Krystal COO Amanda Hyde on Leadership and Menu Favorites
Krystal's Chief Operating Officer Amanda Hyde shares her career journey from Bob Evans hostess to COO, her favorite menu item, and leadership philosophy in
Krystal Chief Operating Officer Amanda Hyde began her restaurant career as a hostess at Bob Evans on June 6, 1988. In a recent interview with QSR Magazine, she detailed her path to operations leadership and her current focus on team development and guest experience at the burger chain.
Hyde was promoted to server and entered Bob Evans’ Management-in-Training program at age 20, becoming a General Manager by 23. After over a decade building an operational foundation, she moved into multi-unit leadership. When Bob Evans acquired Mimi’s Café, she was selected as Director of Operations for 15 Florida locations.
Following the sale of Mimi’s Café, Hyde joined Logan’s Roadhouse, where she helped guide teams through challenges including the COVID-19 pandemic and the company’s transition to SPB Hospitality. She joined the SPB Support Center in 2022 to lead Operations Services before moving to Krystal full time as Senior Vice President of Operations in February 2024. She was recently named Chief Operating Officer after G.J. Hart’s appointment as CEO of SPB Hospitality.
Leadership Philosophy and Inspiration
Hyde stated her leadership philosophy centers on taking care of people, staying curious, and embracing continuous learning. "My leadership philosophy remains unchanged: take care of people, stay curious, embrace continuous learning and never lose sight of the fundamentals that create exceptional guest experiences," she told the publication.
She cited her husband, her daughter-in-law, and Krystal CEO G.J. Hart as key inspirations. She said Hart inspires her to be decisive, lead with confidence, and ask probing questions, while also renewing her focus on the power of recognition.
Advice for Restaurant Executives
Hyde's primary advice for other restaurant executives is to cultivate self-awareness. She advises leaders to be aware of their own shortcomings and to surround themselves with people who fill those gaps. She emphasizes letting those team members lead and being humble enough to learn from them, arguing that this approach raise the entire team by affirming their expertise.
Personal Favorites and Interests
When asked about her favorite Krystal menu item, Hyde expressed enthusiasm for the Spicy Chik sandwich. She requests it with no mayonnaise and extra pickles, describing it as featuring breast meat with a light batter that "packs a kick" on a steamed bun.
Outside of Krystal's offerings, her favorite cuisine is Italian, with Eggplant Parmesan as a standout dish. She enjoys cooking, often making meatballs and her own version of family sauce.
Her interests outside work include playing with her dog, Gus, reading, walking, and finding live music on the beach. She and her husband have four children, one granddaughter, and two more grandchildren on the way.
