City Barbeque opening first North Carolina restaurant

City Barbeque Inc. is making its southern debut.

The Dublin-based barbecue chain will open its Cary, N.C. restaurant at 11 a.m. Saturday. It’s a bold lead for the chain, not just for the distance from its Central Ohio home base, but also because it’s a move into true regional barbecue country.

But City Barbeque’s “nationwide tour of barbecue styles”  already is generating some good advanced word from the locals. 

I spoke with founder and President Rick Malir last November about the new addition for the company, one he hopes won’t be the last in the region.

The restaurant may be new to the North Carolinian's, but we local folks know what they’ll be getting. The 3,200-square-foot eatery is in line with existing City Barbeques with its meaty menu and style-spanning selections from brisket and pulled pork to pulled chicken and smoked sausage. There are plenty of side dishes, too.

City Barbeque celebrates its 15th anniversary this year. Cary is the 23rd restaurant in the chain, which includes eight local joints as well as restaurants in Cincinnati, Dayton, northwest Ohio, Indianapolis and Kentucky.

April 11, 2014
By Dan Eaton
Columbus Business First
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Design Collective Host's Art Collection

DCI is proud to host artwork from Art Access, a locally owned gallery which provides original artwork for businesses and collectors. The loaned pieces are a mix of framed art and sculpture, including "Top Dog" (by artists George Snyder and Dan Meyer, who were formerly artist for Disney). Other artists now showing at DCI are Alan Crockett, Sally Bennett, and Marc Ross. 

The partnership allows DCI to share with visitors how artwork reflects and enhances a work culture. Stop by our studio today to receive a full tour of the collection.

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Rusty Bucket named 2014 'Breakout Brand' by Nations Restaurant News

Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern has a family-friendly sports bar feel.

Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern has a family-friendly sports bar feel.

Congratulations to the Rusty Bucket and Cameron Mitchell team on being named a 2014 'Breakout Brand' by Nations Restaurant News.  

 

Breakout Brands 2014: Rusty Bucket

The name Rusty Bucket Restaurant and Tavern might conjure an image of a dimly lit gin joint, but in reality it belongs to a 15-unit upscale-casual chain with plans to open 50 more locations over the next five years.


Founder and president Gary Callicoat developed Columbus, Ohio-based Rusty Bucket in 2002 while working as a general manager for his mentor, multiconcept operator Cameron Mitchell. The brand was conceived as “a grown-up place to bring the kids,” combining scratch-made comfort foods with an environment that was upscale but still approachable for families and sports fans.

Recent systemwide upgrades include a new prototype, menu additions, and an overhauled beverage program with new cocktails and bartenders put through cicerone training to handle more than 80 available beers, including 24 on tap.

“People are wrapped around the bar, but you could be there with your kids,” Mitchell said.

The 15 locations, which operate in affluent towns and suburbs in Ohio, Michigan and Indiana, have average annual volumes of $2.8 million in about 4,500 square feet.

Callicoat runs Rusty Bucket as a company separate from Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, which provides back-office support for a 5-percent management fee. Mitchell and his partners are part owners of Rusty Bucket, and the group would receive 25 percent of the sale price if Rusty Bucket were ever acquired.

Dennis Lombardi, executive vice president of Columbus-based WD Partners, said the family-friendly and sports bar elements woven into the upscale-casual tavern positioning would help Rusty Bucket travel well.

“They have positioned their brand to work well against a pretty broad array of use occasions,” Lombardi said. “They’re used heavily at lunch, and during big sporting events, they’re thought of as the place to go. It’s the same with a late dinner with friends.”

Callicoat and Mitchell said Rusty Bucket’s “aggressive but methodical” growth plans over the next five years are realistic thanks to their decision to pull back on expansion during the recession to improve service and the menu.

“In those years of suspended growth, we focused on our four walls, everything from operations to finance,” Callicoat said. “We were fortunate to focus our energy on the right spot at the right time. It was a really big undertaking for us.”

