CONTACTS:

For Destinations Florida: Jennifer Fennell, (850) 597-0057, [email protected]

For Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association: Ashley Chambers, (254) 715-9040, [email protected]

Tallahassee, Fla. – Representatives of Florida’s tourism and hospitality industry, including the Florida Attractions Association, Florida Association of Museums, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, Florida RV Park and Campground Association, Destinations Florida and VISIT FLORIDA, will promote the value of tourism and tourism promotion during Florida Tourism Day at the Capitol.

Industry representatives will meet with legislators to highlight that tourism and hospitality are the state’s number one industry, is an economic driver for our state, a top employer, and a source of revenue that benefits communities across Florida.

Florida’s tourism and hospitality industry have a significant impact on state and local economies, as well as Florida’s job market. According to a recent study commissioned by VISIT FLORIDA:

• In 2024, travelers spent a record $134.9, an increase of 3 percent over the previous year. 
• For every $1 spent by a visitor, 99 cents stayed in Florida’s economy, with 59 cents supporting worker salaries. This is up from 97 cents of every dollar being retained in the Florida economy in 2023.
• Taxes generated by travel and tourism in Florida grew 3.3 percent in 2024, reaching $33.6 billion.
• Tourism-supported employment in Florida grew by 1.8 percent in 2024, reaching 1.8 million jobs.
• Tourism-supported wages totaled $79.9 billion, including $44 billion in direct wages. This represents a 4.6 percent year-over-year growth from 2023.

Welcoming visitors to our state also provides benefits to residents. Thanks to tourism and the revenue tourism generates:

• Florida residents do not pay a state income tax making Florida one of only eight states without a state income tax.
• Every Florida household saves nearly $2,000 each year on state and local taxes.
• Communities can provide critical services residents rely on, such as education, public safety, infrastructure, and environmental programs.

Here’s what Florida tourism and hospitality leaders are saying regarding the impacts of tourism and tourism promotion on our state:

Bill Lupfer, President & CEO, Florida Attractions Association

“Tourism is a cornerstone of Florida’s economy, supporting jobs, communities, and public services statewide. No destination in the world matches Florida’s number, quality and diversity of guest experiences or the cutting-edge service delivered by our attractions, making continued investment in tourism essential to sustaining our global leadership.”

Malinda Horton, Executive Director, Florida Association of Museums

“Tourism is the heartbeat of Florida. It fuels our state and local economies, sustains our communities and offers lifelong careers to our residents. Even though we live, work and play in this beautiful state, there is so much that tourism offers Floridians. Visitors and residents alike get to enjoy the museums, arts programs and cultural organizations that offer educational and fun experiences, which all adds to the quality of life we have here in the State of Florida.”

Carol Dover, President & CEO, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association

“Florida Tourism Day highlights what we can achieve when industry and government work together. Restaurants, hotels, and attractions are often a visitor’s first and last impression of our state, and they play a critical role in driving tourism, creating jobs, and supporting communities in every corner of Florida. We are proud to stand alongside our tourism partners to advocate for policies that protect Florida’s tourism economy, strengthen our workforce, and preserve the welcoming environment that keeps visitors coming back. The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association remains committed to ensuring that Florida’s tourism and hospitality industry continues to thrive for generations to come.”

Bobby Cornwell, President and CEO, Florida RV Park and Campground Association

“Supporting Florida tourism and tourism promotion is vital for Florida’s economic growth, job creation, and local business benefits. It enhances infrastructure, promotes environmental conservation, and provides outdoor recreation opportunities to residents and visitors alike. Maintaining ongoing funding for tourism promotion through VISIT FLORIDA and Tourist Development Taxes is essential to a strong tourism industry that supports state and county budgets and improves the quality of life for all Florida residents.”

