Credit: Submitted Photo
Credit: Submitted Photo
This award recognizes a general manager who “exemplifies and sets the standard for excellence in restaurant leadership as a steward of operational excellence, financial performance, team culture and guest experience.”
“In our search for the first Restaurant Manager of the Year, it became clear that Sara was incredibly deserving of this recognition,” Aust said. “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.”
From team member to general manager
At almost 16-years old, Crossman applied with her cousin to work at the Burger King at 2141 E. Main St.
She recalled them both being hired, but said she had to wait two weeks to start because she wasn’t 16 at the time.
“Initially, my plan was to work at Burger King until I graduated with the goal of going to school to become a nurse,” Crossman said. “However, at 18 years old, I was given the opportunity to become a shift manager, and shortly after turning 18, I became restaurant general manager. That’s when my plan changed and I knew Burger King was the place for me.”
Credit: Submitted Photo
Credit: Submitted Photo
Crossman is a 2004 graduate of Shawnee High School and Joint Vocational School.
For more than 13 years, she has served as the restaurant’s general manager. She credits the leadership team at her restaurant and professional development programs for enabling her growth and long-term success.
Going above and beyond for her guests
One of her favorite parts of her job is helping her team members.
“Several have told me I’ve saved their lives by giving them a chance at having a job or encouraging them to stay on the right path,” Crossman said. “I also love interacting with my regular guests and being a part of their everyday lives.”
Crossman is known for writing birthday messages on crowns and taking the time to learn about the lives of their local and visiting guests.
Credit: Submitted Photo
Credit: Submitted Photo
“I want our guests to feel like family. When they feel special, they not only come back, but they bring others with them or tell people that matter to them about us,” Crossman said. “Going the extra mile ensures every guest leaves with a smile. You never know what someone might be going through, and it’s a great feeling to know you’ve brightened someone’s day.”
She said the most important part of working in the restaurant industry is caring.
“Caring about everything, from running the business to serving hot, fresh food in a friendly environment,” Crossman said.
Her advice for aspiring managers is to stay organized, be patient and show genuine care for people.
Being recognized as Restaurant Manager of the Year
Crossman was selected as Restaurant Manager of the Year from nearly 7,000 other general managers who were in the running across all franchised Burger King restaurants in the U.S.
“My franchise group set up a fake meeting where we were supposed to handle mock calls from upset guests,” Crossman said. “My phone rang first, but it wasn’t a guest — it was the president of Burger King, calling to tell me I had won the award!"
In October 2024, Crossman was presented the award at the annual Burger King franchisee conference in Las Vegas.
“It means the world to me. I don’t think of myself as the best and give all the credit to my team,” Crossman said. “Winning the award gave me a confidence boost. Accepting it at the convention in Vegas was unforgettable. I felt like a celebrity with everyone congratulating me, and some even asking for photos.”
In addition to receiving the recognition, she was awarded $12,000 that she used to open a retirement account.
“Burger King has played a role in every aspect of my life — giving me a career, introducing me to my husband and giving me lifelong friends and a community — and I’m forever grateful for it," Crossman said.
Crossman is a mom of three boys, ages 18, 13 and nine. In her free time, she enjoys sitting outside in her chair soaking up the sun.
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