Forging Culinary Innovation Into Scalable Growth

The Innovation Foundry is where food manufacturers, restaurant groups, CPG brands, and emerging companies turn bold ideas into profitable, manufacturable realities. Led exclusively by Mike Leitner with 35+ years of C-suite execution.

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IMMEDIATE VALUE

Faster Speed to Market

precision de-risking

revenue-first engineering

Strategic Resilience

Capital-Efficient Expertise

Unique strategic culinary roadmaps

Teach & Coach Culinary Training Programs

The Innovation Foundry Story

Mike Leitner Consulting was founded on the principle that food innovation succeeds only when culinary creativity is paired with rigorous operational discipline. With more than 35 years of leadership across restaurants, global manufacturing, product development, and C-suite execution, Mike identified a persistent gap: organizations needed more than slide decks or generic advice — they needed a partner who could bridge the kitchen and the boardroom to deliver results.

The Innovation Foundry represents the evolution and professional branding of that expertise: a focused consultancy where raw ideas are forged into commercially viable products and strategies.

The Mission

“To serve as the Pacific Northwest’s premier strategic partner in culinary and food innovation by delivering expert consulting, fact-based product development, menu innovation, and commercialization strategies that turn ideas into profitable, scalable food solutions.”

The Vision

The Innovation Foundry envisions a food ecosystem where manufacturers, brands, and restaurants accelerate growth through disciplined, execution-focused collaboration — transforming bold concepts into market-leading realities that strengthen businesses and the industry at large.”

The Innovation Foundry is where companies drive culinary innovation and growth through strategic expertise and proven execution.

Services &
Roadmaps

Fractional Leadership & Advisory

Senior-level leadership when you need it most.

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Culinary & Innovation Consulting

Innovation grounded in execution – flavor and menu development that actually scales.

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Strategic Culinary Roadmaps

Customized multi-year culinary and product development roadmaps that overlay directly on top of your company’s financial strategic plan – the exact foods, menus, and innovations required to hit your revenue, margin, and growth targets.

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Teach & Coach Culinary Training Programs

Multi-year programs that elevate your internal teams, instill world-class culinary discipline, and transform your organization into a sought-after destination for top talent.

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Product Development & Commercialization

From concept to market-ready – faster and smarter.

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Manufacturing & Operations Optimization

Fix what’s broken and build what scales (COGS reduction, co-manufacturer management).

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Brand Growth & Strategy

Align your product, operations, and growth plan for sustainable results.

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Why The Innovation Foundry Wins Everytime

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The Innovation Foundry Insights

Actionable ideas, case studies, and thought leadership from Mike Leitner to help food manufacturers and CPG brands accelerate growth. New content every week.

Insights

Real Clients. Real Results. Real Revenue.

Trusted by leading food manufacturers and restaurant groups across the U.S. because we deliver measurable outcomes — not slide decks.

Clients & Results
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