As one of the most recognizable names in quick service, Burger King believes restaurants perform best when they are operated by owners who live in their markets, are closest to the guest, understand their communities, and take a more hands-on approach to the business. Key to the brand’s long-term turnaround strategy, Burger King is in the middle of a major restructuring effort designed to return more restaurants to franchise ownership. In 2024, the brand acquired roughly 1,200 locations from its largest franchisee, and is in the midst of remodeling and transitioning them to local franchise operators ownership. This is what drew former Burger King executives Eduardo Serafim and Willie Romeo to launch Nova Shores, a South Florida-based franchise group that now operates 33 Burger King restaurants. For Serafim, who previously led franchising and development for the brand, the move fulfilled a long-held entrepreneurial goal. “I always wanted to become an entrepreneur,” he says. “While leading franchising at Burger King, I saw firsthand the untapped potential of the brand and how franchisees could transform their lives and communities.” Romeo, who also spent years with Burger King and was nearing retirement, saw the opportunity as a chance to build something lasting. Together, the two partnered to bring a more local, hands-on franchisee approach to the Florida market. “At the end of the day, we’re in the people business,” Serafim says. “Even though it’s fast food, success is driven by the people. Local ownership brings operators closer to their teams and communities. They’re…
