News Release Category: Featured Home (only applies to Industry News)

only applies to Industry News

Plant-Based, Sustainable, and Healthy are What’s Hot on Restaurant Menus in 2020

New National Restaurant Association survey identifies top restaurant menu trends for the coming year.

[Washington, DC] Comfort food and innovation are pairing up on this year’s list of what’s hot in trends and creations coming to diners from restaurant kitchens. The annual What’s Hot Culinary Forecast, released today by the National Restaurant Association, offers a detailed look at the topics, trends, and products–from the ordinary to the surprising–rated sizzling hot by chefs working in kitchens across the country.

Diners will see many more alternatives in restaurants this year, as owners and operators adopt eco-friendly packaging, plant-based proteins, revamped classic cocktails, specialty burger blends (mushroom-beef burgers, etc.), and unique beef and pork cuts, which all made the list of top 10 trends.

“These trends reflect Americans’ desires to combine the tried and true with the new and different,” said Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of research for the Association. “This mix of comfort and edginess is a microcosm of the world we live in. Consumers want something different, but want to keep what satisfies them at the same time, and more than 1 million restaurants around the country are ready to meet those wants and needs.”

For the first time, the What’s Hot Report also looked at off-premises trends as restaurants and third party delivery services respond to the rising consumer preference for delivery. Eco-friendly packaging was the overwhelming leader in the category, reflecting the increased importance restaurant operators are putting on sustainability practices.

Healthy is also hot this year. According to the survey, healthy bowls will sizzle on more menus, and healthy kid’s meals continue to be top-of-mind for parents and chefs alike. And, while CBD-infused foods led the 2019 survey, they slipped out of the top ten this year.  CBD snacks and sweets appeared in the dessert category and CBD-infused foods and beverages are in the top 5 culinary innovations.

The What’s Hot survey was conducted in November-December 2019. More than 600 American Culinary Federation chefs rated 133 individual trends in 12 categories, identified in partnership with Technomic, Inc. Download the full report here.

About the National Restaurant Association

Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which comprises more than 1 million restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of 15.3 million employees. Together with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the Association works to lead America’s restaurant industry into a new era of prosperity, prominence and participation, enhancing the quality of life for all we serve. For more information, visit us at Restaurant.org.

Hotel Industry, NFL Tackle Human Trafficking Prevention Ahead of Super Bowl LIV

Miami Event Kicks off Human Trafficking Awareness Month with Local, National Groups, Florida Officials

The photo shows the leaders at the event

(L-R: Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association President & CEO Carol Dover, Attorney General Ashley Moody, Miami Super Bowl Host Committee Executive Director Ray Martinez, American Hotel & Lodging Association President & CEO Chip Rogers)

 

[Miami, Fla] The hotel industry convened today the National Football League, national and local Florida organizations and human trafficking prevention groups to kick off a month-long series of events to raise awareness about the scourge of human trafficking which affects 40 million people around the globe. In an effort to help spot and stop traffickers who exploit the travel and tourism industry, the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), in partnership with the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA), convened a half-day summit with key stakeholders which included a training of hotel employees

Joined by Attorney General Ashley Moody, lawmakers and leading experts, the event highlighted pivotal partnerships with law enforcement and effective tools that have been implemented to reduce the number of incidents of trafficking in hotels.

Due to an influx of visitors during large events such as the Super Bowl, increased instances of human trafficking can occur, which is why the hotel industry launched a pivotal campaign last year, No Room for Trafficking, with the goal of training every hotel employee to spot and stop trafficking. As part of this month’s awareness activities, AHLA is convening the broader travel community to help raise awareness around this critical issue.

The event featured a human trafficking prevention training session certifying at least 200 hotel employees and highlighted the launch of It’s a Penalty’s fifth global campaign, the third around the Super Bowl, to raise awareness among sports fans and the general public in an effort to educate about the signs and ways to report instances of trafficking. It’s a Penalty launched the campaign in coordination with event attendees A21, as well as the Super Bowl Host Committee, The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade, the Office of Miami-Dade State Attorney, Katherine Fernandez Rundle, the Miami Dolphins and the NFL, and in partnership with local, state and federal agencies including the U.S Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, HSI, FBI, federal and local trafficking task forces, and over 300 local community partner organizations.

