Milk & Honey to Open in Fort Washington

- The new Milk & Honey is located in the Olde Forte Village shopping center, an established retail hub in Fort Washington anchored by a Safeway and adjacent to the Fort Washington Hospital Medical Center. The center's diverse tenant mix includes national brands like Advance Auto Parts, Dollar Tree, and Wendy's, alongside local businesses. - Thompson Restaurants, the parent company of Milk & Honey, was founded in 1992 and operates a portfolio of over 70 restaurants across 14 brands, including Makers Union, Matchbox, and Hen Quarter. The company is a division of Thompson Hospitality, the largest minority-owned food service management company in the United States. - The Milk & Honey brand was originally founded in 2008 in Atlanta by Chef Sammy Davis, with a focus on southern-inspired brunch cuisine available seven days a week. The concept was born from his experience in the food industry and a desire to create a brunch spot for fellow industry workers. - Thompson Hospitality acquired the Milk & Honey chain, and Chef Davis remains involved as a chef consultant. This acquisition is part of Thompson Restaurants' broader strategy of expanding its existing brands and introducing new concepts in various markets. - The restaurant industry is expected to see modest growth in 2026, with operators facing challenges from high food and labor costs. A key trend is the consumer focus on value, with many diners, particularly in low- and middle-income households, tightening their budgets for eating out. - The average household income within a one-mile radius of the new restaurant is over $126,000, and within three miles, it is nearly $125,000, suggesting a strong local customer base with disposable income. - This opening aligns with a broader trend of new restaurant development in the wider Southern Maryland and DC metro area, with a variety of new dining options announced for 2025 and 2026. This indicates a competitive but growing market for new culinary experiences.