Robert Thompson is founder and CEO of Punch Bowl Social, one of the fastest growing restaurant brands in the country. Building and growing a company with nearly 4,000 employees and 20 locations nationwide requires focus, commitment and drive – three things that Robert says were absent during his years spent drinking. 12 years sober, Robert will share insights about a life led with and without alcohol, the perils of addiction, and the moment when he hit rock bottom. He’ll also discuss alcohol in the restaurant industry and his opinions on how far the industry has come and how much it’s the same as it was 25 years ago when he got his start.

Robert Thompson is our guest today - 12 years sober and thriving. After an extensive career conceptualizing and operating both large-format and boutique restaurants and bars, founder and CEO Robert Thompson opened Punch Bowl Social in Denver’s historic Baker neighborhood in November 2012. Punch Bowl Social now has 19 locations across the country, with eight more slated to open by the end of 2020. Robert has earned the prestigious Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of The Year® award and was a ColoradoBiz Magazine CEO of the Year finalist for the past two years. Punch Bowl Social is an award-winning brand, earning a spot as one of the 2019 Fast Company “50 Most Innovative Companies in the World” and a Nation’s Restaurant News 2018 Hot Concept, among dozens of additional industry honors.