February 25, 2014
By Mark Brandau
Nations Restaurant News
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Cameron's American Bistro turns 20 with new look

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Cameron Mitchell's 1st restaurant undergoing makeover with new look, updated menu

Just because Cameron Mitchell Restaurants LLC is in a bit of a local growth spurt, it doesn't mean it’s neglecting the eateries that built the business.

Much of the news from the Columbus-based company and its namesake restaurateur has been about new restaurants, including the upcoming Hudson 29 Kitchen & Drink and a just-confirmed steakhouse in Grandview Heights, but the oldest restaurant in the portfolio is getting a refresh as well.

Cameron’s American Bistro, 2185 W. Dublin-Granville Road, will reopen Jan. 27 with a remodeled interior and a re-conceived menu. It closed Jan. 14.

“It’s basically a brand-new restaurant,” Mitchell told me.

Despite the new look and new grub, the restaurant is sticking to its neighborhood bistro roots. Cameron’s is Mitchell’s first restaurant, opened in October 1993.

“We’re excited to launch again,” he said.

The new look is described as brighter with warm earth tones and new lighting. Two granite-top dining tables for larger parties will be added. The bar is getting a new granite bar top and flat-panel televisions. Employees are getting new uniforms.

The menu update includes appetizers like salmon carpaccio with house-made crackers and oysters bingo, which has creamed spinach and an asiago aioli. Entrees include the familiar like Cameron’s Walleye alongside new choices such as mushroom gnocchi, pork chop & clams and roasted chicken with a quinoa cucumber salad.

New wine and beer have been added at the bar, while seasonal cocktails including the popular American Bourbon Cider and Hot Buttered Rum remain.

Nine-year Mitchell’s veteran Kelli Gordon is general manager and Jeff Lindemeyer is executive chef.

Another older Mitchell restaurant could be in line for future upgrades too. Mitchell previously told Columbus Business First that the Cap City Diner on Olentangy River Road – the third eatery he opened – could be remodeled down the road as well.

Cameron Mitchell’s company has grown to 19 restaurants under eight different brands. That includes 11 Ocean Prime restaurants, which is the company’s growth brand outside of Central Ohio, including an upcoming Beverly Hills site. It also has a catering and events division and a sister company, the Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern, which has 15 restaurants.

January 22, 2014
By Dan Eaton
Columbus Business First
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Ohio Masonic Homes opens Pathways Project

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Browning Masonic Community in Waterville, OH, is proud to open their new Pathways project, a 24 bed residence for residents who require various levels of memory support. Designed specifically to aide in memory issues, the facility has a circular floor plan linking 2 separate “households”, allowing residents to wander within a secure environment. Colors, fabrics, textures and accessories were carefully considered by DCI to help create the homelike atmosphere. In line with the Culture Change movement in senior living, the entire space was designed with residents’ privacy, dignity and respect in mind. The result is a warm, inviting, and sometimes playful atmosphere where residents are encouraged to make themselves at home.

Design Collective is pleased to continue its working relationship with Browning Masonic in the upcoming renovation of their assisted and independent living dining areas and kitchen. Be watching for continued updates on this next project.

A similar Pathways project was also recently opened at Western Reserve Masonic Community in Medina, OH, serving the Akron/Cleveland area. Residents at Western Reserve are enjoying their new home that features a similar layout as Browning, but with colors and household themes specifically chosen to reflect their own community.

 

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Design Collective celebrates 45th anniversary!

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Design Collective is celebrating our 45th year of service!

This landmark makes DCI the longest continuously operated commercial interiors firm in Ohio. We are celebrating this benchmark with a renewed commitment to our core mission, established by founder, Bob Valentine. Still to this day, we listen and deliver functional, impactful design solutions for our clients…not for ourselves.

