Sean W Sylvester
Tulsa,Oklahoma
Summary
Operations leader with a track record of managing large restaurant portfolios, driving revenue growth, and improving performance through clear systems and strong team development. Led multi-unit expansion, increased sales, reduced repair and downtime costs, and improved service speed by aligning managers, training, and operational controls.
Overview
34
34
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Operations (Consultant)
Courts & Commons
Bixby, OK
03.2026 - Current
- Achieved double-digit year-over-year comp sales growth in food, experiences, and events
- Boosted membership by 25% through targeted programming, relationship building, and private group memberships
- Implemented systems and developed SOPs for food hall & bar, front desk retail, pickleball experiences, and event space venue
Regional Director of Operations
Tri City Foods DBA Burger King
Omaha, NE
07.2025 - 02.2026
- Oversaw franchise operations for 50 Burger King units, implemented standardized procedures and performance tracking, directly contributing to revenue exceeding $70 million
- Mentored and directed 9 district managers, provided guidance and leadership development, and fostered high-performance culture through collaboration and goal alignment
- Led new product rollouts and monitored training execution, designed workflow optimization to enhance speed of service
Director of Operations & Development
Switchgrass Management LLC DBA Burger King
Tulsa, OK
06.2022 - 03.2025
- Led BK Central Division to traffic and sales growth in 2023 & 2024, achieving top 5% performance in locations by providing guidance and leadership development, fostering high-performance culture through collaboration and smart goals
- Oversaw franchise portfolio operations of 48 Burger King units by implementing standardized procedures and performance tracking, increasing operational efficiency, and maximizing profits with revenue over $65 million
- Implemented facility management process and recruited director of facility management, reducing repair and maintenance costs by 30% within 12 months and cutting revenue loss or downtime by over 50%
Vice President of Operations/ Partner
H&B Restaurant Group
Tulsa, OK
12.2017 - 06.2022
- Established Simple Simons locations in Boone Pickens Stadium (Oklahoma State University) #1 Sales over #2 Chick-fil-A 2020 & 2021
- Acquired and developed Shiloh's Restaurant, launching catering initiatives and achieving AUV over 2 million while expanding to 3 locations in 3 years.
- Partnered to build multi-brand portfolio for Black Gold Restaurant Group, including Brownies Hamburger Stand, Simple Simons Pizza, and Big Whisky American Grill & Bar.
- Supported development of a broader franchise model for Simple Simons, incorporating kiosks, stadiums, pop-ups, and multi-unit franchisees.
Director of Operations
Slim Chickens
Fayetteville, AR
11.2014 - 11.2018
- Opened 10th company location and created scalable systems for 73 locations across 14 states and 2 international sites, supporting growth of 250 locations in development.
- Developed standard operating procedures, operational assessment tools, and training programs for new restaurant openings, enhancing operational consistency. Year one opened franchise locations across Kansas, Missouri, Texas, and Oklahoma
- Established inside stadium locations at the University of Tulsa and Oklahoma State for event concessions.
General Manager (MPC)
Raising Canes
Bixby, OK
06.2013 - 11.2014
- Directed Raising Cane's restaurant operations across the dining room, drive-thru, and kitchen areas.
- Managed daily schedules, labor coverage, and shift assignments for restaurant teams.
- Trained crew members on guest service, food safety, and Cane's standards.
- Opened Canes #143, developing local store marketing system with Bixby Sports, schools, churches, and non-profit organizations to enhance community engagement.
Vice President of Operations/ Partner
Mkuze Ventures Inc. DBA Newks Eatery
Little Rock, AR
08.2010 - 05.2013
- Directed multi-unit restaurant operations for H&B Restaurant Group
- Standardized service, safety, and cleanliness practices across restaurant locations
- Reviewed labor, food, and supply processes for daily restaurant operations
- Established a franchise, trained staff, selected contractors, and oversaw project completion for openings in Hot Springs, AR, and two locations in Little Rock, AR.
- Received award for outstanding training support for franchise initiatives in 2011.
Director of Operations
Apple Gold DBA Applebees
Raleigh, NC
12.2007 - 01.2010
District Manager
LoneStar Steakhouse
Las Vegas, NV
07.2005 - 12.2007
Area Director
Apple Gold DBA Applebees
Raleigh, NC
06.2003 - 07.2005
District Manager
Montana Mikes Steakhouse
Hutchinson, KS
06.2001 - 06.2003
Director of Operations
Western Country Clubs/ Interurban Group
Oklahoma City, OK
07.1998 - 06.2001
Culinary Specialist (E-5)
United States Navy Submarine (SSN 702)
Norfolk, VA
02.1993 - 12.1996
Education
Associate of Science - Business Management/ Human Resources
Tulsa Community College
Tulsa, OK09-2026
Skills
- Operational strategy
- Operational efficiency
- Operational planning
- Operational assessments
- Cost control measures
- Financial oversight
- Operational projects
- Recruitment strategies
- Operational training
- Team leadership
Personal Information
Title: Director of Operations & Development
Timeline
Director of Operations (Consultant)
Courts & Commons
03.2026 - Current
Regional Director of Operations
Tri City Foods DBA Burger King
07.2025 - 02.2026
Director of Operations & Development
Switchgrass Management LLC DBA Burger King
06.2022 - 03.2025
Vice President of Operations/ Partner
H&B Restaurant Group
12.2017 - 06.2022
Director of Operations
Slim Chickens
11.2014 - 11.2018
General Manager (MPC)
Raising Canes
06.2013 - 11.2014
Vice President of Operations/ Partner
Mkuze Ventures Inc. DBA Newks Eatery
08.2010 - 05.2013
Director of Operations
Apple Gold DBA Applebees
12.2007 - 01.2010
District Manager
LoneStar Steakhouse
07.2005 - 12.2007
Area Director
Apple Gold DBA Applebees
06.2003 - 07.2005
District Manager
Montana Mikes Steakhouse
06.2001 - 06.2003
Director of Operations
Western Country Clubs/ Interurban Group
07.1998 - 06.2001
Culinary Specialist (E-5)
United States Navy Submarine (SSN 702)
02.1993 - 12.1996
Associate of Science - Business Management/ Human Resources
Tulsa Community College