Robert Skrob, Executive Director, Destinations Florida

“The success of Florida’s tourism industry, and the economic and jobs benefits our state reaps from it, are the direct result of statewide and local tourism promotion efforts. Local Tourist Development Tax funded marketing campaigns are paid by visitors so we can attract more visitors to all of Florida’s unique destinations. Keeping visitors coming back to the Sunshine State not only helps keep the tax base low for residents, it also helps fund critical local services we all rely on, such as education, public safety, infrastructure and environmental programs.”

Bryan Griffin, President and CEO, VISIT FLORIDA

“Tourism drives the Florida economy, with $134 billion in economic activity generated in a year, which provides an annual estimated tax savings of nearly $2,000 per Florida family. VISIT FLORIDA remains diligently focused on partnering with Florida’s tourism industry and serving Florida’s residents through our important work. I thank everyone in attendance for Florida Tourism Day for their continued and steadfast support of VISIT FLORIDA.”

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(L-R: Dennis Chan, Nick Sarra, 2026 Chairman Greg Cook, Aaron Hoefen, Chuck Prather, Henry Delgado, Richard Schneider)

TALLAHASSEE – Today, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) proudly announced the installation of its 2026 Board of Directors Executive Committee, featuring seasoned leaders with more than 215 years of combined experience in the hospitality industry.

Celebrating its 80^th year, FRLA is Florida’s leading hospitality trade association, dedicated to serving the industry and its members with unmatched commitment to excellence. With a mission to protect, educate, and promote Florida’s $112 billion hospitality industry and its two million employees, FRLA remains a steadfast advocate for this vital economic engine and the heartbeat of the great state of Florida.

FRLA’s 2026 Board of Directors Executive Committee includes dedicated lodging and restaurant directors to ensure balanced industry representation and is comprised of the following: 

• Chairman: Greg Cook, Luxury General Manager, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
• Vice Chairman: Henry Delgado, Managing Partner, Smith and Wollensky Restaurant Group, Miami Beach
• Secretary/Treasurer & Lodging Director: Chuck Prather, President, Birchwood Development (The Birchwood, Birchwood Canopy, Birch & Vine), St. Petersburg
• Restaurant Director: Dennis Chan, Chef & Owner/Operator, Blue Bamboo, Jacksonville
• Lodging Director: Aaron Hoefen, Marriott International, Dual Hotel Manager for the JW Marriott Tampa Water Street and the Tampa Marriott Water Street, Tampa
• Restaurant Director: Richard Schneider, Chief Operating & Development Officer, AREAS USA, Miami
• Immediate Past Chair: Nick Sarra, Partner & Chief Executive Officer, Saltwater Restaurants Inc., Destin

“As FRLA marks its 80th anniversary, we are reminded that our strength has always come from the dedication of our members and leaders,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA. “The 2026 Executive Committee brings extraordinary experience and passion at a pivotal time for our industry. Their leadership will help us build on eight decades of advocacy, innovation, and collaboration as we champion policies that support our workforce, our businesses, and Florida’s position as a global hospitality leader.”

“I am honored to serve as the 2026 FRLA Chairman of the Board as our country also celebrates its 250th anniversary this year,” said Greg Cook, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island. “Restaurants and hotels have long played a vital role in shaping our culture and driving our economy. I’m committed to championing our industry as we build on FRLA’s great legacy of advocating for policies that support growth, empower our workforce, inspire our next generation of leaders and ensure Florida remains the leading destination for hospitality excellence.”

For full biographies for the FRLA Board of Directors, please click here.

To learn more about that Chair Greg Cook’s path to leadership, click here.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. —VISIT FLORIDA’s 2024 Economic Impact of Tourism study revealed record-breaking economic contributions to Floridians from the state’s tourism industry. New data confirm that travel and tourism generated $133.6 billion in economic impact in 2024 and saved Florida’s 9+ million households nearly $2,000 each in taxes

Out-of-state visitors to Florida spent $134.9 billion last year, a 3.0% increase over 2023. Americans accounted for $120.1 billion of that total, and international visitors contributed $14.8 billion. For every dollar spent by a visitor, 99 cents remained in Florida.

