PHILANDER COLE
Cordova,TN
Summary
Senior operations executive with 35+ years of leadership experience across franchise and multi-unit QSR platforms. Proven record of scaling operations, expanding EBITDA, and building disciplined leadership systems across portfolios exceeding 150+ locations and $200M+ in annual revenue. Trusted partner to ownership and executive teams in turnarounds, growth initiatives, and performance optimization, known for aligning strategy with execution and developing leaders who deliver sustainable results.
Overview
19
19
years of professional experience
Work History
Vice President of Operations
TASTY CHICK’N
Memphis, TN
01.2024 - 01.2026
- Led enterprise operations for a $200M multi-brand QSR portfolio, ensuring financial performance, brand compliance, and leadership accountability across markets.
- Partnered with ownership on growth planning, margin improvement, and operational scalability aligned with long-term objectives.
- Built and led Regional and District leadership teams, strengthening execution discipline, succession readiness, and bench depth.
- Implemented standardized operating rhythms and KPI discipline, improving decision velocity, transparency, and store-level performance.
- Supported new store openings, acquisitions, integrations, and rebranding initiatives, ensuring operational readiness and controlled risk.
Director of People Excellence
TASTY CHICK’N
07.2022 - 01.2024
- Designed and implemented leadership development and succession frameworks, reducing management gaps and organizational risk.
- Aligned people strategy with operational KPIs, improving retention, engagement, and leadership effectiveness.
- Championed a performance-based, values-driven culture, reinforcing accountability during growth and transformation initiatives.
Senior Operations & People Leader
C-VISION GROUP
03.2020 - 03.2023
- Led operational and organizational initiatives within a highly regulated, metric-driven environment.
- Partnered with executive leadership on process optimization and performance improvement, strengthening accountability and execution discipline.
- Supported enterprise change initiatives while balancing compliance, risk management, and performance outcomes.
- Heritage Life Insurance Company & Occidental Life Insurance Company
Regional Vice President of Operations
KRYSTAL CORPORATION
Memphis, TN
03.2007 - 03.2020
- Full P&L ownership of a $68.5M annual business, overseeing 45–60 restaurants, 9 District Managers, 60 General Managers, and 1,400 employees.
- Delivered 25% average annual EBITDA growth through disciplined execution, leadership development, and standardized operating systems.
- Increased AUV from $1.2M to $1.4M over five years, materially improving unit economics and asset value.
- Grew customer traffic by 8% through integrated marketing, operational execution, and guest experience improvements.
- Turned around underperforming markets, restoring profitability through accountability frameworks and leadership focus.
- Led new unit growth, regional rebranding initiatives, and franchise partnerships supporting long-term expansion.
- Recognized as Regional Vice President of the Year (2019) for operational excellence and leadership impact.
Owner / Operator
ENTREPRENEURIAL FOUNDATION
- Owner / Operator – Wendy’s Franchise (James Lucas Foods) Opened and operated two restaurants achieving $1.8M AUV, with full accountability for P&L, staffing, vendor negotiations, and QSC performance.
- Area Director / District Manager – Tar Heel Capital & Wendelta Inc. Multi-unit leadership with responsibility for P&L discipline, training infrastructure, and operational growth support.
Education
Business Management
Jackson State University
Skills
- Enterprise & Multi-Unit Operations Leadership
- Full P&L Ownership & EBITDA Growth
- Organizational Scale & Change Management
- Operating Cadence, KPIs & Performance Discipline
- Talent Development, Succession & Bench Strength
- Margin Improvement & Cost Control
- Brand Compliance, QSC & Risk Management
- Growth Execution, Integrations & New Store Openings
Timeline
Vice President of Operations
TASTY CHICK’N
01.2024 - 01.2026
Director of People Excellence
TASTY CHICK’N
07.2022 - 01.2024
Senior Operations & People Leader
C-VISION GROUP
03.2020 - 03.2023
Regional Vice President of Operations
KRYSTAL CORPORATION
03.2007 - 03.2020
Owner / Operator
ENTREPRENEURIAL FOUNDATION
Business Management
Jackson State University