 “Human trafficking is a deplorable crime that damages and destroys millions of lives. Because of this, the hotel industry is committed to helping lead the way in bringing it to an end. Our goal is to ultimately have every hotel employee in the United States trained on how to spot and stop trafficking,” said Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA. “We believe it is critical to convene our entire industry around a united approach to combat human trafficking and build partnerships with law enforcement officers and leaders in the prevention space, such as Attorney General Ashley Moody and leading prevention partners like It’s a Penalty and A21. While there is still much more to do, we believe our shared commitment to training and education will continue to make a difference.”

Already each year, thousands of hotel employees are trained on how to spot and stop trafficking. With the launch of AHLA’s No Room for Trafficking campaign and AAHOA’s Human Trafficking Awareness Training, the hotel industry is continuing its strong record by convening the entire industry around the goal of training every hotel worker.

 Attorney General Ashley Moody said, “Human trafficking dehumanizes victims and deteriorates our society. It is vital that we utilize partnerships across all levels of government and industry to end this atrocious crime. That is why I am proud to support Florida’s hotel industry and prevention partners ahead of Super Bowl LIV as we unite efforts around our shared goal of ending human trafficking. I strongly encourage all service industries to train their employees to spot and report these crimes. Working together we can end trafficking in Florida and build a stronger safer Florida.”

“We’re so proud to launch our Super Bowl campaign in Miami in partnership with hotel industry leaders, the Attorney General and Florida lawmakers. By harnessing the power of sport to prevent exploitation, we will comprehensively address trafficking by raising awareness, educating the public and training employees,” said Sarah de Carvalho, CEO It’s a Penalty Campaign. 

 “Florida’s hospitality industry is second to none and, therefore, is an incredibly vulnerable target for human trafficking,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We are committed to stopping this horrible crime, and we are proud of our efforts to equip our hospitality team members. Engaging and empowering those on the forefront to recognize and expose traffickers is essential to this fight. We will continue our efforts with local, state, and national partners to ensure safety throughout our industry.”

“A hotel’s front desk can be the first line of defense when it comes to saving lives and keeping human traffickers out of our communities. That’s why America’s hotel owners are committed partners in the fight against trafficking. Through education and awareness initiatives, we are working to ensure that every hotel owner and their employees are trained to identify and respond to instances of human trafficking,” said AAHOA President and CEO Cecil Staton.

“This campaign will shed light on the severity of this issue, both here in Florida and across the country, and will allow thousands to learn the signs of human trafficking.  We are proud to partner with the hotel industry here ahead of the Super Bowl in this critical effort,” said Mollie Thorsen, U.S. Director of Advocacy, A21. 

Throughout National Human Trafficking Awareness Month, AHLA will continue efforts to raise public awareness and facilitate collaboration with policymakers, law enforcement and hoteliers on best practices for policies, procedures and training to enhance our human trafficking prevention efforts. January’s activities will be the first of many during this year’s No Room for Trafficking push. Looking further into 2020, AHLA will be highlighting the industry’s on-going efforts with targeted events across the country including Massachusetts, Arizona, Nevada, Delaware, California, Illinois, Rhode Island, Maryland, West Virginia and more. We will also be working with key states to advance legislation at the state level and continuing to provide our members and industry with on-going support and resources. We will continue to grow and enhance the industry’s efforts with partnerships and member engagement.

Hotel Industry Convenes Anti-Trafficking Summit Ahead of Super Bowl LIV

Attorney General Moody, Florida Lawmakers, Miami Dolphins and the NFL, National Organizations and Local Partners participate as part of AHLA’s No Room for Trafficking Campaign

[Miami, Fla] On Thursday, January 9, hotel industry officials, lawmakers, local partners and leading experts are joining forces ahead of Super Bowl LIV to rally against human trafficking. Large events, such as the Super Bowl, can create opportunities for instances of human trafficking due to an influx of visitors, and the hotel industry is tackling this through the No Room for Trafficking Campaign and support of National Human Trafficking Awareness Month. This half-day summit aims to spotlight what can be done to spot and stop traffickers in Florida.

