Meet Our Team
Scott Schmidt
Founder & CEO
When Scott Schmidt founded Looking Glass Hospitality, he was already a restaurant industry veteran. After starting as a dishwasher at a restaurant in Columbus, OH, he went on to own a 23,000 square foot sports bar in Chicago. Between then and Looking Glass, he served in executive roles for Cameron Mitchell Restaurants, Ruth’s Hospitality Group, and Tavern Restaurant Group.
He’s a member of the Millennium Advisory Board, an organization comprised of leaders in the food & beverage industry. And, he’s spent the better part of his adult life eating in restaurants around the globe, learning exactly what works for customers...and what doesn’t. An operator at heart, you’ll often find him in one of his restaurants guiding his employees and greeting guests.
Will Wadsworth
Senior Vice President & Operating Partner
A true innovator in the kitchen and all culinary operations, Will completed a three-year, 6,000-hour Culinary Apprenticeship program accredited by the American Culinary Foundation while earning an Associate Degree of Applied Science, Hospitality Management. He was responsible for beginning the “Chain of Custody” process with the Marine Stewardship Council, making Cameron Mitchell’s Fish Market the first chain company in the U.S. to accomplish certification. As Senior VP & Operating Partner at Looking Glass, Will oversees the culinary aspects of all Looking Glass restaurant concepts, including menu development, vendor relationships, sustainability, and financial awareness.
Nancy Parrott
Vice President, Marketing
Nancy has over 20 years of marketing and public relations experience in the hospitality, non-profit, and entertainment industries. She began her career working in sales for a resort hotel company on Nantucket Island. Upon returning to Cincinnati, she served in a variety of restaurant roles for McPender Inc., learning the ropes from restaurateur Ken Pendery, a founder of the National Exemplar and First Watch Restaurant Company. She went on to serve in marketing and pr roles for Downtown Cincinnati Incorporated, Broadway Across America, Tavern Restaurant Group, Crossroads Church, and O’Keeffe PR.
Nancy majored in Mass Communications at Miami University. She has a consistent record of success generating positive publicity and support for events, promotions, issues, and organizations. In her current role, she leads the overall marketing strategy for Looking Glass Hospitality and its multiple concepts.
Mark Bodenstein
Corporate Development Chef
Chef Mark’s culinary training has taken him to Asia, Europe, Hawaii, Tennessee, and Kentucky. For two years, he served as sous-chef under Chef Kathy Cary at Lilly's Bistro in Louisville, Kentucky. Chef Cary is known as a leader in the farm-to-table movement and during his time there, the restaurant received two James Beard Awards.
Mark moved to Cincinnati in 2006. He owned and operated the award-winning NuVo restaurant in Northern Kentucky. He has also served as Executive Chef for Chalk + Wine, Nicholson’s Tavern & Pub, and Parker’s Tavern.
Chef Mark has a degree in Culinary Arts from Sullivan University. In his current role, he mentors the chef team and is responsible for innovation and menu development at all Looking Glass restaurants.
Danielle Smith
Operations Manager
Danielle is an Ohio native who grew up in Canton, Ohio. She graduated with a BA in Communications from the Ohio State University. She fell in love with the restaurant industry while working for Columbus restaurant entrepreneur, Cameron Mitchell. With over 20 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Danielle serves as Operations Manager for Looking Glass Hospitality. Danielle worked her way up from hostess to General Manager over three years while working for Cameron Mitchell Restaurants. She opened four restaurants during her 13 year tenure with CMR, where she met Scott Schmidt and Will Wadsworth. Danielle went on to work for The Capital Grille and Cincinnati based Busken Bakery before joining Looking Glass Hospitality.
Danielle is responsible for assisting in overall operations, and developing and implementing plans and goals for all LGH concepts.
Contact Our Team
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