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.

General Manager Rusty Craycraft

Rustin (Rusty) Craycraft, General Manager of Marcella’s Short North, developed a passion for food at a young age. Cooking with his mom while growing up, he wanted to be a chef and later got his start by being a busser in a restaurant.

In 2018, Craycraft joined Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR) as a server and supervisor at Marcella’s Polaris. Later, he would serve as Dining Room Manager at Marcella’s Short North, Bar Manager at Lincoln Social Rooftop, and now finds his way back to Marcella’s Short North as General Manager.

“Making yes the answer isn’t just how you interact with guests. It’s how you interact with associates, friends and everyone around you,” Craycraft says when asked about advice he has for those interested in pursuing a career in hospitality. “Everyone needs to feel heard. Attack each day wanting to make people’s day brighter.”

Craycraft earned an Associate of Arts from Columbus State Community College, is a member of Cicerone as a Certified Beer Server, and is also an Introductory Sommelier through the Court of Master Sommeliers. Outside of work, he loves to play video games, read, watch movies, and learn about wine.

“All the people that I have met from various restaurants and those we do business with,” Craycraft stated when asked what his favorite thing about working for CMR is. “CMR has given me the incredible opportunity to make relationships that will last for years to come. Craycraft most looks forward to seeing Marcella’s Short North, a restaurant he worked in years ago, through a new lens in his role as General Manager.

A current resident of Westerville, Ohio, Craycraft resides with his wife, Rachel. His favorite dish from CMR is the Filet from Martini Modern Italian.