As Bob transitioned into retirement earlier this year, we proudly announce that former Associate Brent LaCount has become a Principal of the firm, joining David Cooke and Gene McHugh in the firm’s leadership.

We are also announcing the renewal of our current office lease, which will include a significant renovation of the spaces we have called “home” for the past 15 years. The renovation will be completed by the end of this calendar year. We are also announcing the addition of new staff; two new members are joining DCI this month alone.

“Anniversaries are a good time for reflection and renewal.” says David Cooke, Principal, “We are grateful to everyone who has contributed to DCI’s longevity and to our fulfilling the mission started in 1969.”

Stay tuned for announcements regarding the renovation of our office and staff additions!

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DCI staff compete in pumpkin carving contest

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The spooky time of year is near, Halloween will soon be here! DCI & spacemates, MurphyEpson, turned up the monster mash songs and pulled out the carving knives to create these gems! This year's Pumpkin Carving winning team is Gene McHugh (DCI) & Leah Salyers (ME) with their samurai pumpkin. Have a great Halloween from everyone at DCI.

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DCI Projects featured in Columbus CEO Magazine

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Columbus C.E.O. magazine's new feature, "Office Space", will be highlighting DCI projects in their October and Novemeber issue. The current October issue profiled GBQ Partners and the November issue features Thompson Hine. Pick up a copy today to see the full write up. Click DCI's Office tab at the top of the page to view these and similar projects.

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First Styleout bar open, more to follow soon

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DCI was able to grab a shot of our newest project, Styleout, before opening at Easton Town Center.

Styleout is part of the recent beauty trend, blow-dry bars, which focus on a relaxing shampoo followed by a professional blow-out and style to go. Blow-dry bar’s do not offer cuts or color treatments. DCI worked closely with the client to develop the initial concept design, finishes, furniture, lighting, and accessories. This is the first of three stores to open this year.

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Kansas Masonic opens newly constructed therapy household

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This summer KMH is proud to open their newly constructed, Rapid Recovery Therapy Household. The household features a spa-like setting for residents, as well as seniors living in the community, to receive outpatient rehabilitation services.

DCI, in conjuction with Anderson Knight Architectd, is also assisting KMH in recrafting their entire 15-acre senior living community into supportive ‘household” environments, reflecting their philosophy of culture change in order to provide exceptional person-centered care.

Check our Senior Living Portfolio to view additional photos for this and other similar projects.

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New Deupree clubroom opens

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Candy McDowall, DCI’s interior designer, snapped a few photos of the newly renovated Deupree Club Room at Episcopal Retirement Homes in Cincinnati, OH. By relocating the center staircase, this space now opens into a large gathering room, perfect for hosting the Community’s many gatherings.

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Returning inspired from NeoCon

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DCI traveled to Chicago to participate in NeoCon 2013, the largest interior design trade show in North America. It’s a virtual sea of this year’s most innovative and noteworthy furniture, carpet, casegoods, textiles, lighting and accessories.

“You’re able to engage and learn about the latest product lines within each creative showroom”, says Randy Roberty, DCI’s newest addition, “You return energized and ready to ‘hit the ground running’ to continue providing our client’s with the best design solutions and products.”

NeoCon is where exhibitors showcase their new and upcoming products and resources which apply to various market sectors.

“At DCI it’s important we stay plugged into the new product features available so we can sift through and provide our client’s with solutions that meet their continuously changing design needs,” said Eugene McHugh, Principal. His focus was on several project specific applications for desking and demountable wall systems. The amount of acoustic and visual privacy variations for desking solutions are increasing as clients are assessing how open their floor plan wants to be. Also, the functional and aesthetics for demountable wall systems are improving while their costs continue to get more competitive with gypsum board partitions.

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One Global Design bi-annual conference

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Gene McHugh, Design Collective Principal, returned from the biannual conference for ONE Global Design Platform. ONE Global is a composition of compatible design firms in our own respective markets who share one common approach- delivering superior design solutions and personalized customer service.

