For some, running a restaurant is a business. For us, it is our calling. Our passion for food and fine dining comes first, business second. We are a chef-driven restaurant. For you, that means fine dining at its best. We invite you to join us for an unforgettable culinary experience.

Austin Crawford, general manager of Marcella’s Polaris, got his start with Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR) in 2007 as a sales associate at Mitchell’s Ocean Club. After moving to Chicago for a few years, Crawford found his way back to Columbus and CMR as a dining room manager at Marcella’s Polaris in 2022.

A native of Calgary, Crawford studied commercial design at Columbus College of Art & Design and has a minor in business. He is a member of two professional organizations, Leadership Team Development and Inner-Circle Mentorship. Crawford also holds multiple art & design achievement awards.

Sparking his interest in hospitality, Crawford recalls a memory from early in his career. “…there was a moment in the middle of the dining room on a Saturday night, with the lights, the music, the energy, the hustle, and the comradery that really grabbed hold of my heart. Coupled with a genuine desire to host a crowd, entertain, and deliver some ‘showmanship’ while making a living… I was sold.”

Looking forward, Crawford hopes to learn more about himself as a leader and make a lifelong impact on all the people he has been trusted with the privilege to coach and mentor. “CMR has provided an environment for me to gain mentorship, to thrive and grow in many areas of my life,” Crawford says.

Crawford currently resides in Powell, Ohio with his family. His favorite dishes from CMR are the Melted Pecorino Cheese from Marcella’s and Cameron’s Walleye from Cameron’s American Bistro. Outside of work, Crawford enjoys graphic design, real estate, road biking, hiking and collecting stamps in his passport.