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), in partnership with the Asian American Hotel Owners Association (AAHOA) and the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA), is convening Attorney General Ashley Moody, state lawmakers, local hoteliers, and human trafficking prevention organizations It’s a Penalty and A21 to expand on nationwide efforts. The event will include a human trafficking prevention training session for hotel employees at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach.

The event will also include an official launch and overview of the It’s A Penalty campaign in partnership with Miami Super Bowl Host Committee and with support from AHLA, FRLA, A21, The Women’s Fund Miami-Dade, the Office of Miami-Dade State Attorney, Katherine Fernandez Rundle, the Miami Dolphins and the NFL. The campaign is also in partnership with local, state and federal agencies including the U.S Attorney for the Southern District of Florida, HSI, FBI, federal and local trafficking task forces, and over 300 local community partner organizations.

The state officials and lawmakers will also participate in a human trafficking prevention training session with local hotel employees at the Fontainebleau Miami Beach. The hotel industry has long recognized the critical role it plays in ending the scourge of human trafficking, and through innovative techniques and employee training is building upon current efforts ahead of the Super Bowl to ensure all employees are trained in identifying, reporting and stopping instances of human trafficking.

Already each year, thousands of hotel employees are trained on how to identify and stop trafficking. With the launch of AHLA’s No Room for Trafficking campaign and AAHOA’s Human Trafficking Awareness Training, the hotel industry builds on its strong record by convening the entire industry around the goal of training every hotel worker.

Visit here for more information on the No Room for Trafficking regional event.

Industry Alert: Spending bill passed through the House of Representatives

WOTC, EZs, IEC Extension Through 2020; Disaster Relief Included in Tax Title Amendment to Appropriations Bill

Spending bill passed through the House of Representatives and is now at the Senate to be voted on.

[Florence, SC] The House of Representatives voted 297-120 this afternoon to pass a domestic spending package (H.R. 1865) which includes a tax credit package, sending the legislation on for a Senate vote before government funding expires at midnight Friday. This package marks the first step of a bipartisan agreement. President Donald Trump is expected to sign the measure into law.

The bill includes a one year extension through 2020 to the Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), Indian Employment Credit (IEC), and Empowerment Zones (EZs). The amendment made in Section 51(c)(4) shall apply to individuals who begin work for employers after December 31, 2019.

The spending bill includes a $2.5M increase in WOTC funding for FY 2020. The increase in funding will help with the administration of the Work Opportunity Tax Credit, reduce backlog at the state level, and provide provision of technical assistance and staff training.

Disaster relief for Hurricanes Florence and Michael and the 2018 California Wildfires is also included within the bill, which would provide tax relief to victims and businesses located in federally designated disaster zones. Businesses located within a disaster zone may received up to $2,400 in tax credits per retained employee.

“Synergi Partners is extremely pleased Congress has included WOTC, Federal Empowerment Zones, Indian Employment and disaster relief credits in this legislation. Additionally, Congress made the ones that expired retroactive. We thank the members of Congress, our valued clients, our trade association NEON and our dedicated team at Synergi for everyone’s contribution to this successful renewal effort,” stated Jim Brown, Synergi Partners CEO.

To read the proposed bill in its entirety, click here.

 

About Synergi Partners:

Comprising of tax credit veterans with many years of experience serving clients of all sizes and in virtually all industries, Synergi Partners specializes in helping employers take advantage of federal and state tax credit programs, as well as disaster relief incentives, as well as research and development tax credits.

With an executive team made up of thought leaders who have made significant contributions to the tax incentives industry, Synergi Partners’ main goal is to provide the best service available and to achieve maximum value for its clients.

Media Contact:

Vanessa Tyndall Director of Marketing Phone: (256) 504-5635

[email protected]

 

Action Alert: Restaurant Tax Depreciation

[Tallahassee, Fla] The National Restaurant Association and fellow restaurateurs need your help. Over the next three weeks, Congress is finalizing legislative measures they aim to pass by the end of the year. Unintentionally, the 2017 tax reform bill left improvements to your restaurant with a 39-year depreciation period instead of the 15-years Congress intended. They need to hear from constituents how critical it is that those bills fix the restaurant depreciation tax glitch.

