JABBAR BURKE
Executive
Accokeek,MD
Summary
Operations executive with 25+ years of experience leading complex hospitality, food service, luxury senior living, sports and entertainment, and multi-unit organizations. Proven success directing operations exceeding $64M in annual revenue while improving profitability, guest satisfaction, labor performance, inventory controls, compliance, and organizational culture. Recognized for operational turnarounds, strategic growth initiatives, large-scale event execution, workforce development, and building high-performing leadership teams. Experienced leading premium hospitality, concessions, restaurants, catering, entertainment venues, and multi-site operations in both union and non-union environments.
Overview
25
25
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations
COMPASS GROUP | LEVY RESTAURANTS
Washington, DC
06.2024 - Current
- Lead a $64M+ hospitality enterprise supporting Major League Baseball premium clubs, luxury suites, concessions, restaurants, catering operations, and special events.
- Direct operational leadership across premium hospitality, concessions, culinary, warehouse, finance, HR, engineering, technology, inventory, labor, safety, and guest experience functions while serving as a primary operational liaison with the Washington Nationals.
- Improved MLB Voice of Customer rankings from 30th to 11th through enhanced accountability, operational discipline, guest recovery initiatives, and service excellence standards.
- Achieved perfect internal, external, and health department audit scores by implementing comprehensive compliance programs, accountability systems, and operational standards.
- Oversaw more than 70 premium hospitality spaces and over 100 food and beverage concepts while maintaining exceptional guest experience standards.
- Directed catering and hospitality operations serving up to 10,000 guests during sporting events, corporate functions, political events, concerts, and VIP experiences.
- Designed and implemented onboarding programs, SOP frameworks, leadership development initiatives, and career ladder programs that strengthened succession planning and internal promotion opportunities.
- Improved workforce stability and operational performance through strategic staffing initiatives, including J-1 Visa programs, labor partnerships, and enhanced workforce planning.
- Collaborated closely with culinary, finance, HR, engineering, purchasing, warehouse, and technology teams to improve operational performance, labor efficiency, inventory accuracy, and financial results.
- Consistently met or exceeded corporate and client performance expectations through disciplined financial management and operational execution.
Senior Vice President
CALL YOUR MOTHER DELI
Washington, DC
05.2022 - 06.2024
- Directed enterprise-wide operations, finance, human resources, strategic planning, growth initiatives, and multi-unit execution for one of the region's fastest-growing restaurant brands.
- Led market expansion efforts resulting in nine restaurant openings across multiple markets while supporting long-term growth planning and organizational scalability.
- Identified and evaluated prospective markets and restaurant locations through site assessments, demographic analysis, competitive reviews, and operational feasibility studies to support strategic growth initiatives.
- Generated $2.7M in incremental revenue through expansion of delivery, catering, and off-premise business channels.
- Increased sales by 21.3% and improved guest experience metrics by more than 50% through leadership development, financial accountability, and operational excellence programs.
- Designed and implemented a company-wide par-baking program that transitioned bagel production from centralized daily distribution to local in-store baking, improving freshness, consistency, operational efficiency, and scalability.
- Partnered with executive leadership to develop expansion strategies supporting future growth, workforce planning, financial forecasting, and enterprise-wide operational performance.
Area Director
NANDO'S PERI-PERI
Washington, DC
03.2019 - 05.2022
- Provided leadership for multi-unit restaurant operations with responsibility for financial performance, guest experience, staffing, leadership development, and strategic initiatives.
- Earned 14 awards recognizing excellence in customer satisfaction, operational performance, and leadership effectiveness.
- Improved key performance indicators during the COVID-19 pandemic through adaptive staffing models, training initiatives, and operational planning.
- Developed and executed regional marketing strategies that delivered a 36% return on investment.
- Established career progression frameworks that improved employee engagement, development, retention, and internal promotion opportunities.
- Led major organizational initiatives, including corporate headquarters relocation and large-scale team development programs.
