Some brands build restaurants.
The Foundry Group builds engines.
This week on Culinary Confidential, we sit down with Brandon Manly, CEO of The Foundry Group, and Casey Cooley, Chief Development Officer of Foundry Development — two leaders shaping how modern hospitality brands are launched, scaled, and sustained.
What began as a development-minded approach to franchising has evolved into a full‑scale growth platform operating at the crossroads of real estate, brand strategy, operational systems, and multi‑unit expansion. Their work goes far beyond opening doors; it’s about building concepts that can survive the market, travel across regions, and grow with discipline rather than drift.
From identifying the DNA of a scalable brand to engineering the infrastructure that turns a single location into a multi‑unit powerhouse, this episode unpacks the playbook behind sustainable growth in today’s fast‑moving hospitality landscape. If you’ve ever wondered how a restaurant becomes a replicable, investable, national concept — this conversation is your blueprint.
MEET THE HOST: CHRISTINA CATES
With more than twenty years in NYC’s restaurant world, Christina Cates brings a seasoned, insider’s perspective to every conversation. A graduate of The Art Institute of New York’s Restaurant Management program, she’s held leadership roles at Tavern on the Green, The Palm, and Almond Tribeca — experience that fuels sharp, grounded storytelling about food, culture, and the people who shape hospitality.
TUNE IN
Sunday, May 3 at 9 PM EDT
AM 970 Radio + AM970 Mobile App
Replays on Amazon, Apple, iHeart, Spotify & more.
More info: culinaryconfidentialchristina.com
Because growth isn’t an accident — it’s engineered.
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To view Lucas's other projects, click here: https://linktr.ee/lucasaferrara# # #