Everyone is Family at the Old Bowie Town Grille

Visitors to Bowie will often make a pilgrimage to the Old Bowie Town Grille, an award-winning family restaurant run by tireless "momma-bear" Theresa Thompson.

The oldest family-owned restaurant in Bowie, the Grille serves contemporary American cuisine in a casual, family atmosphere. Its award-winning burgers, draft beer selection, and live music have made it a regional draw.

A large upstairs space hosts community meetings, family gatherings, and live bands. When weather permits, the restaurant hosts patio and outdoor dining and music.

Located on the corner of 11th and Chestnut, in the heart of Old Bowie, the restaurant was initially controversial, a takeover and conversion of a previously quiet antique shop.

"There was a lot of consternation about a bar and grill moving in," say longtime guests and Old Bowie residents. "But once they were there, people started coming and having a good time."

With free on-street parking all along Old Town Bowie, and city-managed lots on 12th and across the bridge on 9th, the Grille has become a destination spot for indoor and outdoor music and entertainment.

Though the restaurant's history hasn't been without challenges. The Grille faced its biggest hurdle during the pandemic, when business ground to a halt and frequently changing pandemic rules added heavy additional costs coupled with a decline in income.

"There were some close calls," said one local resident familiar with the business. "We just didn't know what was gonna hit next during the pandemic. With Theresa running the place by herself with next to no money coming in month after month, there was a real risk this was gonna be it for the business."

But owner and manager Theresa Thompson didn't give up. Moving in with relatives when money ran short, undergoing and recovering from knee surgery, and navigating the pandemic's affects on her own family, she kept the business alive through sheer will power and unshakeable positivity.

"Anyone who knows Theresa knows she doesn't go down easy, whether for herself, her family, or her business, which is really extended family to her. She just wasn't gonna quit. She came in with a smile everyday and did her level best no matter what was thrown at her."

Theresa's grit, coupled with strong support from longtime customers paid off. Gift cards and regular carry-out orders kept the business inching through day by day. When the county permitted outdoor dining, Theresa immediately bought the equipment needed to accommodate outdoor service and live entertainment.

The outdoor tradition continues today, a welcome feature in Old Town. Asked what keeps customers coming back, loyal regulars say, "They're local, family-owned. Everyone knows your name. And if you're new, we'll learn your name for next time. Everyone is just welcome."

"We've got something for everyone. Here, you're part of the family," says another regular.

And if you're looking for work, the Grille is hiring servers, cooks and bartenders. "We look for people with a great attitude who will treat guests like family and provide exceptional customer service," says Theresa.

Customers, venue-seekers, and interested job applicants can always reach "Mama T" at (301) 464-8800 or find more information on the Grille's site.