New general manager leading the way at distinguished restaurant on Fifth Avenue
February 3, 2026
Left to Right: Del Mar Naples GM David LaMarca and Del Mar Naples Executive Chef Phil LiesenfeldThe stylish Mediterranean-inspired Del Mar, one of Fifth Avenue’s most iconic restaurants, welcomes David LaMarca as the new general manager. He joins Executive Chef Phil Liesenfeld as the newest member of Del Mar’s leadership team.
LaMarca, a Biloxi, Mississippi native, had his first taste the restaurant industry when he would often go to work with his father at their family-owned restaurants in his hometown. LaMarca then spent over 15 years working for a restaurant concept that had multiple Florida locations. He started as a Server Assistant and through his hard work he became General Manager at their Naples location. LaMarca joined Cameron Mitchell Restaurants in 2016 as Beverage Manager of Ocean Prime Naples before becoming General Manager in 2021. He “moved” west on Fifth Avenue to become General Manager of Del Mar in 2025. LaMarca has said his favorite thing about the company is the culture of putting Associates first. He builds off this culture to create a fun work environment and opportunities to set his Associates up for success while bringing patience and positivity to each day.
Columbus, Ohio native Liesenfeld first joined Cameron Mitchell Restaurants more than 25 years ago after finishing culinary school at Ohio State. He then moved out west where he spent many years as a chef at fine dining restaurants before returning to Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. For the past 10 years, he has been traveling for Ocean Prime and serving in a variety of chef roles for their Columbus, Denver, Phoenix and Boston locations. After moving to Naples in 2022, Liesenfeld has been a chef at Del Mar and is excited to be in the role of executive chef once again.
“Having David leading Del Mar in Naples is fantastic,” said David Miller, president and COO, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. “His many years in that market is going to be a great benefit for the restaurant and our patrons.”
About Del Mar Naples
Del Mar is a Mediterranean-inspired restaurant from the award-winning Cameron Mitchell Restaurant nestled steps away from the Gulf at 494 Fifth Avenue South in the heart of downtown Naples. Offering the highest quality fare from sea, garden and farm, Del Mar Naples showcases a variety of seafood complemented by bright produce, fresh cheeses and earthy spice blends on a seasonal, made-from-scratch menu. A refreshing selection of handcrafted cocktails and world-class wines, paired with genuine hospitality, creates the perfect oasis to welcome gatherings of any size. Featuring open-air terraces, vaulted dining space and two bars adorned in European architecture, Del Mar Naples delivers an inviting atmosphere to share a meal, raise a toast and celebrate togetherness. For more information, please visit DelMarMediterranean.com or call 239-350-0134.
About Cameron Mitchell Restaurants (CMR)
Founded by Cameron Mitchell in 1993, Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, LLC (CMR) has built a diverse portfolio of varied concepts, ranging from multi-location upscale destinations to single neighborhood favorites. Today, CMR operates 51 restaurants company-wide under 20 different concepts, with 23 locations in Columbus, Ohio, including Budd Dairy Food Hall. In addition, Cameron Mitchell Premier Events, the premier catering and event planning company in central Ohio, oversees three venues in Columbus. The national Ocean Prime brand has 21 locations in 15 states plus the District of Columbia, with an upcoming location opening in Nashville, Tennessee in 2026. The Rusty Bucket Restaurant & Tavern, a sister company of CMR, currently operates 17 locations in three states. CMR and the various concepts have received numerous culinary, leadership, entrepreneur, community service and readers’ choice awards. For more information, visit CameronMitchell.com.
In October 2025, Cameron Mitchell was inducted into the Culinary Institute of America’s Hall of Fame, one of the highest honors in the culinary world, recognizing his contributions and leadership in the industry. Additionally, the CIA dedicated the entrance gate to the Alumni Walk of Fame as Mitchell Gate, recognizing Mitchell’s active support for the college.
As seen on CNN, Forbes and Smart Business, Mitchell shares his story and the wisdom he has gained through the years in his book ‘Yes is the Answer. What is the Question?’, available at ShopCameronMitchell.com.
