​Greg and Danielle Thompson, Sumter

Danielle and Greg Thompson could have chosen anywhere to open their various businesses, but they chose downtown Sumter, bringing a strong business sense and creative thinking to downtown revitalization efforts.

The Thompsons took risks opening businesses downtown while the city’s revitalization process was still in its early years. Now the couple has multiple businesses in downtown Sumter including Hamptons, Sumter’s fine dining restaurant, and its adjoining smaller restaurant and bar. They also own buildings that house an event rental facility, office suites and apartments. As well, the Thompsons built downtown’s only upper-floor housing in 2011.

When Continental Tire announced it was bringing a plant to Sumter, the Thompsons renovated a downtown building for the company to use rent-free as its headquarters for two years until the plant was ready. Today that building is home to two downtown businesses.

Active participants in downtown events, the Thompsons have helped create several successful events including OctoberFest, the United Way Derby Day, the Microbrew Festival, and Sip and Stroll.

The Thompsons not only actively recruit new businesses for downtown, but they also invest their own time and resources as devoted supporters of downtown Sumter.

Contact Howie Owens at howens@sumter-sc.com or 803.607.8222.