Tourism continued to support Florida’s workforce and tax base in monumental ways. The industry backed 1.8 million jobs in 2024 and generated $79.9 billion in wages. Tourism-related activity produced $33.6 billion in federal, state, and local taxes.

“Our tourism industry is critical to Florida’s strong economic position,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “Florida remains the top destination for travelers from across the country and the world because we prioritize freedom and safety. Tourism fuels jobs and keeps Florida’s economy strong.”

“Tourism drives Florida’s economy,” said Bryan Griffin, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA. “This new data from VISIT FLORIDA’s economic impact study demonstrates the value of Florida’s investment in tourism and tourism marketing. Florida’s 9.1 million households are saving nearly $2,000 a year because of the tax revenues generated by Florida tourism. VISIT FLORIDA will continue to responsibly steward this valuable investment for Florida’s residents.”

Highlights from the 2024 VISIT FLORIDA Economic & Fiscal Impact of Tourism in Florida Report by Rockport Analytics

Tourism in 2024 broke records at 143 million visitors.

Visitor spending by out-of-state travelers increased by 3.0% in 2024, reaching $134.9 billion.

The Travel & Tourism sector accounted for 7.8% of Florida’s Nominal Gross State Product (GSP), contributing $133.6 billion to the state’s economy in 2024.

For every $1 spent by a visitor, 99 cents stayed in Florida’s economy, with 59 cents supporting worker salaries. This is up from 97 cents of every dollar being retained in the Florida economy in 2023.

Taxes generated by travel and tourism in Florida grew 3.3% in 2024, reaching $33.6 billion.

Without tourism, Florida households would pay $1,730 more annually in state and local taxes alone to sustain current levels of revenue.

Tourism-supported employment in Florida grew by 1.8% in 2024, reaching 1.8 million jobs.

Tourism-supported wages totaled $79.9 billion, including $44 billion in direct wages. This represents a 4.6% year-over-year growth from 2023.

Read more from the Newsroom of Governor Ron DeSantis here. 

L-R: FRLA 2025 Chairman of the Board Nick Sarra, FRLA Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Dick Rivera, FRLA President & CEO Carol Dover)

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association has announced longtime Sarasota restaurateur Dick Rivera as the 2025 FRLA Lifetime Achievement Award winner. With his win, Rivera was inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame during a recent Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala ceremony, which was held at the Henderson Beach Resort in Destin.

“Dick Rivera is a true giant of our industry – a visionary whose leadership, integrity, and passion have shaped the future of hospitality in Florida and far beyond,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. “For more than five decades, Dick has elevated every organization he has touched, developing iconic brands, inspiring the next generation of leaders, and showing all of us what it means to serve with heart. His rare ability to combine operational excellence with genuine mentorship has earned him the admiration of peers across the industry. Dick’s impact is woven into the fabric of this industry, and his legacy will endure for generations. We are deeply honored to welcome Dick Rivera into the FRLA Hall of Fame as our 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.”

The Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala pays tribute to restaurant and lodging operators and suppliers from across the Sunshine State for their remarkable work in hospitality. The Hall of Fame distinction is reserved for visionary leaders whose decades of service, dedication, and passion have left a lasting impact on Florida’s hospitality industry. At the event, the FRLA Hotelier, Restaurateur, and Supplier of the Year awards were also given.

“I’m so humbled to receive this award; it’s an incredible honor for a lifetime of work,” said Dick Rivera, 2025 FRLA Lifetime Achievement Award winner, during his acceptance speech. “To be awarded by your peers in the industry makes it even more special. The joy in this business comes from the people you serve, the people you work with, and the times you have with them. Success is never a solo act – there are a lot of people involved. Winston Churchill once said, ‘Success is never final,’ so getting this award raises the bar for me as I ask what’s next.”

To learn more about Dick Rivera and his path to the Hall of Fame, please watch the FRLA Hall of Fame Video here.

