Charlene Thompson
Pouring Passion Into Community and Connection
CLASS OF 2025
, 32 YEAR RESIDENT
When Charlene Thompson took on the role of General Manager at Brewskis and Mr. Liquor three years ago, she didn’t just step into a new job…she discovered a calling. For someone born and raised in Fort McMurray, her journey reflects the spirit of the region itself: resilient, community-minded, and driven by connection.
Born in Edmonton 42 years ago, and raised in Fort McMurray by parents who helped build industry and opportunity in the region, Charlene has called this place home for 32 years. Her father ran Coneco Equipment, now SMS, and that early exposure to hard work and dedication shaped her outlook from a young age. After studying Occupational Health and Safety and completing her Paramedic training at Keyano College in 2011, Charlene began her career as a Safety Manager. It was a stable, important path, but something in her knew she was meant to build community differently.
That turning point arrived when she stepped into Brewskis. “It gave me the opportunity to showcase what I truly love to do, create a space where both customers and staff feel welcomed and enjoy spending their time,” she reflects. The shift from safety management to running a hospitality business was dramatic, but it unlocked her creativity and deep sense of purpose. She leaned into the challenge, transforming the restaurant and retail environment into more than just a place to eat or shop; it became a hub for connection.
Charlene credits much of her success to the people who believed in her. Chief among them is Bruce, the owner of Brewskis and Mr. Liquor, who saw her potential and gave her the autonomy to grow. “Bruce has taught me so much about both the restaurant and retail business, and he trusts me enough to let me take creative control,” she says. That trust motivates her to treat the business as if it were her own, and she pours passion into every detail.
Her biggest personal supporter, though, is her husband. “He knows who I am, what I am capable of, and how much passion I put into everything I do,” Charlene shares. That unwavering encouragement allows her to give back to the community with energy and heart.
And give back she does. Charlene is an active supporter of the local motorcycle community, working alongside Ride for Dad and the HOG group to help make their events successful. She serves as part of the Ride for Dad executive and proudly supports the Giants baseball team. But it’s through Brewskis that her impact is felt most broadly. Over the years, she has helped raise funds for the SPCA, Heart & Stroke Foundation, the Food Bank, Waypoints, the United Way, CMHA, and other local causes. To her, the business is a platform for generosity and connection, not just a place of work.
Charlene’s belief in empowering people, uplifting community, and pouring passion into everything she does is more than an idea; it’s how she moves through the world.
Looking ahead, she’s intent on deepening that impact. Professionally, she wants to continue growing Brewskis and Mr. Liquor into businesses that are seen not just as local staples, but as pillars of community support. Personally, she aims to stay grounded: spending more time with loved ones, travelling when she can, and celebrating the everyday wins.
She’s acutely aware of the challenges Fort McMurray faces, from economic uncertainty to mental health struggles. But she believes in the power of collective action. “No single person or business can solve everything, but by working together—supporting local events, volunteering, fundraising, and simply showing up for one another—we can keep building a community that is resilient, supportive, and welcoming to everyone.”
Charlene’s commitment to mental health advocacy has taken on new meaning in recent months following the loss of her brother-in-law. Fundraising and community work are now deeply personal. “If my efforts through Brewskis, Mr. Liquor, and community involvement can help even one person find support in a difficult time, then that is something truly meaningful.”
Whether she’s organizing a fundraiser, mentoring staff, or welcoming guests through the doors of Brewskis, Charlene Thompson is building something far greater than a successful business. She’s helping shape a community rooted in compassion, connection, and pride. And in doing so, she embodies what it means to be one of Fort McMurray’s Top 50 Under 50.
