Thomas A. Kershaw

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, featuring new American Contemporary cuisine, it is open daily for lunch and dinner and offers a seasonal Sunday Brunch. 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.

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 the National 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.