Why this is an issue:

Can you imagine eating in a restaurant that hadn’t been upgraded since 1980? What’s more, you are ineligible for one of the biggest benefits of the new tax law: 100% bonus depreciation for improvements from 2018 through the end of 2022. Bills have been introduced in both the House and Senate to fix this mistake. We need you to ask your Members of Congress to include the fix into any legislative package moving by the end of the year.

The solution:

Bipartisan legislation, the “Restoring Investments in Improvements Act” (S.803/H.R.1869), would restore the 15-year improvement depreciation period for “Qualified Improvement Property” (QIP) and also restore temporary bonus depreciation for your restaurant.

How you can help:

Click  to take action and tell your lawmakers to fix this issue by passing the “Restoring Investments in Improvements Act” (S.803/H.R.1869) by the end of this year.

TAKE ACTION

Alert: Save VISIT FLORIDA Funding

[Tallahassee, Fla] As you well know, VISIT FLORIDA must be reauthorized and fully funded in order to ensure that the hospitality industry continues to provide economic benefit the state needs.

The Senate is advancing a bill that would reauthorize VISIT FLORIDA, and Rep. Ponder in the House filed HB 213 to reauthorize VISIT FLORIDA until 2028, but his bill has not been placed on the agenda of the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee‘s last two meetings. Bills must be heard in both the House and the Senate in order for VISIT FLORIDA to have a chance to be reauthorized.

Unless both the House and Senate bills are passed through their respective chambers, VISIT FLORIDA will cease to exist on June 30, 2020, and Florida’s economic landscape will change forever.

Here’s how you can help:

Click the links below to tweet to Representatives La Rosa and Plasencia and urge them to place HB 213 on the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee’s agenda. Without a hearing in the house, there will never be an opportunity to demonstrate the value VISIT FLORIDA brings to the state and our communities.

Tweets & Click to Tweet Links for Rep. La Rosa

  • Tourism promotion keeps FL’s taxes low for residents. Visitors generate revenue so residents don’t have to pay more in taxes. Rep. La Rosa (@larosamike) put HB 213 on the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee agenda. #SaveVisitFlorida
  • Floridians don’t have to pay a state income tax thx to revenue generated by visitors to our state. We need to reauthorize & fully fund @VISITFLORIDA to keep it that way. Rep. La Rosa (@larosamike) put HB 213 on the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee agenda.
  • No state tourism promotion = loss of state revenue = fewer jobs = raising taxes on FL residents to pay for programs & services in the state budget. Rep. La Rosa (@larosamike), please put HB 213 on the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee agenda.
  • Without tourism and tourism promotion, every FL household will pay an additional $1,549 in taxes/yr to maintain our current level of services. Rep. La Rosa (@larosamike), put HB 213 on your next agenda. Reauthorize & full fund @VISITFLORIDA!
  • Tourism promotion helps generate $5.5 billion in local tax revenues that our communities use to pay for infrastructure, education, public safety & more. Rep. La Rosa (@larosamike) put HB 213 on the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee agenda. #SaveVisitFlorida
  • FL visitors mean no state income tax, lower tax base, economic opportunity & 1.4 working Floridians. Tourism & tourism promotion helps to make it happen. Rep. La Rosa (@larosamike) put HB 213 on the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee agenda. #SaveVisitFlorida
  • Keep powering FL’s economy thru tourism promotion. Tourism brings business & opportunities into the state, which means no state income tax. Rep. La Rosa (@larosamike), please put HB 213 on the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee agenda. #SaveVisitFlorida
  • 3+ BILLION in state sales tax collection can be directly attributed to purchases made by visitors to FL. We need to reauthorize & fully fund @VISITFLORIDA to prevent a state income tax. Rep. La Rosa (@larosamike) put HB 213 on your subcommittee’s next agenda.
  • Tourism is FL’s top economic driver. Our communities & local businesses rely on out-of-state visitors and the revenue they bring. Rep. La Rosa (@larosamike), let us show you the value and benefits @VISITFLORIDA provides by putting HB 213 on your next agenda.
  • The FL Legislature’s own economist says, “most recent sales tax forecast relies heavily on strong tourism growth.” Tourism growth = tourism promotion = @VISITFLORIDA. Rep. La Rosa (@larosamike) put HB 213 on your subcommittee’s agenda. #SaveVisitFlorida
  • FL’s chief economist says that a heathy Florida economy relies on ensuring that “no events that have significant repercussions affecting tourism” occur. Rep. La Rosa (@larosamike), our state budget revenue relies on @VISITFLORIDA. Put HB 213 on the agenda.
  • FL’s chief economist: “Currently, tourism-related revenue losses pose the greatest potential risks to the economic outlook” of the state. @VISITFLORIDA helps fund our state budget. Rep. La Rosa (@larosamike), please put HB 213 on your subcommittee’s agenda. #SaveVisitFlorida

