Mike Cammel first got a foothold in the local Italian food business back in 1988 when he was hired as a delivery driver for Domino's Pizza. Soon thereafter, he started cooking Italian fare at Boccutti's, Noble Roman's and Pizza Hut. For the last 19 years, he managed Sbarro's in the Belden Village Mall food court.

In December, Cammel broke free from restaurant chains and opened his own place, Camellone Italian American Cuisine. It is located at 4630 Cleveland Ave. NW, in the former Barbaro's Pizzeria space, across from Raisin Rack.