Mitchell Schmieding

Director of Operations

Mitchell began his professional hospitality career with eighteen dynamic years with the Charlie Trotter organization. During this time, he was an integral part of every element of Charlie Trotter’s. The ultimate success of the flagship restaurant on Armitage Avenue, which became one of the most renowned and coveted restaurants in the world, has much to do with Mitchell’s leadership. As opportunities arose with the Trotter organization, Mitchell put forth his mastery in opening the original Charlie Trotter’s Las Vegas located in the MGM Grand Hotel and Casino.

From Las Vegas it was back to the Windy City to prepare for an international project, the build-out and opening of ‘C’ a restaurant by Charlie Trotter at the One&Only Palmilla in San Jose Del Cabo, Mexico. This luxurious and tranquil resort was voted the best Resort in Mexico, as well as ‘C’ the best restaurant in a resort in Mexico for many years after its opening. Though it was heart-breaking to leave ‘C’ and his new restaurant family in Mexico, it was time for Mitchell to depart for the next adventure.

The next project Mitchell embarked upon was in New York City, joining Danny Meyer’s Union Square Hospitality Group as the General Manager of Eleven Madison Park. After procuring Chef Daniel Humm and Sommelier John Ragan as the key members of the team, they began accomplishing their objective of transforming this Bistro style restaurant into one of the top restaurants in New York City. Within a year, Eleven Madison Park was given its third star, and received its forth star in 2009.

As Mitchell’s family grew, it was time to return to Chicago. As Director of Operations, Mitchell has once again enhanced the culinary climate in Chicago with this one-of-a-kind dining experience at Benny’s Chop House. Mitchell’s graciousness and service expertise is apparent in every aspect of this special restaurant. You may not see him in the restaurant on Sundays, as that is the day he spends with his twin daughters Astor and Lucca.