Warren M. Thompson grew up in Windsor, Virginia, with early experience selling produce and working in family businesses. At Hampden-Sydney College, he joined other Black students in organizing a Minority Student Union and supporting literacy work in the surrounding community.
He earned a managerial economics degree in 1981 and an MBA from the University of Virginia's Darden School of Business in 1983. His first post-MBA job was as an assistant manager at a Roy Rogers restaurant within Marriott.
After nine years at Marriott, Thompson established Thompson Hospitality in October 1992, buying 31 Big Boy restaurants with backing from Marriott as well as his own investment. Contract food service, the business he soon turned toward, serves universities, workplaces and stadiums under multiyear agreements rather than walk-in traffic.
The early restaurant plan needed revision. In his Hampden-Sydney interview, Thompson recalled that an initial sales improvement after restaurant conversions did not last, so he accelerated plans for contract dining and won business from St. Paul's College.
In 1997, a partnership with Compass Group created Thompson Hospitality Services, LLC. Institutional food service became an important part of the enterprise alongside restaurants. Leadership stayed in the family: the company's roster identifies Benita Thompson-Byas as senior vice president and vice chairman, Fred Thompson Jr. as chief administrative officer, and Warren as president and chairman.
His community work has also drawn recognition. In September 2025, the Community Foundation for Northern Virginia announced that it would honor him at its annual gala.