Dick Rivera, Suncoast Hospitality Partners, Sarasota

Dick Rivera is a distinguished leader of the restaurant industry with more than 50 years of experience driving growth and innovation. He founded Suncoast Hospitality Partners LLC, a Sarasota-based development and management company with ventures including Vin Cella, TGI Friday’s, Marlow’s Tavern, Brick’s Smoked Meats, and Clasico Italian Chophouse. His affiliated company Rubicon Enterprises owns and/or operates 26 restaurants nationwide.

Rivera began his career with Steak and Ale Restaurants of America and went on to hold senior executive roles with leading brands such as Darden Restaurants, Longhorn Steakhouse, TGI Friday’s, Inc., Applebee’s, and El Chico Corp.

His achievements have earned widespread recognition, including Nation’s Restaurant News’ “Golden Chain” award, the “Restaurant Business Leadership Award,” the prestigious Silver Plate from the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association, and FIU’s Michael E. Hurst Hospitality Leadership Award. Rivera is deeply committed to service, serving on the boards of Golden Corral Corporation, Ringling College of Art and Design, and the Sarasota Orchestra. He is a past Chairman of the National Restaurant Association and Florida Citrus Sports Association and is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from Washington and Lee University, an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration from Johnson & Wales University, and is a proud U.S. Army veteran. 

About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate and promote Florida’s nearly $112 billion hospitality industry and its two million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through Safe Staff® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state.

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(L-R: FRLA 2025 Chairman of the Board Nick Sarra, FRLA Hotelier of the Year Heiko Dobrikow, FRLA President & CEO Carol Dover)

TALLAHASSEE – At the 2025 Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) awarded Hotelier of the Year to Heiko Dobrikow, Executive Vice President of The Las Olas Company and General Manager of The Riverside Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. With his win, Dobrikow was inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame during the ceremony, which was held recently at the Henderson Beach Resort in Destin.

“Heiko Dobrikow represents the heart and spirit of Florida’s hospitality industry – a dedicated professional whose passion for people, pursuit of excellence, and commitment to service have left an enduring mark on our state,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “For more than three decades, Heiko has led with purpose and humility, proving that true leadership is rooted in service to others. His commitment to excellence, mentorship, and community has not only elevated the Riverside Hotel and The Las Olas Company but has also strengthened Florida’s entire hospitality family. It is our great honor to welcome Heiko into the FRLA Hall of Fame and celebrate him as our 2025 Hotelier of the Year.”

The Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala pays tribute to restaurant and lodging operators and suppliers from across the Sunshine State for their remarkable work in hospitality. The Hall of Fame distinction is reserved for visionary leaders whose decades of service, dedication, and passion have left a lasting impact on Florida’s hospitality industry.

“I am deeply honored to be recognized as the 2025 Hall of Fame Hotelier of the Year by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association,” said Heiko Dobrikow, 2025 FRLA Hotelier of the Year. “This recognition is not just a personal milestone, but a celebration of the incredible people who make Florida’s hospitality industry thrive every day. Servant leadership has always been my guiding principle — leading by lifting others, empowering teams, and creating meaningful experiences for our guests and communities. I remain fully committed to serving our industry with gratitude, integrity, and a shared vision for a stronger, more connected Florida hospitality family.” 

To learn more about Heiko Dobrikow and his path to the Hall of Fame, please watch the FRLA Hall of Fame Video here.

Heiko Dobrikow is a seasoned hotelier and business leader with over 30 years of experience in hospitality, property, and asset management. Known for transforming organizations through servant leadership, he excels in building high-performing teams, optimizing revenue, and fostering cultures of care and service excellence.

Heiko currently serves as Executive Vice President of The Las Olas Company and General Manager of the Riverside Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. His career includes leadership roles at premier resorts such as Marriott’s Bay Point Resort, Fisher Island Hotel & Resort, Casa Marina Resort, Mayfair Hotel & Spa, Radisson Deauville Beach Resort, and Hilton Palm Beach Oceanfront Resort.