This conference, in conjunction with NEOCON 2013, focused on member firm and project updates as well as marketing & technology integration.

Design Collective is ramping up for upcoming  projects with member firms, Fox Architects in Washington DC and  Visnick & Caulfield Associates in Boston.

Learn more at http://www.oneglobaldesign.com

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Design Collective completes Porter Wright's Cincinnati office

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In early spring DCI completed renovations at Porter Wright’s Cincinnati location. Our role was to renovate the primary meeting spaces, café space, office branding, and update finishes for about 50% of the 19,000 sf floor in the Chiquita Center.

DCI is excited to continue our collaboration with Porter Wright to create their new 9,000 SF space in the Washington D.C. area.

Click on the Office link to view other similar projects DCI has completed for clients.  

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Design Collective presenting at LeadingAge, Ohio Conference

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We are excited to announce that David Cooke & Candy McDowall will be at the Columbus Convention Center on September 11th to give a talk at the LeadingAge, Ohio Annual Conference & Trade Show.  The topic for discussion will be, "Changes in Interior colors for Senior Living". 

Learn more about LeadingAge Ohio by clicking here to visit their website.

Celebrating its 75th anniversary this year, LeadingAge Ohio is a nonprofit organization that represents approximately 400 nonprofit long-term care organizations located in more than 150 Ohio towns and cities, as well as those providing ancillary health care and housing services. Member organizations serve more than 50,000 elderly Ohioans daily and employ more than 20,000 persons statewide. 

 

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City Barbeque opens its latest joint in Carmel, Indiana

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Prior to unlocking the doors on opening day. City Barbeque sent us this photo of the latest project we have completed with them in Carmel, Indiana. This “joint”, as they refer to their locations, can be found in the newly renovated The Center Shopping Center on South Range Line Road.

We have enjoyed working with the wonderful people at City Barbeque on many projects over the past several years.  With six new restaurants (number seven now under construction) and updating of six existing joints. We wish them great success in Carmel!

 

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Design Collective joins ONE Global Platform

New Business Affiliation Expands DCI Competiveness in Markets Across North America ONE Global Design Platform to operate with 15 member companies

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Design Collective Incorporated (DCI), regularly named by Interior Design magazine as one of the “Top Giants” in the U.S. will partner with 14 similarly successful North American design firms to provide coast to coast services for businesses seeking superior, consistent interior design solutions in multiple markets. The group will form the ONE Global Design Platform with offices in Atlanta, Austin, Boston, Calgary, Charlotte, Chicago, Columbus, Dallas, Houston, Los Angeles, Philadelphia, San Francisco, Toronto, Vancouver, and Washington, DC.

“We are very excited about this new collaboration. It will give our clients a platform for instant access to ‘best in class’ architectural and design firms in America and Canada who are known for their design innovation and customer service. This strategic collaboration will allow us to bring together a team of professionals who know the client, the market, and have the specialized expertise to create a first-class finished product,” said David Cooke, Principal, Design Collective Incorporated.

“With all of the mergers and realignments of the past decade, we recognize the importance of serving our clients affordably as they expand into other markets,” says Eugene McHugh, Principal, Design Collective Incorporated. “As a founding member of ONE Global Design Platform, we now can serve our clients in every major city in the United States and Canada, including major markets on the east and west coasts.”

The ONE approach will provide a consistent, principal-led team who will know a company, its brand, its standards and its overall business goals. The local, core team will provide the design and delivery while the ONE Global Design Platform members will bring city-specific knowledge, code compliance and ready access to the project site. The combination of 15 member firms will assure a high level of creativity, experience and wisdom as clients move into other markets, and seek consistency and creativity in their offices and other commercial interior projects.

Founded in 1969, Design Collective Incorporated is an independent, interior architectural firm providing design services for hospitality, corporate offices, senior living, and retail users. Now in its fourth decade, the firm has a national reputation and client base.

 

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