Sherika Smith
VICE PRESIDENT | RESTAURANT & MULTI-UNIT OPERATIONS
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About
Multi-unit operations executive with 15+ years of progressive leadership across convenience retail, quick-service restaurants, hospitality, and high-volume food service. Currently leads a 125+ store market through 10 Area Leaders, partnering with franchisees to strengthen operational execution, financial performance, brand standards, and leadership capability. Brings a record of improving food-cost and shrink performance, driving sales through focused execution, developing field leaders, and leading complex operations with high guest-volume demands.
Known for translating business goals into disciplined field routines, measurable results, and accountable teams.
Experience
MARKET LEADER - 7-ELEVEN
- Lead market-level operations across approximately 125 stores, providing direction, coaching, and performance oversight through 10 Area Leaders.
- Partner with franchisees throughout operational preparation, transition, and store takeover to strengthen readiness, execution, and ongoing business performance.
- Drive sales and profitability by translating market priorities into store-level action plans, KPI reviews, merchandising execution, promotional focus, and accountability routines.
- Identify underperforming locations, diagnose operational and financial gaps, and align Area Leaders on corrective actions to improve results.
- Reinforce consistent brand standards, food safety, store conditions, inventory controls, and customer experience across a large multi-unit portfolio.
- Build leadership capability through regular field coaching, performance conversations, and disciplined follow-up with Area Leaders and store teams.
DIRECTOR OF OPERATIONS - TACO BELL
(2020 - 2024)
- Directed operations for approximately 30 restaurants, leading and developing a team of six Area Leaders responsible for execution across multiple locations.
- Held field leadership accountable for restaurant performance, guest experience, food safety, labor deployment, operating standards, and financial objectives.
- Used performance trends and restaurant visits to identify execution gaps, prioritize improvement plans, and strengthen consistency across the market.
- Coached Area Leaders on talent development, manager capability, operating discipline, and follow-through on business priorities.
QUICK SERVICE MANAGER - DISNEY CRUISE LINE
(2014 - 2017)
- Managed high-volume quick-service food operations supporting capacity of more than 2,000 guests, while maintaining service standards and an exceptional guest experience.
- Led a team of 70+ employees, overseeing staffing, training, daily execution, service recovery, and operational readiness.
- Supported room-service and concierge guest needs, coordinating across teams to deliver responsive, high-quality hospitality.
MULTI-BRAND / AIRPORT FOOD SERVICE OPERATIONS LEADERSHIP - MARGARITAVILLE
(2010 - 2014)
- Supported multi-brand airport food-service operations spanning Auntie Anne’s, Quiznos, and three quick-service restaurant concepts.
- Oversaw multi-unit operations and leadership execution across a portfolio representing more than $15 million in revenue under management.
- Focused on operating standards, team performance, guest service, sales execution, and consistent delivery in a fast-paced airport environment.
Education
Associate Degree - Hospitality and Tourism Management
