About
Quixote Hospitality is the premier hospitality company in Sumter, SC. With two signature restaurants and multiple event venues, we can create events that are only limited by your imagination. Whether you are dining with us for an evening, spending a few days with us for a business retreat, or celebrating a major milestone, we are here to make it an unforgettable experience for you and your guests.
Women-owned and operated, they have been successful in creating a diverse and inclusive workplace. The company is committed to creating an environment where everyone feels welcome and respected, while affirming the core mission, ‘inspiring lives, changing a community’.
Meet Danielle Thompson
Background
For over two decades, Danielle Thompson has been committed to improving her Sumter community by creating not only job opportunities but lasting dining and entertainment experiences for its residents. Over ten years ago, she left a successful career in real estate and development to pursue a bigger vision, a flourishing Sumter. Within the last ten years, she has built businesses that have transformed downtown Sumter, beginning with Hamptons restaurant.
Opening Hamptons amid a recession may seem challenging to some, but through Danielle’s ingenuity and perseverance, Hamptons has positioned itself as one of the premier restaurants in South Carolina. It has won numerous awards and has been recognized in the Top 100 Best Restaurants in the United States twice during her tenure as managing partner, further putting Sumter on the map.
After seeing the fruition of her hard work with Hamptons, Danielle continued to invest in downtown Sumter. She opened her second restaurant, Sidebar, a valuable addition to Main Street and the Sumter community, and invested in the new downtown Hyatt Place Hotel, which opened in April 2018.
Danielle continues to be involved in her community, playing a significant role in several major fundraising events, including Oktoberfest, Derby Day, and the Inspire Festival. She also remains involved in new initiatives such as Sumter Original Brewery and Sunset Country Club’s revitalization, now known as Quixote Club.
Recognitions
In 2016, Danielle was recognized state-wide with the Master Merchant Award from the South Carolina Municipal Association. They describe this award as recognizing “excellence in the retail field and is awarded to a merchant who is innovative and committed to downtown revitalization and exemplifies creativity and success in merchandising, inventory, display, and value-added retailing and services.”
She was also named the 2018 Business Person of the Year by the Greater Sumter Chamber of Commerce at its annual gala. Chris Hardy, president and CEO of the Chamber, praised Thompson’s efforts in saying, “Danielle’s efforts not only include just running high-quality businesses and event venues, but also organizing events downtown such as Oktoberfest and Derby Day which provide the energy you look for in thriving downtowns.”
She was also awarded in 2020 the Order of the Palmetto, the highest civilian honor awarded by the Governor of South Carolina. This honor is awarded for extraordinary lifetime service and achievements of national or statewide significance, a once-in-a-lifetime achievement.
Meet Lauren Daylami
Background
Lauren Daylami is a Sumter native and an alumna of Wilson Hall and Clemson University, where she obtained her bachelor’s degree in marketing. Lauren began her post-college career at the South Carolina Department of Commerce and, while working, received her Master’s in Business Administration from the University of South Carolina.
During her time working for the SC Department of Commerce, she served in various roles, including Existing Industry Coordinator, Existing Industry Manager, and a Project Manager until 2018, when she returned home to here in Sumter.
Lauren presently serves as the Director of Operations for Quixote Hospitality. She is no stranger to hard work and attention to detail. Her eye for design and function enables her to create memorable experiences for her guests.
When not working, Lauren loves spending time at home with her husband, Taylor, her beloved dog, Cooper and her two cats, Miley Cyrus and Reese Witherspoon.
Meet Adeline Phillips
Background
Adeline Phillips, originally from Spruce Pine, NC, is a passionate professional with a degree in Fashion and Textile Management from NC State University. She gained valuable experience through internships at Grady Ervin, Nicole Norris Design Studio, Sidebar, and Sumter Original Brewery.
Adeline specializes in event planning, orchestrating everything from corporate dinners to large-scale wedding receptions. She also contributes her creative talents to design projects for upcoming restaurant concepts.
Meet Lainey Calabrese
Background
Lainey Calabrese, a native of Hartsville, SC, combines creativity and strategic expertise in her role at Quixote Hospitality. A proud graduate of Clemson University, she holds both a Bachelor’s degree in Graphic Communication and a Master’s in Marketing. During her time at Clemson, Lainey gained valuable work experience in various roles at IPTAY, Marleylilly and Impact Imaging Group.
Lainey combines her passion for design and understanding of marketing principles to developing impactful and cohesive marketing strategies. Additionally, she plays a role in event planning, ensuring that every guest has an enjoyable experience.