Deeply engaged in his community, Heiko has chaired the Broward Workforce Development Board and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, led the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association – Broward Chapter, and contributed to numerous civic, tourism, and charitable organizations. His leadership has been widely recognized, earning honors such as Florida Trend’s Top 500 Most Influential Leaders, FAU’s South Florida Business Leader of the Year, and multiple awards celebrating his impact in tourism, business, and community service. Born in Germany, Heiko came to the U.S. at 17, earned a BA from the University of Kansas, and discovered his lifelong passion for hospitality. He enjoys traveling, motorcycling, boating, and family life with his wife Elenice and their parrots, Malibu and Sugar.

About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate and promote Florida’s nearly $112 billion hospitality industry and its two million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through Safe Staff® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state.

(L-R: FRLA 2025 Chairman of the Board Nick Sarra, FRLA Restaurateur of the Year Michael Quillen, FRLA President & CEO Carol Dover)

TALLAHASSEE, FL – At the 2025 Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) awarded Restaurateur of the Year to Mike Quillen, a longtime Sarasota restaurateur who oversees 15 Florida and North Carolina restaurants and bars as  President of Watershed Hospitality Concepts, Gecko’s Hospitality Group, and Cashiers Restaurant Holdings. With his win, Quillen was inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame during the ceremony, which was held recently at the Henderson Beach Resort in Destin.

“Mike Quillen represents the very best of Florida’s hospitality industry – visionary leadership, deep community engagement, and an unwavering passion for excellence,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. “Mike’s legacy extends far beyond the success of his restaurants – it lives in the thousands of people he has mentored and the careers he has shaped. His dedication to training, empowering, and retaining great employees has set the standard for our entire industry, and his impact on Florida’s restaurant landscape has been extraordinary. We are proud to honor him as our 2025 Restaurateur of the Year and induct him into the FRLA Hall of Fame.”

The Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala pays tribute to restaurant and lodging operators and suppliers from across the Sunshine State for their remarkable work in hospitality. The Hall of Fame distinction is reserved for visionary leaders whose decades of service, dedication, and passion have left a lasting impact on Florida’s hospitality industry.

“I’m deeply honored to receive this award from the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, an organization that has played such a pivotal role in shaping the direction of my career and any success I’ve achieved along the way,” said Mike Quillen, 2025 FRLA Restaurateur of the Year. “I share this recognition with the incredible team members that I’ve had the privilege to work alongside of over the years. Our shared dedication, passion to hospitality, and hard work have made this possible, and I’m grateful to share this award with them.”

Michael Quillen is President of three independent restaurant groups operating 15 locations across Florida and North Carolina, including Gecko’s Grill & Pub, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, Tripletail Seafood & Spirits, Cask & Ale, Pie on Main, Lefty’s Oyster & Seafood Bar, and Micas Mountain Kitchen, to name a few. Since opening the flagship Gecko’s Grill & Pub in Sarasota in 1992, Quillen has cultivated award-winning concepts with over 800 employees, low management turnover, and a hands-on leadership style that emphasizes hospitality, community engagement, and promoting from within.

Classically trained in corporate, franchise, and family-owned restaurants, Quillen blends business acumen, operational expertise, and a strong work ethic to create thriving, polished casual dining experiences. His leadership has earned multiple “Best Of” guest awards, the National Restaurant Association’s Florida Restaurant Neighbor Award five consecutive years, and the national Restaurant Neighbor Award in 2017. He personally received the Florida Cornerstone Humanitarian Award four years in a row. Quillen serves on the boards of FRLA, the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, the Argus Foundation, Selby Gardens, Visit Sarasota County, and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Charitable Foundation. A graduate of Leadership Florida, he studied History and Political Science at New College and attended State College of Florida on a tennis scholarship. He and his wife, Mary, have two daughters.

To learn more about Mike Quillen and his restaurant concepts, please watch the FRLA Hall of Fame Video here.

About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate and promote Florida’s nearly $112 billion hospitality industry and its two million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through Safe Staff® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state.

