Photo courtesy of Milk & Honey
A Southern-inspired chicken and waffle dish from Milk & Honey restaurant.
Reston-based minority-owned Thompson Hospitality is opening Milk & Honey, a Southern-influenced brunch spot, Monday, July 7 at 801 King St., the company announced. The location was formerly home to Hen Quarter, another Thompson brand.
There is another Milk & Honey in the Alexandria area at 6305 Richmond Highway in the Kings Crossing Shopping Center.
The Milk & Honey brand began with chef Sammy Davis, Jr. in Atlanta. His vision for Milk & Honey was to create an accessible brunch spot, particularly for industry workers who often missed out on weekend brunch. The menu draws inspiration from his childhood, featuring dishes like his award-winning Shrimp and Grits. Davis has gone on to become an award winner on "Chopped" in 2012 and became a chef consultant for Thompson Hospitality and opened Yeiboh Kitchen in Baltimore.
Also read: Southern-Influenced Milk & Honey to Open in Alexandria
Today, Milk & Honey has expanded significantly. In 2020, Thompson Hospitality acquired the Milk & Honey restaurants in the D.C. area. Davis remains involved as a chef consultant, continuing to contribute to the brand's culinary direction. With locations spanning Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia (including a prominent one in Colonial Heights, near Richmond), Milk & Honey is now known for its vibrant atmosphere, "scratch-made" Southern favorites like Chicken & Waffles, and signature Mimosa Towers, maintaining its focus on rich flavors and warm hospitality.
Founded in 1992 by Warren Thompson, the company has grown to own and operate over 70 restaurants across Maryland, Virginia, Washington D.C., Ohio, and South Florida. Their diverse portfolio spans a wide range of dining experiences, from fast-casual to fine dining, including popular concepts like Matchbox Pizza and Bistro, Big Buns Burgers, American Tap Room and Maker's Union. Beyond their restaurant ventures, Thompson Hospitality is also recognized as the nation's largest minority-owned food service and facilities management company, providing services to various institutions, including historically Black colleges and universities.
