Alp Franko is the founder of The Local Culinary, a virtual restaurant group providing more than 50 modern, chef-driven food delivery options inspired by worldwide cuisine. Citing the immediate demand for delivery due to the pandemic, The Local Culinary launched the first-ever ghost kitchen franchise model to give restaurant owners access to its profit-driven brands and successful delivery-only model.

Alp is an entrepreneur with expertise in hospitality management, optimization and overall strategy. Franko started his career as a commodity trader in the fine chemical and petrochemical industries, spearheading the expansion of the family conglomerate chemical supply company, Berk Group. His entrepreneurship and international vision enabled him to create several other businesses in the retail and hospitality sectors, further solidifying his position as a highly successful investor, innovator and operator. Franko is now utilizing his skillset to revolutionize the food delivery industry, creating The Local Culinary based on the rising demand for delivery-only restaurants. Franko is also the founder of the New York-based private equity group, BlackBull Investment, which is dedicated to investing in the hospitality sector.