Learning Out Loud

#24 - Warren Thompson - CEO’s Lessons on Growing a $1 Billion Hospitality Group

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*Note: this episode was recorded at one of Thompson's restaurants, The Ridley in Charlottesville.*


Warren Thomspon is the founder of Thompson Hospitality, the largest minority-owned food service, and one of the largest retail food and facilities management companies, in the country. 

The company serves diverse clients, including Fortune 100 companies, universities, medical centers, and school districts, with a portfolio of well-known brands.

Warren graduated from UVA Darden in 1983 and then spent 9 years with Marriott Corporation as an Assistant Manager at a Roy Rogers unit, before founding Thompson Hospitality in 1992.

We spoke with Warren about:

  • The value of hard work

  • Maintaining family business values 

  • Aligning incentives of employees with the larger corporation

  • Mitigating risk in business

  • Setting goals

  • Expanding across multiple industries (restaurants, hospitals, universities)

  • Balancing both analytics and gut feelings

  • Much more

    • ...more
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    Learning Out LoudBy Justin Guerra, Marlee Reiter, Chapin Zerner