Robert Thompson vs Artie Starrs

Robert Thompson

CEO of Punch Bowl Social

BIO: ROBERT THOMPSON - FOUNDER & CEO As a 20-something bartender and waiter in the early 1990’s, Robert Thompson bounced from the US to the UK, gaining experience in restaurants and pubs where he sowed the seeds for his future passion. In 1997 at the age of 26, Robert opened his first restaurant, a dual concept called Buffalo Billiards & Havana Lounge in Nashville, launching what would become a lifelong career in hospitality. Punch Bowl Social was imagined by Robert Thompson after an extensive career of conceptualizing and operating both large-format eatertainment brand and independent boutique restaurants. Following the successful openings of nine different restaurant concepts, Robert began to actualize his vision for Punch Bowl Social early 2010 but it took three years of real estate searches, design iterations and funding discussions before the first location opened in Denver’s historic Baker neighborhood in November 2012. With lines around the block starting on day one, it was clear that Punch Bowl Social had struck a chord with young diners and drinkers seeking something authentic and out-of-the-ordinary. Since then, Robert and his team have opened 10 additional locations across the US and employ more than 1,600 team members. Each new Punch Bowl Social is designed specifically for the local market with an atmosphere that perfectly aligns with its brand personality. By the end of 2018, Punch Bowl Social will open another six new locations, in cities including Dallas, San Diego, Washington, DC and Chicago. In 2017, Ernst & Young recognized Robert’s contribution to the hospitality industry by naming him a recipient of the prestigious Entrepreneur of The Year® 2017 award in the Mountain Desert region. 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, the 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. Born in Mississippi, Robert still loves traveling to explore the roots of southern cuisine, adding to his collection of tweed vests, going for long, mind-clearing runs and spending every free moment with his wife, Mia and their sons.

Artie Starrs

CEO of TopGolf

BIO: Arthur (Artie) Starrs serves as Chief Executive Officer for Topgolf where he is responsible for the company’s overall vision and continued growth as one of the premiere sports entertainment companies in the world, fueled by parent company Callaway Golf. With a focus on driving an exceptional, technology-driven experience, Artie leads the global growth strategy for Topgolf venues, Toptracer technology and Topgolf Media business lines. Artie joined Topgolf in 2021 with a wealth of leadership experience and as a strong advocate for driving meaningful customer experiences and an inclusive culture. With over 20 years of success in roles spanning the financial, restaurant and entertainment industries, Artie most recently served as the Pizza Hut Global CEO within Yum! Brands. In this capacity, he was responsible for driving the company’s global performance across 110 countries. Prior to that role, he served as President and Chief Financial Officer of Pizza Hut U.S., and Chief Financial Officer of Rave Cinemas, the U.S.’s first all-digital movie theater chain. Artie’s leadership extends beyond the workplace and into the community as well, with a passion for unleashing opportunities for youth. He sits on the boards of The Greater Dallas Youth Orchestra, The Tartan Board at Texas Scottish Rite Hospital, The First Tee of Dallas, Big Thought (The Creator’s Council) and First Book, which is a Washington D.C.-based nonprofit whose mission is to provide equal access to quality education for kids in need. Artie earned his undergraduate degree in Economics at Princeton University. He is an avid sports and outdoor enthusiast and enjoys hiking, playing golf, listening to live music and spending time with his family. Artie, his wife Elizabeth, and their two children Margaret and Arthur currently reside in Dallas, Texas.