Tweets & Click to Tweet Links for Rep. Plasencia

  • Tourism promotion keeps FL’s taxes low for residents. Visitors generate revenue so residents don’t have to pay more in taxes. Rep. Plasencia (@CoachP_CHS) put HB 213 on the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee agenda. #SaveVisitFlorida
  • Floridians don’t have to pay a state income tax thx to revenue generated by visitors to our state. We need to reauthorize & fully fund @VISITFLORIDA to keep it that way. Rep. Plasencia (@CoachP_CHS) put HB 213 on the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee agenda.
  • No state tourism promotion = loss of state revenue = fewer jobs = raising taxes on FL residents to pay for programs & services in the state budget. Rep. Plasencia (@CoachP_CHS), please put HB 213 on the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee agenda.
  • Without tourism and tourism promotion, every FL household will pay an additional $1,549 in taxes/yr to maintain our current level of services. Rep. Plasencia (@CoachP_CHS), put HB 213 on your next agenda. Reauthorize & full fund @VISITFLORIDA!
  • Tourism promotion helps generate $5.5 billion in local tax revenues that our communities use to pay for infrastructure, education, public safety & more. Rep. Plasencia (@CoachP_CHS) put HB 213 on the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee agenda. #SaveVisitFlorida
  • FL visitors mean no state income tax, lower tax base, economic opportunity & 1.4 working Floridians. Tourism & tourism promotion helps to make it happen. Rep. Plasencia (@CoachP_CHS) put HB 213 on the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee agenda. #SaveVisitFlorida
  • Keep powering FL’s economy thru tourism promotion. Tourism brings business & opportunities into the state, which means no state income tax. Rep. Plasencia (@CoachP_CHS), please put HB 213 on the House Workforce Development & Tourism Subcommittee agenda. #SaveVisitFlorida
  • 3+ BILLION in state sales tax collection can be directly attributed to purchases made by visitors to FL. We need to reauthorize & fully fund @VISITFLORIDA to prevent a state income tax. Rep. Plasencia (@CoachP_CHS) put HB 213 on your subcommittee’s next agenda.
  • Tourism is FL’s top economic driver. Our communities & local businesses rely on out-of-state visitors and the revenue they bring. Rep. Plasencia (@CoachP_CHS), let us show you the value and benefits @VISITFLORIDA provides by putting HB 213 on your next agenda.
  • The FL Legislature’s own economist says, “most recent sales tax forecast relies heavily on strong tourism growth.” Tourism growth = tourism promotion = @VISITFLORIDA. Rep. Plasencia (@CoachP_CHS) put HB 213 on your subcommittee’s agenda. #SaveVisitFlorida
  • FL’s chief economist says that a heathy Florida economy relies on ensuring that “no events that have significant repercussions affecting tourism” occur. Rep. Plasencia (@CoachP_CHS), our state budget revenue relies on @VISITFLORIDA. Put HB 213 on the agenda.
  • FL’s chief economist: “Currently, tourism-related revenue losses pose the greatest potential risks to the economic outlook” of the state. @VISITFLORIDA helps fund our state budget. Rep. Plasencia (@CoachP_CHS), please put HB 213 on your subcommittee’s agenda. #SaveVisitFlorida

Florida ProStart Receives $138,781.94 From Whole Foods Market

[Tallahassee, Fla] Florida ProStart raised $138,781.94 on Oct. 17 in partnership with Whole Foods Market Florida stores. As part of the grocer’s quarterly Community Giving Day, 5% of the day’s net sales were donated to Florida ProStart to better serve high school students in the vicinity of Whole Foods Market stores statewide by furthering their education and training in the foodservice industry.