Director of Operations
BETHESDA BLUES & JAZZ SUPPER CLUB
Bethesda, MD
01.2017 - 03.2019
- Directed operations for a luxury entertainment venue and high-end dining destination.
- Reduced food costs from 46% to 19% through inventory controls, purchasing improvements, and operational discipline.
- Reduced beverage costs from 62% to 16% through accountability systems and enhanced management oversight.
- Increased revenue by 74% and improved overall financial performance through operational improvements and strategic initiatives.
- Increased ticket sales by more than 120% through innovative marketing and promotional strategies.
Area Manager
Joe's Crab Shack
DMV
01.2013 - 01.2017
- Increased guest satisfaction from 39.9% to 81.6% in region.
- Attained highest designation of center of excellence and training across all regional locations.
- Introduced and tested facilities and maintenance platform that was scaled across entire company.
- Analyzed sales data to identify trends, informing strategic decisions that align with corporate goals and objectives.
- Mentored area managers, fostering professional development through regular coaching sessions and performance feedback.
- Designed and executed a local marketing strategy, facilitating expansion and consistency throughout the organization.
Education
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Advanced Clinical Psychology
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA05-2014
Master of Science - Pastoral Counseling & Psychology
Liberty University
Lynchburg, VA05-2010
Bachelor of Science - Government (Pre-Law & Theology)
Liberty University
Lynchburg05-2000
Bachelor of Science - Psychology (Crisis & Christian Counseling)
Liberty University
Lynchburg05-2000
Skills
- P&L Management
- Multi-Unit Operations
- Strategic Planning
- Operational Excellence
- Revenue Growth
- Business Development
- Labor Optimization
- Inventory & Cost Controls
- Guest Experience Strategy
- Leadership Development
- Change Management
- Catering & Events
- Compliance & Risk Management
- Workforce Planning
- Financial Forecasting
- Process Improvement
Business management
Strategic planning and execution
Process improvements
Operational efficiency
Risk mitigation
Financial controls implementation
Operations management
Team leadership
Teamwork and collaboration
Staff training/development
Customer service management
KPI tracking
Data analysis
Human resources
Budget control
P&L Administration
Special promotions planning
Product development
Recruitment
Cost control
Certification
- ServSafe Instructor & Proctor
- Certification in Infection Prevention and Control (CIC)
- CPR, AED, and First Aid Certified
Executive Career Highlights
- Lead a $64M+ Major League Baseball hospitality enterprise encompassing premium clubs, suites, concessions, restaurants, catering, and large-scale special events.
- Improved Major League Baseball Voice of Customer ranking from 30th to 11th through operational improvements, accountability systems, and guest experience initiatives.
- Generated $2.7M in incremental revenue through strategic catering and delivery expansion initiatives.
- Opened nine restaurant locations while supporting enterprise growth planning, site selection, and operational scalability.
- Reduced food costs from 46% to 19% and beverage costs from 62% to 16% during a significant operational turnaround.
- Increased guest satisfaction scores from 39.9% to 82% through leadership development, training, and operational discipline.
- Achieved perfect internal, external, and health department audit results through enhanced compliance and accountability systems.
- Directed hospitality operations serving up to 10,000 guests during major sporting events, concerts, corporate functions, and VIP experiences.
Timeline
Director of Operations
COMPASS GROUP | LEVY RESTAURANTS
06.2024 - Current
Senior Vice President
CALL YOUR MOTHER DELI
05.2022 - 06.2024
Area Director
NANDO'S PERI-PERI
03.2019 - 05.2022
Director of Operations
BETHESDA BLUES & JAZZ SUPPER CLUB
01.2017 - 03.2019
Area Manager
Joe's Crab Shack
01.2013 - 01.2017
Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) - Advanced Clinical Psychology
Liberty University
Master of Science - Pastoral Counseling & Psychology
Liberty University
Bachelor of Science - Government (Pre-Law & Theology)
Liberty University
Bachelor of Science - Psychology (Crisis & Christian Counseling)
Liberty University