Thompson Hospitality is creating the Thompson Restaurants division as it expands its locations and launches a loyalty and gift card program, the company announced Tuesday.
The Reston, Virginia-based company, one of the largest minority-owned foodservice management companies in the U.S., plans to launch the loyalty program in 2025, according to a press release.
Thompson Hospitality is creating the Thompson Restaurants division as it expands its locations and launches a loyalty and gift card program, the company announced Tuesday.
The Reston, Virginia-based company, one of the largest minority-owned foodservice management companies in the U.S., plans to launch the loyalty program in 2025, according to a press release.
“It is an opportune time to focus on the restaurant industry despite the unprecedented challenges it faces,” said Warren Thompson, founder of Thompson Hospitality, in a statement.
“Many see this as a bad time to invest in the industry, but we see it as a unique opportunity,” Thompson continued. “These challenges require experienced leadership. With 32 years of experience and a diverse portfolio, Thompson Restaurants is uniquely positioned to navigate and capitalize on this landscape.”
Thompson’s company has more than 70 locations with 14 brands. Thompson Restaurants plans to expand its presence in the District of Columbia-Maryland-Virginia region, as well as in South Florida and Columbus, Ohio.
Along with the launch of the new restaurant group brand, the company plans to introduce universal gift cards, made possible by a modernized technology stack.
“This initiative will enable the team to offer a gift card that works across all Thompson Restaurants brands, a unified online ordering system regardless of location, and a unified loyalty program that allows guests to earn points toward exclusive experiences at any Thompson brand,” the company said. The gift card loyalty program is scheduled to launch in 2025.
In the past year, Thompson has opened restaurants Milk & Honey and Makers Union in the District of Columbia’s Wharf project, as well as four new Wiseguy Pizza locations, Hen Quarter Prime and CUT 132 in Columbus, Ohio. Planned new markets include Virginia Beach, Va.
Thompson said Alex Berentzen has been named chief operating officer of the restaurant division. Previously, Berentzen was president and COO at Organic Krush Lifestyle Eatery and worked at Fox Restaurant Concepts and Wegmans Food Markets.
“As we expand Thompson Restaurants beyond the Washington DC, Columbus and South Florida metropolitan areas, we remain true to the foundations on which Thompson Hospitality was built,” said Berentzen.
Founded in 1992, Thompson operates restaurants in Maryland, Virginia, Washington DC, Ohio and South Florida. Brands include Makers Union, Matchbox, Hen Quarter, Milk & Honey and Wiseguy Pizza.
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