FCFA and MSFA Sailed Away at the Joint Winter Meeting

The Florida-Caribbean Franchisee Association (FCFA) and the Mid South Franchisee Association (MSFA) met together at the International Oceanfront Hotel in Sunny Isles Beach, Florida, on Jan.11-13, for their joint regional meeting.

Attendees were engaged with key BURGER KING® Corp. (BKC) and National Franchisee Association (NFA) leaders, an impressive trade show, a dinner cruise ashore the beaches of Miami and more.

The first day of informational sessions were introduced by FCFA Chair Russ Lo Bello and MSFA Chair Kevin Newell. Following were introductions from vendors, a deep dive into profitability led by Lo Bello and an LDC/bakery meeting moderated by Restaurant Services Inc. (RSI) Regional Manager, Robin Denton.

The day ended with a surprise dinner cruise where attendees were shuttled to the Venetian Marina and Yacht Club. Lo Bello and Newell collaborated with Keurig Dr Pepper (KDP) to provide an unconventional reception to those who attended. The highlight was Lo Bello taking the time to commemorate the retirement of KDP Vice President of Sales and longtime NFA supporter, Kelton Graham.

The next day’s general session had presentations and updates from RSI CEO Joel Neikirk, Elevanta CEO Christy Williams, BK® Head of Architecture, Design and Construction, Chris Mott, and NFA Chair Dan Fitzpatrick.

The regional associations concluded the evening with a Cuban-themed reception.

“The Cuban Night was such a great time,” said NFA Event Planner Olivia Edwards. “There was good food, drinks and even a live band!”

Described as informative by attendees, the final day of the meeting was full of presentations by BKC, including President of BURGER KING U.S. and Canada, Tom Curtis, Vice President of Insights and Analytics, Julia Oswald, Chief Digital Officer Thibault Roux, Vice President of Operations, Eric Goldhersz, Vice President of Development & Franchising, Eduardo Serafim, Restaurant Brands International Vice President of Information Technology, Chakri Somisetti, and BURGER KINGSM Foundation President, Katie Repici.

The meeting also hosted an extensive, 39-vendor exhibit hall with multiple opportunities to engage with vendors.

The FCFA and MSFA would like to thank the sponsors who helped make this event a success. n