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Thomas A. Kershaw, Chairman & Chief
Executive Officer of the Hampshire House Corporation,
has been the dynamic force behind the growth of the
Hampshire House since 1969 when he purchased the property.
Kershaw's vision and energy have enabled the Hampshire
House to retain its original grandeur while accommodating
Bostonians and tourists for special events, private
parties, weddings, and corporate functions. Just after
he purchased the property, he installed the authentic
English-style Bull & Finch Pub (now known as Cheers,
Beacon Hill) in the basement of the Hampshire House.
In 1982, Hollywood came to Boston and
found Kershaw's distinctive pub in the heart of historic
Beacon Hill. Since then, this neighborhood pub has become
a landmark on the map of Boston - the inspiration for
the setting of the TV series Cheers.
The changing landscape of Boston and
the expansion of the Hampshire House Corporation have
come to include:
~Bull & Finch Enterprises
Opened: March 1985
When the Cheers show began to gain its
popularity, the Corporations decided to sell merchandise
and souvenirs. This activity was incorporated in 1985.
Souvenirs are sold in two locations at 84 Beacon Street
- the Backstand in the basement pub and the Gift Shop
on the first floor.
~Bloody Bull, Inc.
Opened: March 1985
This corporation was set up to handle
the sale of our Cheers Bloody Mary mix.
~75 Chestnut
Opened: October 1997
Located one block behind the Hampshire House, this small boutique restaurant has been dubbed the "Hidden Jewel of Beacon Hill." Operating as a bar and restaurant, it provides regional American comfort food served in a truly captivating setting. 75 Chestnut operates as the á la carte dining room for the Hampshire House since the facilities at 84 Beacon Street were turned over to private dining during the evenings.
~Cheers, Faneuil Hall
Opened: August 2001
In the spring of 2001, Tom Kershaw was
offered the opportunity to create a restaurant and bar
operation in the Faneuil Hall marketplace. That year,
the Marketplace was celebrating the 25th anniversary
of its creation by the Rouse Company and the City of
Boston back in 1976.
~Sam’s Café at Faneuil Hall
Renamed: June 2003
Originally Opened (as TK's Jazz Café): June 2002
“The place where everybody knows
your name” has just gotten bigger, as Cheers expands
its Faneuil Hall location. Due to the popularity of
Cheers, it was decided to expand the existing Cheers
Faneuil Hall to accommodate its many guests. Sam’s
Café, named after ex-Red Sox pitcher Sam Malone,
is our way of sharing with our guests some of the sports
memorabilia we have collected over the years.
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Tom Kershaw continues to expand his role
in support of the community. He also gives his time
freely to help promote tourism in Boston by serving
as Vice President of the Freedom Trail Foundation and
as Co-chairman of the Governor's Advisory Council on
the Visitor Industry.
Recognized for his contributions within
the restaurant and tourism industries, Kershaw has received
numerous awards and distinctions including Restaurateur
of the Year, Humanitarian of the Year Award (Project
Triangle), Massachusetts Tourism Leadership Award and
the Distinguished Eagle Scout Award given by the Boston
Minute Man Council, Boy Scouts of America. * Trade &
Tourism Associations: Since 1986, Kershaw has been the
Chairman of the Board for the Greater Boston Convention
and Visitors Bureau. He has served on the Board of Directors
of the Massachusetts Restaurants Association and was
its President from 1992-1993. Kershaw has also served
on the Board of Directors of theNational Restaurant
Association and served as its Chairman from 1997-1998.
Nationally, Kershaw served on the board
of the United States Travel & Tourism Administration,
1989-1996. Kershaw also has served as Chairman of the
Technology Committee of the White House Conference on
Travel & Tourism, Policy Committee of the Travel
Business Roundtable, Executive Committee of USTMO (United
States National Tourism Organization) and Executive
Committee of TIA (Travel Industry Association of America).
* Civic and Philanthropic Affiliations:
Kershaw is a member of the Board of Directors of the
Great Boston Council / Boys Scouts of America and is
Chairman of the Beacon Hill Business Association. He
also serves on the Board of Bunker Hill Community College
Foundation.
* Education Background and Distinctions:
After earning degrees from Swathmore College and Harvard
Business School, Kershaw was awarded an honorary doctorate
degree from Johnson & Wales University in 1996.
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