Robert Thompson: founder and CEO, Punch Bowl Social.

AuthorRyckman, Lisa
PositionENTREPRENEUR OF THE YEAR FINALISTS - Cover story

Take one part nostalgic fun, one part diner fare, stir in some creative cocktails and top with lots of balls--bowling, billiard and pingpong, among others and--you've got Robert Thompson's recipe for success.

Oh yeah--and don't forget to sprinkle in some potent risk.

To open the first Punch Bowl Social in Denver, "I had to put personal guarantees against $1 million in capital and contingent liabilities, "Thompson says." This was against my professional policy, (but) I knew that once Punch Bowl was open, it would be the roaring success that it is today."

It's true--customers can't seem to get enough of Thompson's clever combo of old-timey games and sophisticated menu of food and craft cocktails. It's all served up in a uniquely designed "dirty modern" atmosphere that combines industrial, 21st Century and Victorian influences in one cohesive space.

Bringing it all together can be a challenge.

"During construction of the first Punch Bowl, we came across asbestos, absorbed numerous budgetary challenges and navigated internal discontent at the shareholder level in order to make the opening a reality," Thompson says. "Never giving up until the job was done, against high odds and years-long road--that's my proudest professional moment."

Since opening the first Punch Bowl Social in Denver in 2012, Thompson has expanded to Portland, Ore., Austin, Texas, and Detroit. New venues are planned for Cleveland and Chicago --and another unique location for Denver.

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