The FRLA Gives Back program highlights numerous charitable initiatives led by compassionate tourism and hospitality members across the state who embrace the spirit of hospitality by giving back to their local communities. The purpose of this initiative is to inspire involvement at all levels of Florida’s hospitality industry, including business owners, employees and our guests, as well as encourage our membership to embrace charitable causes, become civically engaged and invest in future generations. Whether it’s feeding people in need, supporting our neighbors, volunteering, mentoring or fundraising, restaurateurs and hoteliers are making a positive impact here in Florida.
In September 2017, Hurricane Irma came through the State of Florida, affecting millions. Florida’s hospitality industry was a shining example of helping out your neighbor during this time. Lodging properties welcomed evacuees, utility workers and first responders; restaurants fed thousands in shelters; businesses donated money and supplies and employees volunteered their time. Here are just a few examples of FRLA members giving back to the community.
Florida’s hospitality industry must continue to answer the call to help those in need. Reach out to [email protected] to share your #FRLAGivesBack stories of kindness before, during and after Hurricane Irma.
CJ's on the Bay teamed up with Kretch's to served as many as 800 of out-of-power residents and first responders free burgers, salmon, swordfish, fries and salad. Read more from Naples Daily News below.
Key West's iconic Green Parrot Bar rigged together a phone line and welcomed more than 500 locals without cell service to call loved ones after the storm. Read more from the Miami Herald below. Photo credit: Amber Jamieson with BuzzFeed News.
Dreamland BBQ in Tallahassee worked with FRLA's own Nick Lowe to feed 600 people at the Lawton Chiles High School shelter during the storm. A local Hungry Howie's Pizza also pitched in with an additional 400 meals.
Members from Miller's Ale House, Mellow Mushroom and Ellie Lou's Brews & BBQ in Orlando worked together to provide free breakfast, lunch and dinner to a local Section 8 affordable housing community without power and in need.
The Hyatt Regency Orlando welcomed over 900 dogs and their families during the hurricane, lowering their pet cleaning fee and preparing facilities. They also housed about 200 hotel employees, their families and dozens of FPL workers. Read more from the Orlando Sentinel below.
Lock 'N Key Restaurant and Sandbar Tiki & Grille in Manasota Key set up a party on the beach to help their community relax, feeding first responders for free and donating a percentage of sales to Hurricane Irma relief efforts.
The Tijuana Flats team and Just in Queso Foundation delivered 700 meals in Central Florida and Tampa/St Pete to those living in shelters, homeless or living in communities without power. Tijuana Flats also donated 10% of all proceeds made on September 15-17 to Irma disaster relief efforts.
The Red Lobster in Lake Buena Vista brought a full lunch to the Orlando Police Department to thank them for their work as Hurricane Irma first responders.
Governor Rick Scott stopped by Sergio's Restaurant to help out as they shipped water and drinks to Puerto Rico following Hurricane Maria.
The restaurant 21 Spices by Chef Asif supported first responders with meals and gave Florida ProStart culinary students some hands-on learning along the way.
On its first day firing the grills back up after the storm, Okeechobee Steakhouse fed a hard-working FPL crew a full steak dinner as thanks.
Chef Darin Nine,a ProStart culinary arts educator at Belleview High School and his wife Diana used their skills and connections to feed a community of school staff, sheriff's deputies, shelter volunteers and evacuees during the storm.