“This donation from Whole Foods Markets will have a tremendous impact on Florida ProStart students as it will allow us to offer over 50 more scholarships in the Sunshine State,” said Laura Rumer, Director of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF). “Florida ProStart is in 238 schools around the state, helping high school students get a solid start in an incredible industry filled with opportunity for advancement. We look forward to finding more ways to partner with Whole Foods Markets as we continue to promote hospitality education in Florida.”

Whole Foods Markets hosts several Community Giving Days per year, offering customers the opportunity to make a difference through their regular grocery shopping. Florida ProStart was chosen as the third quarter nonprofit in August of this year, and 29 Whole Foods Market stores around Florida participated in the event. Money raised through the October Community Giving Day will be used to bolster ProStart scholarships as well as for ProStart kitchen grants.

Each year, FRLAEF gives out more than $40,000 in scholarships and awards $80,000 in mini grants to schools throughout the state. Additionally, one school is selected each year to receive a $50,000 kitchen remodel, and the 2019-2020 grant was awarded to Coral Shores High School last month.

FRLA Honors Dave Jarrett As Special Honoree

[Orlando, Fla] The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) recognized Dave Jarrett, retired Disney Executive and active FRLA member, as the 2019 Special Honoree at the association’s annual Hospitality Stars of the Industry Celebration. The gala, held on Sept. 15 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, honors men and women from around the Sunshine State for their remarkable work in the hospitality industry.

Jarrett has actively been engaged with the hospitality industry for more than 40 years. 32 of those years have been spent as a member of the FRLA, where he has spearheaded the Educational Foundation’s ProStart Program, which is the largest in the nation with 238 participating high schools. In 1997, he served as the FRLA Chairman of the Board. Career wise, Jarrett has owned his own restaurant and catering company, worked with Walt Disney World for 23 years and served as the Senior Vice President of The Filta Group. He has also served on numerous state and national boards, including the Camaraderie Foundation, several college hospitality boards in Central Florida and as a Trustee for Webber College.

Jarrett’s dedication and passion for the industry showcases why FRLA honored him as their 2019 Special Honoree.

FRLA Chef Of The Year Awarded To Chef William Ryan

[Orlando, Fla] The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) recognized William Ryan, Resort Chef of Hawks Cay Resort, as the 2019 Chef of the Year at the association’s annual Hospitality Stars of the Industry Celebration. The gala, held on Sept. 15 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, honors men and women from around the Sunshine State for their remarkable work in the hospitality industry.

A graduate of the New England Culinary Institute, Chef Ryan has spent more than 30 years in culinary management. In 2014, he joined the Hawks Cay Resort team as Resort Chef where he oversees all aspects of food and beverage operations. His culinary skills, creative menu planning and artful presentations showcase why FRLA awarded him with Chef of the Year.

FRLA Restaurant Employee Of The Year Awarded To Sandra Cottrell

[Orlando, Fla] The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) recognized Sandra Cottrell, head server at Half Shell Raw Bar, as the 2019 Restaurant Employee of the Year, at the association’s annual Hospitality Stars of the Industry Celebration. The gala, held on Sept. 15 at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, honors men and women from around the Sunshine State for their remarkable work in the hospitality industry.

Cottrell has worked at Half Shell Raw Bar for 34 years, since she first moved to Key West in 1985. Dedicated to the Key West community, Cottrell spends her time away from the restaurant helping with local relief efforts, fundraising events and non-profits. She is “the heart of the Half Shell Raw Bar,” according to her team, and her passion showcases why FRLA awarded her with Restaurant Employee of the Year.