Ulysses L. Bridgeman, Jr. is Owner & Chief Executive Officer of Manna Inc. Bridgeman leads the operation of over 430 restaurants in 20 states, including 258 Wendy’s restaurants and 124 Chili’s restaurants. According to the Restaurant Finance Monitor, Bridgeman is the second largest restaurant franchisee in the United States. Presently, the restaurants employ approximately 20,000 employees.

Bridgeman has received many awards including: the Junior Achievement Business Hall of Fame and the Volunteers of America Tribute Award for “Outstanding Service to the Commonwealth of Kentucky.”

Previously, Bridgeman played professional basketball with the Milwaukee Bucks. Also, Bridgeman played for the Los Angeles Clippers from 1983 to 1986. Bridgeman currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Naismith Basketball Hall of Fame, the James Graham Brown Foundation and the West End School.