to assisting students in pursuing excellence in their chosen field.”
“We are fortunate to live in a community with top notch restaurants and a hunger to gain the knowledge necessary to be prepared for tomorrow’s culinary business needs,” Copper said. “The hallmark of our college is the ability to ensure student access and providing the resources to be successful.”
Eric Stigall, Executive Director for Gravity Ohio, set up the luncheon and summarized the plan.
“Attendees at this transformative event will gain the knowledge to further their culinary journey,” he said. “This is a recipe for positive results through innovation.”
Melissa Johnson
Vice President, Cameron Mitchell Premier Events & Community Relations CMR
Melissa Johnson is the vice president of Cameron Mitchell Premier Events and Community Relations at Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR). She oversees the company’s catering division and consistently looks for ways it can grow. She also represents CMR in the communities in which the company does business by discovering ways to get involved and give back.
After joining the team in 1997 as assistant manager at Martini, it wasn’t long before she was promoted to general manager, becoming the first female general manager of any CMR restaurant.
In 2001, Johnson left the restaurant operations to start a new venture for CMR, Cameron Mitchell Catering Company. Over the years that followed, Johnson led her team to shape the company into Cameron Mitchell Premier Events, as it is known today – the foremost catering and special events business in central Ohio.
Under the leadership of Johnson, Cameron Mitchell Premier Events, has grown to more than $16 million in annual sales and is ranked as the top catering company in central Ohio by Columbus CEO’s Leaderboard.
Overseeing a team of more than 250 associates, Johnson attests her love for the company to the people in the CMR family.
“We have such a great work family that it makes going to work fun and also easy to do your job because you are working shoulder to shoulder with people who care about hospitality and taking care of all people the same way.”
In addition to her roles at CMR and Cameron Mitchell Premier Events, Johnson was a a part-time lecturer at The Ohio State University for the special events class from 2011 until 2020, and serves as a member of the school’s Hospitality Management Advisory Board (also past chair).
As an involved community member, she also sits on the boards for the OSU Early Head Start Partnership Program and the Greater Columbus Sports Commission, Columubs State Community College Foundation Board and Instawork Advisory Board. An industry member of LCA (Leading Caterers of America), and ILEA (International Live Events Association), NACE (National Association of Catering Executives) and ICA (International Catering Association).
Johnson also has received many honors throughout her career, including nine ILEA Ohio WOW Awards for Best Event, an Esprit Award for Team Effort, and a PACE Award for Best Team Effort. In addition, CMR recognized Johnson with the Assistant Manager of the Year Award in 1998 and the Cameron Mitchell Milkshake Award in 2005, a high honor within the company. Additionally, Cameron Mitchell Premier Events has received numerous awards for Best Caterer from local entities and also received the Cameron Mitchell Milkshake Award in 2016.
Johnson is particularly proud to be one of the five founding women of CMR’s WHOLE Commitment initiative, a commitment to fairness, diversity, equity and inclusion for all associates.
When asked the greatest lesson she has learned in her professional career, Johnson responded, “By investing in the people who I work with and leading and helping them be successful, I am successful. It is about the strength of the team.” The quote, “You win with people” is always at the top of her mind.
Johnson resides in Hilliard with her husband, two amazing boys and her two dogs. Outside of work, she enjoys running, hiking, baking, and attending concerts and sporting events with her family.
Jason Shelley
CMR regional chef
Regional Chef Jason Shelley has been with Cameron Mitchell Restaurants for nearly 20 years and is a restaurant industry veteran of almost 25 years. Chef Shelley, in 2004, started his career as a line cook at Mitchell’s Ocean Club, the original Ocean Prime. Chef Shelley transitioned to Sous Chef in 2006 when Ocean Club transitioned from a Pan-Asian concept to its current upscale seafood brand. He has been an Executive Chef for the Ocean Prime concept in Miami, Orlando, Atlanta, Philadelphia, Washington D.C., and Chicago. A native of Pittsburgh, PA and graduate of The Ohio State University, Jason has enjoyed his career path with CMR and all the opportunities it has brought to him along his professional and personal journey. When he is not in the kitchen, Chef Shelley can be found enjoying time with his wife, son and daughter.