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 (L-R: FRLA 2025 Chairman of the Board Nick Sarra, FRLA Supplier of the Year Jordan Beckner, FRLA President & CEO Carol Dover)

 TALLAHASSEE, FL – At the 2025 Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) awarded Supplier of the Year to Jordan Beckner, Founding Partner and President of Sales for FiberBuilt Umbrellas & Cushions. With his win, Beckner was inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame during the ceremony, which was held recently at the Henderson Beach Resort in Destin.

“Behind every great dining and lodging experience are suppliers who go above and beyond to support our industry’s success, and Jordan Beckner sets that high standard,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. “Under Jordan’s leadership, FiberBuilt Umbrellas & Cushions has exemplified innovation, reliability, superior quality, and collaboration. Ever present and always engaged in our industry, Jordan’s dedication to supporting our operators and their guests makes him the perfect choice for our 2025 Supplier of the Year.”

The Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala pays tribute to restaurant and lodging operators and suppliers from across the Sunshine State for their remarkable work in hospitality. The Hall of Fame distinction is reserved for visionary leaders whose decades of service, dedication, and passion have left a lasting impact on Florida’s hospitality industry.

“On behalf of FiberBuilt Umbrellas & Cushions and my partner of 25 years, Paul Knapp, I am deeply honored to be recognized as the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Supplier of the Year,” said Jordan Beckner, 2025 FRLA Supplier of the Year. “First and foremost, I want to thank my Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. Any success I’ve achieved — in business or in life — is because of His grace, guidance, and the strength He provides. I truly believe that through faith, hard work, and perseverance, all things are possible. I also want to express my sincere gratitude to Carol Dover and her entire FRLA team. For nearly two decades, they have demonstrated unwavering leadership, built meaningful business relationships, and, most importantly, offered genuine friendship. It has been a privilege to work alongside such passionate advocates for Florida’s hospitality industry. To my incredible family — thank you for your constant love, encouragement, and understanding through every season of this journey. Your support gives me purpose and strength. And to our amazing employees — the heart and soul of FiberBuilt — this recognition belongs to you. Your dedication, craftsmanship, and pride in what we do every day are what make our company exceptional. I am truly humbled by this honor and grateful for the opportunity to serve such an inspiring industry. Together, we will continue to strengthen and support Florida’s hospitality community for many years to come.”

Jordan Beckner is the founding partner and President of Sales of FiberBuilt Umbrellas and Cushions. He graduated from Northwood University with his bachelor’s degree and earned an MBA from the South University in Savannah, Georgia. Since 2000, when he and Paul Knapp founded FiberBuilt Umbrellas, Inc., he has been an enthusiastically engaged member of the hospitality industry. He has served on the Board of Trustees for the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AHLA) Educational Foundation, as a member of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association’s (FRLA) Marketing and Allied Member Council, on FRLA’s Educational Foundation Board, as a board member of the Culinary and Hospitality Academy at Forest Hill Community High School in Wellington, and as co-chair of the Suppliers’ Council of the American Resort Development Association. Jordan and his wife JoAnne have been married 36 years. They have two adult children and four grandchildren. 

To learn more about Jordan Beckner and FiberBuilt Umbrellas & Cushions, please watch the FRLA Hall of Fame Video here.

About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate and promote Florida’s nearly $112 billion hospitality industry and its two million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through Safe Staff^® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state.

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~Hotelier, Restaurateur, and Supplier of the Year Icons Honored; Rare Lifetime Achievement Award Presented~

(L-R: Hotelier of the Year Heiko Dobrikow; Restaurateur of the Year Mike Quillen; Supplier of the Year Jordan Beckner; Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Dick Rivera)

DESTIN, FL – On Tuesday evening, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) honored its 2025 Hospitality Stars of the Industry Hall of Fame Winners during an evening gala at the Henderson Beach Resort. The 2026 FRLA Board Executive Committee and 2026 Chairman of the Board, Greg Cook of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, were also sworn in at the event.

