By Joanna Putman
Police1
MIAMI, Fla. — A former law enforcement officer and current owner of multiple restaurant franchises is using his restaurants to help foster police engagement with the community, CBS News Miami reported.
Emilio Cabrera, a former Miami police lieutenant, has built a thriving business owning 18 McDonald’s franchises across South Florida, according to the report. Cabrera’s restaurants have been serving customers for 43 years.
Cabrera’s journey from law enforcement to fast food began late in his police career when he was assigned to investigate a series of robberies targeting local McDonald’s locations.
“We didn’t know where this gang was going to hit next, so we had to stake out the restaurants to catch them,” Cabrera recalled.
While working on the case, Cabrera connected with McDonald’s owners and managers, learning about a franchise program for aspiring business owners, according to the report.
Grateful for the opportunity, Cabrera gives back to the community by hosting events for veterans, teachers, and law enforcement, including a monthly “coffee with a cop” event. One of his signature events is “Cookie with a Rookie,” where the public meets police rookies while enjoying free cookies.
“He’s never forgotten where he came from,” Miami police Captain Freddie Cruz told CBS. “We all have to think of what to do after our law enforcement career is over and he opened a new chapter in his life and has made it work.”
