Sara Crossman, a 2004 Shawnee High School graduate, started working at Burger King on East Main Street in Springfield 23 years ago when she was 16. She is now the General Manager and on Tuesday (January 21), out of 7,000 managers across America, she was recognized as Burger King’s first ever Restaurant Manager of the Year!
“Each year at our annual Burger King franchisee conference, we host an award ceremony where we recognize those who create a best-in-class experience at Burger King,” said Marc Aust, vice president of operations. “Restaurant general managers are the heart and soul of BK restaurants and teams and more than ever play an integral role in the guest experience, so it was only right that we introduce the Restaurant General Manager of the Year award.”
“In our search for the first Restaurant Manager of the Year, it became clear that Sara was incredibly deserving of this recognition,” Aust continued. “She has made her local Burger King in Springfield ... a destination that guests love to visit, and fostered a team that loves working with her, going above and beyond each and every day.”
I have been lucky enough to experience Sara’s kindness first-hand. Around this time last year, Nancy and I were talking on-air about a new Whopper Burger King was selling. Sara was listening and emailed Nancy inviting us to the East Main location to try it.
Sara told me all about her journey at Burger King - from team member to General Manager. She even met her husband while working at the restaurant. Sara and her husband have 3 sons - we instantly bonded over how chaotic life is raising 3 boys.
Sara has been GM for 13 years and the way she talked about her staff and customers, it was no surprise that she won this award. Sara makes everyone who walks through the doors of the restaurant feel like family.
There is no one in the country more deserving of Burger King’s first ever Restaurant Manager of the Year. Congrats, Sara!
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