Thompson Hospitality is launching the Thompson Restaurants division as it plans to expand locations and to introduce a loyalty and gift card program, the company said Tuesday.

The Reston, Va.-based company, one of the largest minority-owned foodservice management companies in the United States, expects to launch the loyalty program in 2025, according to a press release.

Thompson Hospitality is launching the Thompson Restaurants division as it plans to expand locations and to introduce a loyalty and gift card program, the company said Tuesday.

The Reston, Va.-based company, one of the largest minority-owned foodservice management companies in the United States, expects to launch the loyalty program in 2025, according to a press release.

"It is a favorable moment to focus on the restaurant industry, despite the unprecedented challenges it faces," said Warren Thompson, Thompson Hospitality founder, said in a statement.

"While many might view this as an inopportune time to invest in the industry, we see it as a unique opportunity,” Thompson continued. “These challenges necessitate leadership from seasoned companies. 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 across 14 brands, Thompson Restaurants is set to strengthen its presence in the District of Columbia-Maryland-Virginia region as well as South Florida, and Columbus, Ohio.

Along with the launch of the new restaurant group brand, the company plans to introducr universal gift cards, which was made possible by a modernized technology stack.

“This initiative will enable the team to offer one gift card that works across all Thompson Restaurants brands, a unified online ordering system regardless of the location, and a single loyalty program that allows guests to earn points towards exclusive experiences at every Thompson brand,” the company said. The gift card-loyalty program is scheduled to launch in 2025.

In the past year, Thompson Restaurants has opened Milk & Honey and Makers Union at the District of Columbia’s Wharf project, 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 had been named chief operating officer of the restaurant division. Previously, Berentzen served as 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 D.C.-metro, Columbus, and South Florida areas, we remain deeply committed to the foundational pillars that Thompson Hospitality was built on," Berentzen said.

Thompson, founded in 1992, operates restaurants in Maryland, Virginia, Washingtonm D.C., Ohio and South Florida. Brands include Makers Union, Matchbox, Hen Quarter, Milk & Honey, and Wiseguy Pizza.

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