Manna

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.