We serve as trusted advisors to founders from concept development through the many twists and turns of growth.
Helping entrepreneurs scale good behavior. Our team holds the wisdom of decades of experience developing, guiding and leading emerging brands in food and beverage, hospitality and CPG.
We create strategic playbooks for success - aligning business goals, founder priorities, and market realities. More than basic advice or branding services, we are true partners for the journey.
Our Advisory Team
As chef and co-founder of Tender Greens, Erik helped create the now ubiquitous “fast casual” restaurant trend. Based on Tender Greens' mission to democratize good food and its chef-driven operations, the company prospered, growing to 30 locations across the United States and leading to an acquisition by Union Square Hospitality group. In 2019, Erik joined Cohere as an advisor to founders of conscious brands as they navigate the headwinds of scale. His passion is helping businesses own their purpose, while finding a strong position in their market and growth along the way.
Chef Erik Oberholtzer
Founder of Cohere, Antoinette is dedicated to empowering independent brands in food, hospitality, and real estate. With 15 years in the CEO role, and many rounds as an on-the-ground partner to founders, she brings clarity and creativity to every life cycle of a business.
Antoinette Marie Johnson
Chris is the quiet force behind many industry-leading launches and go-to-market pushes - always bringing in the right people, tweaking creative, and serving as a trusted advisor to help make forward progress. Chris has been on our team for 13 years, and a partner at Cohere since 2019.
Chris Richards
A communications leader who comes to Cohere with 7+ years of experience launching and growing real-estate focused projects. Katie architected the rebrand and launch of the new Lexington Market in Baltimore while working with Mid-Atlantic developer Seawall, and serves as an advisor to developers, chefs, and small business owners from concept to construction through public launch.
Katie Marshall
Our impact—We measure our impact in the industry by what conscious brands we can help grow, showing priority towards the health of people and the planet. Each year we showcase our impact through an interactive, evergreen report.
Meet the advisors with experience
Cohere provides strategic advisory services that go beyond simple advice. We collaborate to create deep, resonant strategies that guide creative efforts and serve as a core reference for all brand stakeholders. We act as navigators, offering a partnership that aligns with your brand's essence.
Types of advisory services from Cohere:
- Operations planning and advisory
- Recruiting talent
- Menu planning
- Supply chain
- Financial health
- Concept creation
Read More of Erik's Work