“It is a privilege to honor those whose lifelong dedication has defined excellence in Florida’s hospitality industry,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “FRLA’s 2025 Hall of Fame inductees have shaped and strengthened our industry through decades of leadership, vision, and innovation. With more than 140 years of combined service, their legacy of excellence continues to inspire and set the standard for future generations of hospitality professionals. Congratulations to our outstanding Hall of Fame winners!”

2025 FRLA Hall of Fame Winners

Lifetime Achievement Award: Dick Rivera, Suncoast Hospitality Partners, Sarasota

Link to headshot

Dick Rivera is a distinguished leader of the restaurant industry with more than 50 years of experience driving growth and innovation.

He founded Suncoast Hospitality Partners LLC, a Sarasota-based development and management company with ventures including Vin Cella, TGI Friday’s, Marlow’s Tavern, Brick’s Smoked Meats, and Clasico Italian Chophouse. His affiliated company Rubicon Enterprises owns and/or operates 26 restaurants nationwide. Rivera began his career with Steak and Ale Restaurants of America and went on to hold senior executive roles with leading brands such as Darden Restaurants, Longhorn Steakhouse, TGI Friday’s, Inc., Applebee’s, and El Chico Corp.

His achievements have earned widespread recognition, including Nation’s Restaurant News’ “Golden Chain” award, the “Restaurant Business Leadership Award,” the prestigious Silver Plate from the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association, and FIU’s Michael E. Hurst Hospitality Leadership Award. Rivera is deeply committed to service, serving on the boards of Golden Corral Corporation, Ringling College of Art and Design, and the Sarasota Orchestra. He is a past Chairman of the National Restaurant Association and Florida Citrus Sports Association and is a member of the Young Presidents’ Organization.

He holds a bachelor’s degree from Washington and Lee University, an Honorary Doctor of Business Administration from Johnson & Wales University, and is a proud U.S. Army veteran.

Supplier of the Year: Jordan Beckner – FiberBuilt Umbrellas, Pompano Beach

Link to headshot

Jordan Beckner is the founding partner and President of Sales of FiberBuilt Umbrellas and Cushions. He graduated from Northwood University with his bachelor’s degree and earned an MBA from the South University in Savannah, Georgia.

Since 2000, when he and Paul Knapp founded FiberBuilt Umbrellas, Inc., he has been an enthusiastically engaged member of the hospitality industry. He has served on the Board of Trustees for the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Educational Foundation, as a member of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association’s Marketing & Allied Member Council, on FRLA’s Educational Foundation Board, as a board member of the Culinary and Hospitality Academy at Forest Hill Community High School in Wellington, and as co-chair of the Suppliers’ Council of the American Resort Development Association.

Jordan and his wife JoAnne have been married 36 years. They have two adult children and four grandchildren. 

Restaurateur of the Year: Mike Quillen – Watershed Hospitality Concepts, Gecko’s Hospitality Group, Micas Mountain Kitchen, Sarasota and North Carolina

Link to headshot

Michael Quillen is President of three independent restaurant groups operating 15 locations across Florida and North Carolina, including Gecko’s Grill & Pub, Dry Dock Waterfront Grill, Tripletail Seafood & Spirits, Cask & Ale, Pie on Main, Lefty’s Oyster & Seafood Bar, and Micas Mountain Kitchen. Since opening the flagship Gecko’s Grill & Pub in Sarasota in 1992, Quillen has cultivated award-winning concepts with over 800 employees, low management turnover, and a hands-on leadership style that emphasizes hospitality, community engagement, and promoting from within.

Classically trained in corporate, franchise, and family-owned restaurants, Quillen blends business acumen, operational expertise, and a strong work ethic to create thriving, polished casual dining experiences. His leadership has earned multiple “Best Of” guest awards, the National Restaurant Association’s Florida Restaurant Neighbor Award five consecutive years, and the national Restaurant Neighbor Award in 2017. He personally received the Florida Cornerstone Humanitarian Award four years in a row.

Quillen serves on the boards of FRLA, the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce, Selby Gardens, Visit Sarasota County, and the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office Charitable Foundation. A graduate of Leadership Florida, he studied History and Political Science at New College and attended State College of Florida on a tennis scholarship. He and his wife, Mary, have two daughters.

