Thompson is the owner of The Hambrough Hotel in Ventnor on the island, and launched Robert Thompson Event Catering at a reception in the hotel on Friday (25 January).
Event understands Thomson is in talks to provide catering services at one of island's major music festivals. His new business will work with festivals, corporate events, weddings and private parties and offers a party planning service.
The business will boost visitor numbers to the island, according to tourism body Visit Isle of Wight.
David Thornton, chief executive of Visit Isle of Wight said: "I have no doubt that this event catering business will attract visitors to the Island and Robert’s continuing exposure on the mainland will ensure the success of this new business venture. Robert’s creativity, quality of food and presentation of his dishes is totally in line with our desire to build a world-class reputation for our holiday island."
Thompson will appear in a promotional film for Visit England later this year, alongside other figures from the Isle of Wight.
Thompson said: "We have been greatly encouraged by the number of enquiries that we are receiving from a diverse range of clients. I believe that using freshly prepared, quality local products that we can translate the quality of the food served in our restaurants out to the businesses, people and visitors to the Isle of Wight."
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