Bringing Southern Flavor to Waldorf: Milk & Honey Expands Its Culinary Empire

By Dr. Sharon H. Porter | Sunday, April 20, 2025 | 8: 45 PM EDT

Waldorf, Maryland just got a whole lot sweeter. Thompson Restaurants has officially unveiled its 15th Milk & Honey location at 3257 Plaza Drive in the Charles County Plaza Shopping Center, marking an exciting chapter for the beloved brand that’s become a staple of soulful, Southern-inspired dining. The April 15th grand opening signals the beginning of a strategic expansion throughout the Washington DC area (DMV) and beyond, adding another jewel to the crown of a hospitality company built on grit, passion, and vision.

Milk & Honey isn’t your average brunch spot. The Waldorf location delivers a bold, sensory experience with plush copper-crushed velvet banquettes, patterned tile floors, and playful wallpaper that effortlessly marries Southern charm with upscale edge. Signature dishes like Crispy Salmon Hash, Jerk Lamb Chops, Deviled Eggs, and the crowd-pleasing Chicken & Biscoff Waffles are just the beginning. Dinner specials such as Snow Crab Legs with Old Bay Fries ($24.99) and the unlimited “Taste of Milk & Honey” experience ($39.99) make this a destination that satisfies any appetite.

A DMV Favorite Grows

Prince George’s County, Maryland, has long embraced the Milk & Honey brand, with popular locations in Bowie, College Park, Woodmore, Fort Washington, and Camp Springs. These vibrant spaces have become community favorites, celebrated for their elevated takes on Southern classics, bottomless brunch culture, and lively ambiance.

In 2020, Thompson Hospitality, acquired the Milk & Honey brand from previous owners, Monique Rose and Chef Sammy Davis. Milk & Honey quickly earned a cult following—proof that soulful food and stylish spaces have universal appeal. With plans for additional locations in Hampton, Virginia Beach, and Alexandria on the horizon, the Thompson team is just getting started.

Behind the Brand: The Vision of Warren Thompson

At the heart of this culinary empire is Warren Thompson, the visionary founder of Thompson Hospitality. A self-made entrepreneur with roots in Virginia, Thompson’s journey is one of persistence and purpose. By age 14, he was running a grass-cutting business. At 15, he sold produce out of a school bus. And by 16? He made his first leveraged buyout—purchasing the family’s hog business from his father.

The son of two educators, Thompson understood the power of knowledge. He used earnings from that hog business to help finance his Managerial Economics degree from Hampden-Sydney College. He later earned an MBA from the University of Virginia’s prestigious Darden School of Business.

His corporate career began at Marriott, where he rose from Assistant Manager to key leadership roles. But his entrepreneurial spark couldn't be dimmed. In 1992, with just $100,000, Thompson launched Thompson Hospitality—and the rest is history.

In 1997, he boldly expanded into the food service sector by forming a strategic alliance with Compass Group, the world’s largest food service provider. Today, Thompson Hospitality is the largest minority-owned food and facilities management company in the nation.

Thompson’s influence extends far beyond the kitchen. A member of several elite leadership groups, including the Executive Leadership Council and the Virginia Governor’s Advisory Council on Revenue Estimates, he sits on boards such as Compass Group North America and Performance Food Group. His commitment to diversity, community, and excellence drives every facet of the Milk & Honey brand.

A Taste of What’s to Come

With its Waldorf launch, Milk & Honey continues to redefine Southern dining—fusing upscale interiors, creative cocktails, and chef-driven menus that celebrate flavor and flair. Whether you're in Bowie, Beltsville, College Park, or now Waldorf, the message is clear: Thompson Hospitality is serving more than food—it’s dishing out a legacy.

Hours of Operation:

• Monday–Thursday: 9 AM – 9 PM

• Friday: 9 AM – 10 PM

• Saturday: 8 AM – 10 PM

• Sunday: 8 AM – 9 PM

To learn more about the brand or find a location near you, visit thompsonrestaurants.com.

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