Hotelier of the Year: Heiko Dobrikow, Riverside Hotel & The Las Olas Company, Fort Lauderdale

Link to headshot

Heiko Dobrikow is a seasoned hotelier and business leader with over 30 years of experience in hospitality, property, and asset management. Known for transforming organizations through servant leadership, he excels in building high-performing teams, optimizing revenue, and fostering cultures of care and service excellence. Heiko currently serves as Executive Vice President of The Las Olas Company and General Manager of the Riverside Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. His career includes leadership roles at premier resorts such as Marriott’s Bay Point Resort, Fisher Island Hotel & Resort, Casa Marina Resort, Mayfair Hotel & Spa, Radisson Deauville Beach Resort, and Hilton Palm Beach Oceanfront Resort.

Deeply engaged in his community, Heiko has chaired the Broward Workforce Development Board and the Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce, led the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association – Broward Chapter, and contributed to numerous civic, tourism, and charitable organizations. His leadership has been widely recognized, earning honors such as Florida Trend’s Top 500 Most Influential Leaders, FAU’s South Florida Business Leader of the Year, and multiple awards celebrating his impact in tourism, business, and community service. Born in Germany, Heiko came to the U.S. at 17, earned a BA from the University of Kansas, and discovered his lifelong passion for hospitality. He enjoys traveling, motorcycling, boating, and family life with his wife Elenice and their parrots, Malibu and Sugar.

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Group Photo of Winners 

About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks, and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate, and promote Florida’s nearly $112 billion hospitality industry which represents two million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through Safe Staff^® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state.

Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Issues Statement in Support of Indian American Hoteliers

 TALLAHASSEE – Today, Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, released the following statement in response to Palm Bay City Councilman Chandler Langevin’s comments about Indian Americans in Florida.

“Recent comments targeting Indian Americans do not reflect the values of our industry or our state. Indian American hoteliers are not only part of Florida’s hospitality story – they are vital to its success, owning and operating nearly 65% of all Florida hotels. Their investment, hard work, and leadership support nearly 460,000 jobs and strengthen communities across our state. We stand united in celebrating their contributions and in rejecting division. Florida’s future is built on respect, opportunity, and shared prosperity.”  

– Carol Dover, President & CEO, FRLA

About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate and promote Florida’s nearly $112 billion hospitality industry which represents nearly two million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through Safe Staff^® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state. 

TALLAHASSEE – The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) today announced Destiny Neves as its new Regional Director for Volusia County. With more than a decade of hands-on hospitality industry experience in sales, client relations, and event coordination, Neves brings both proven results and a deep passion for strengthening the regional hospitality community.

Neves most recently served as Sales Manager at the Hilton Daytona Beach Oceanfront Resort, where she exceeded multimillion-dollar revenue goals and built long-lasting partnerships across government, education, social, and corporate markets. She has also held leadership and support roles at several landmark properties in the Daytona Beach area, including The Plaza Resort and Spa, Perry’s Ocean Edge Resort, and the Daytona Beach Resort & Conference Center.

In addition, Neves has been a familiar face in the region’s hospitality community through her work with the Lodging & Hospitality Association of Volusia County, where she supported the Board of Directors and helped organize major member events.

“Destiny’s track record of leadership, relationship building, and results in Volusia County makes her an outstanding addition to our team,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA. “Her insight into the needs of hoteliers, restaurateurs, and hospitality suppliers will be a tremendous benefit to our members and the local hospitality industry.”

In her new role, Neves will serve as a key advocate and resource for FRLA members, working to advance initiatives that promote growth, support workforce development, and strengthen the overall hospitality sector in Volusia County.

For more information about FRLA and membership opportunities with FRLA, please visit FRLA.org.

About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks and suppliers. The association’s mission is to protect, educate and promote Florida’s nearly $112 billion hospitality industry which represents nearly two million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through Safe Staff® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state.