In 2001, Corey started what would be his 8 year working relationship with Thomas Keller at his restaurant, The French Laundry, in Yountville, California. He also spent a year opening per se, Thomas' acclaimed restaurant in New York City. The latter half of Corey's time with Thomas was spent as the head chef of The French Laundry. Corey considers Thomas his greatest mentor and attributes his experience at The French Laundry with teaching him the necessary skills to open a restaurant of his own. Corey left The French Laundry in the summer of 2009 to begin preparations to open Benu in San Francisco.