Two Columbus Restaurateurs Named to National Power List

Charley Shin and Cameron Mitchell recognized for industry influence

Apr. 14, 2026 at 7:00pm

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A minimalist studio still life photograph featuring a stack of restaurant menus, a pen, and a pair of eyeglasses on a clean, monochromatic background, conceptually representing the business strategy and influence of successful restaurant leaders.The national recognition of two Columbus restaurateurs highlights the city's growing reputation as a hub for innovative and influential restaurant concepts.Columbus Today

Two prominent Columbus, Ohio restaurant founders, Charley Shin and Cameron Mitchell, were named to Nation's Restaurant News' 2026 Power List, which highlights the most influential leaders in the restaurant industry.

Why it matters

The Power List recognition showcases the national influence and industry leadership of these two Columbus-based restaurateurs, who have built successful regional and national restaurant brands from their hometown.

The details

Charley Shin founded the Charleys Cheesesteaks chain, which uses its Polaris and Sawmill Road locations in Columbus to test new menu items before rolling them out nationally. Cameron Mitchell is the founder of the Cameron Mitchell Restaurants group, which operates over 100 locations across the country.

  • The 2026 Power List was recently published by Nation's Restaurant News.

The players

Charley Shin

The founder of the Charleys Cheesesteaks chain, which uses its Columbus locations to test new menu items before national rollouts.

Cameron Mitchell

The founder of the Cameron Mitchell Restaurants group, which operates over 100 locations across the country.

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What they’re saying

“not only setting trends today, but shaping them for tomorrow.”

— Charley Shin

The takeaway

The inclusion of these two Columbus restaurateurs on the prestigious Power List underscores the city's growing reputation as a hub for innovative and influential restaurant concepts that are making an impact nationally.