Strong Performance in 2025
Thompson Restaurants, a division of Thompson Hospitality, has made headlines with its remarkable 12% year-over-year revenue growth in 2025. This success is attributed to strategic expansion, ongoing brand development, and meticulous operational execution. As one of the nation’s largest family-run food service companies, Thompson Restaurants continues to shape the dining landscape with its diverse portfolio, which includes beloved brands like Milk & Honey, Makers Union, and Wiseguy Pizza.
Expansion Strategy: New Locations and Non-Traditional Venues
In 2025, Thompson Restaurants opened or converted 11 locations, demonstrating a commitment to growth that targets approximately one new opening each month. The company aims to reach a total of 100 locations by the end of 2027, leveraging organic growth strategies, strategic acquisitions, and non-traditional venues such as airports and college campuses.
Key Insights from Leadership
“Our 2025 performance reflects our ability to scale thoughtfully while maintaining strong execution across a diverse set of concepts,” stated Alex Berentzen, COO of Thompson Restaurants. This statement underlines the company’s focus on quality and guest experience, critical elements in the competitive food service market.
Milk & Honey: A Driving Force
One of the standout performers in the Thompson Restaurants portfolio is Milk & Honey, a Southern-inspired concept that has seen significant growth. In 2025 alone, the brand added five new locations, bringing its total to 19. With four more locations in development for 2026, Milk & Honey is poised to become a cornerstone of the company’s expansion strategy.
Non-Traditional Venues: Partnering with SSP America
Thompson Restaurants is strategically positioning itself to capitalize on high-traffic locations. In partnership with SSP America, the company plans to introduce Wiseguy Pizza and Makers Union in Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. This move not only enhances their brand visibility but also taps into a lucrative market of travelers looking for quality dining experiences on the go.
Geographic Expansion: Beyond the Washington Region
While the Washington area remains a key focus, Thompson Restaurants is evaluating opportunities in the Tidewater area of Virginia and considering expansions into Pennsylvania and North Carolina. This multi-state growth strategy reflects the company’s ambition to solidify its presence across diverse markets.
Reviving Iconic Brands
The company has also successfully revived the Austin Grill brand, a Tex-Mex favorite in the Washington region, with a new location in Potomac Falls, Virginia. Additionally, they launched Ms. Peach’s Southern Kitchen, a tribute to the founder’s grandmother, which further emphasizes their commitment to community and cultural connections in their brand offerings.
Innovative Loyalty Programs and Customer Engagement
In an effort to enhance customer loyalty, Thompson Restaurants launched the Thompson Table Rewards program in 2025. This initiative allows guests to earn points across all 15 brands, with over 200,000 members already enrolled. The program not only rewards spending but also fosters a sense of belonging among customers, which is crucial in today’s competitive landscape.
Looking Forward to 2026 and Beyond
As Thompson Restaurants gears up for 2026, the focus on partnerships and acquisitions is paramount. The company is particularly interested in exploring opportunities with regional operators in the DMV and South Florida, especially in non-vented concepts such as coffee and bakery outlets. This direction not only diversifies their offerings but also strategically positions them within emerging food trends.
Final Thoughts: Building Brands with Meaning
Warren Thompson, founder and chairman of Thompson Hospitality, encapsulates the company’s philosophy: “We’ve always believed that restaurants are about more than food; they are about culture, connection, and community.” This ethos will guide their growth strategy as they continue to develop brands that resonate with consumers while creating opportunities for their teams and the communities they serve.
Join the Conversation
As Thompson Restaurants embarks on this exciting journey of growth and expansion, we invite you to share your thoughts! What trends do you see shaping the future of the food and beverage industry? Join the discussion in the comments below.
Written by Michael Politz, Author of Guide to Restaurant Success: The Proven Process for Starting Any Restaurant Business From Scratch to Success (ISBN: 978-1-119-66896-1), Founder of Food & Beverage Magazine, the leading online magazine and resource in the industry. Designer of the Bluetooth logo and recognized in Entrepreneur Magazine’s “Top 40 Under 40” for founding American Wholesale Floral, Politz is also the Co-founder of the Proof Awards and the CPG Awards and a partner in numerous consumer brands across the food and beverage sector.
