Manna

Manna Inc., a family-owned business headquartered in Louisville, Kentucky, operates as a significant franchisee in the quick-service restaurant industry. Founded in 1999, the company is recognized as one of the largest minority-owned restaurant operators in the United States. The firm's portfolio includes over 250 restaurants nationwide, featuring well-known brands such as Wendy's, Fazoli's, and Golden Corral. The company is currently led by President Ryan Bridgeman, who took over in 2017.

The leadership of Manna Inc. transitioned from its founder, Ulysses Bridgeman Jr., a former professional NBA basketball player, to his son, Ryan Bridgeman. Ulysses Bridgeman established the company after a 12-year basketball career, concurrently working in sales for Howard Johnson. His son, Ryan, has continued to expand the family's business interests. He holds an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Finance from the University of Louisville, as well as a Master Certificate in Foodservice Management from Cornell University. This background has supported his strategic leadership, which included a pre-Covid-19 streamlining of operations.

Manna Inc. generates revenue through the direct operation of its franchised restaurants. The company focuses on service to its employees, customers, and the communities it operates in, fostering an environment of diversity and inclusion. To improve employee retention and recruitment, Manna Inc. partnered with DailyPay to offer employees immediate access to their earned wages, a benefit that has seen high enrollment rates among its staff. This financial wellness benefit allows employees to access their pay right after completing a shift, helping them avoid payday loans and overdraft fees. Beyond its core restaurant operations, the Bridgeman family also has interests in RD Services, which provides customer and employee service solutions, and Bridgeman Hospitality, which specializes in contract food service.

Keywords: restaurant franchisee, quick-service restaurants, QSR, fast food, restaurant operator, Wendy's franchisee, Fazoli's franchisee, Golden Corral franchisee, minority-owned business, family-owned business, food service, hospitality group, restaurant management, Ulysses Bridgeman Jr., Ryan Bridgeman, multi-unit franchisee, employee benefits, earned wage access, DailyPay partner, Bridgeman Foods