Speaker Profile

Robert Thompson

CEO, Founder, Punch Bowl Social

Robert Thompson launched his hospitality career in his early 20s, opening his first restaurant in Nashville in 1997. He went on to open and operate nine different restaurants, from large-format entertainment brands to independent boutique eateries. All of them laid the groundwork for what would become his tour de force, Punch Bowl Social.

Punch Bowl Social’s original location opened in Denver’s historic Baker neighborhood in November 2012. With lines around the block on day one, it was clear that Punch Bowl Social struck a chord with millennials and entertainment-seekers looking for an authentic, extraordinary experience. Since then, Robert and his team have opened 14 additional locations across the U.S., each designed with an atmosphere and personality that reflects the local market. By the end of 2019, Punch Bowl Social will open eight more locations in Dallas, Milwaukee, Miami, Salt Lake City and beyond.

In 2017, Robert earned Ernst & Young’s prestigious Entrepreneur of The Year® award. Punch Bowl Social has been honored by a number of awards and recognitions including Fast Company Magazine’s Most Innovative Companies in the World 2018, Nation’s Restaurant News’ 2018 Hot Concept, the 2018 & 2017 Inc. 5000 list of fasting-growing private companies in America, and Nation’s Restaurant News’ 2017 Next 20 Brands to Watch, and as one of their 2015 Breakout Brands.

Robert lives in Denver and loves traveling, tweed vests, and spending every free moment with his wife and sons.