It’s Prime Time for Genuine Hospitality on Fifth Avenue South

Award-winning modern American restaurant and lounge, Ocean Prime, is now open on Fifth Avenue South in Naples.  This debut marks the fourteenth location in a coast-to-coast collection of restaurants from Columbus,Ohio-based restaurateur Cameron Mitchell.

Ocean Prime Naples offers locally-inspired interiors, a from-scratch menu of seafood and prime cuts of steak, signature cocktails, a Wine Spectator-honored wine list and genuine hospitality.  Guests can choose from lighter fare, such as the Shellfish Cobb Salad and sushi, as well as more indulgent items such as the Smoking Shellfish Tower, a variety of steaks and the signature Ten-Layer Carrot Cake.

Embracing their mid-western roots, the Ocean Prime team cares about delivering authentic experiences and believes that every associate is essential to creating the Ocean Prime experience. They empower and encourage all associates to say, “Yes is the answer. What is the question?”

At an orientation for new associates in late November, company founder and CEO Cameron Mitchell flew into give a welcome toast and tell his famous milkshake story. The story inspired Mitchell to open his first restaurant, and the retelling of it at every new associate orientation speaks volumes about its importance to the daily operations of his restaurants.

The story started when Mitchell’s young son wanted a milkshake, an item that didn’t happen to be on the menu at the restaurant where they were dining.  When the server refused to serve one, Mitchell pointed out that there was an a la mode option and a dessert featuring chocolate syrup on the menu. He asked if these ingredients – ice cream and chocolate syrup – could be combined to make a milkshake. Ultimately, it took a manager’s involvement to make it happen.

Mitchell saw it as a missed opportunity for what he calls “signature genuine hospitality,” and decided that in his restaurants, the answer would be a resounding “yes,” regardless of the question. Ocean Prime Naples will be no exception.

The company’s graciousness extends to its associates and the community as well.

“Our associates are our priority because when they are inspired and feel appreciated, it sets the stage for delivering genuine hospitality, memorable food, beverage and guest service,” said Mitchell during his recent visit to Naples.

“Also, giving back is a big part of who we are, and Ocean Prime is especially focused on organizations dedicated to children, hunger and education,” adds Rick Giannasi, General Manager of Ocean Prime Naples. Ocean Prime Naples opened earlier this month with a gift card promotion to benefit No Kid Hungry, a national non-profit dedicated to ending child hunger in America.

Ocean Prime Naples seats approximately 280 guests and features two private dining rooms to accommodate more intimate gatherings and celebrations. The Lounge is a welcoming, relaxing space for guests to enjoy expertly created cocktails handcrafted by talented bartenders. Located at 699 5^th Ave. South, adjacent to Inn on Fifth, Ocean Prime is open seven days per week, and lunch begins at 11:30 a.m. and dinner is served daily starting at 5 p.m. Enjoy Happy Hour weekdays from 4-7 p.m. featuring specially priced small plates, sushi rolls and specialty cocktails.On Saturdays and Sundays, brunch is served from 11:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Live music is featured on Wednesdays through Sundays from 6-11 p.m.