| (Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF) is proud to present high school students in Northwest Florida with an opportunity to enhance their culinary education. On Friday, November 13, 2015, the FRLAEF is hosting a regional workshop at Keiser University’s Tallahassee campus. More than 60 students from nine Florida counties are slated to participate in the event, designed to enhance their culinary skills. Students participating in the workshop are part of the Florida ProStart program, which is an industry-driven curriculum that provides real-world educational opportunities, builds practical skills and helps prepare students for careers in hospitality.
“We are thrilled to help these students build on their education because we believe they are the future leaders of Florida’s hospitality industry,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “This workshop will give these students an opportunity to further develop their culinary talents and will help set them up for success right here in the Sunshine State, where hospitality is the number one industry and employer.” During the workshop, students will demonstrate knife skills and various cooking techniques as they rotate through three Italian courses. The courses include an antipasto platter, chicken parmesan and tiramisu. Media is invited to attend this event. Details are as follows: WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: Media interested in attending this event should contact FRLA Communications Director, Elizabeth Ray at [email protected] for details. For more information about the FRLAEF, click here. ### About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association |
News Release Category: Featured Home (only applies to Industry News)
only applies to Industry News
Representative Clay Ingram to Speak at FRLA’s Greater Pensacola Chapter Meeting
| (Pensacola, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Greater Pensacola Chapter is proud to host Representative Clay Ingram at its next chapter meeting scheduled for Thursday, November 12, 2015. The event, slated to take place at the University of West Florida, is designed to give hospitality insiders an opportunity to hear from a community leader who is invested in supporting Florida’s largest industry which employs more than a million Floridians across the state.
Representative Ingram is a passionate community leader with a history of service to the people of Northwest Florida. He was elected to the Florida House of Representatives in 2010 and has been re-elected subsequently. He currently serves as the Chair of the Transportation and Economic Development Appropriations Subcommittee and has been appointed by the Speaker of the House to serve on the Florida Defense Support Task Force and the Joint Legislative Budget Commission. He also serves as the President of the Greater Pensacola Chamber. The event was created in partnership with UWF’s Department of Hospitality, Recreation and Resort Management and details are as follows: WHAT: SPEAKER: WHEN: WHERE: COST: Public interested in attending this event should contact John Bloodworth, FRLA Regional Director at 850-736-0228. Please click here to learn more about the Greater Pensacola Chapter. ### About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association |
FRLA and DBPR Advise South Florida Restaurateurs to Educate Employees and Consumers about Automatic Gratuities
| (Tallahassee, FL) – To avoid potential abuses of automatic gratuities, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) and the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR) are advising South Florida restaurateurs to educate employees and consumers about tipping policies. After receiving complaints about unclear practices, both organizations are working to raise awareness about rules regarding service charges. In Florida, it is required by law to indicate to consumers if gratuity is automatically included.
“Florida businesses want to do what’s in the best interest of both the employee and the customer,” said DBPR Secretary Ken Lawson. “To help ensure restaurant employees are rewarded for their hard work by satisfied customers who look forward to coming back, it’s imperative for all parties to understand the importance of clearly communicated tipping practices and the requirement that automatic gratuity notices must be published.” “Florida’s hospitality reputation relies on caring, exceptional service. For that reason, it is imperative that our industry clearly communicate tipping policies and adhere to all legal requirements,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “Employees and consumers must be made aware of these requirements and abuses should be reported to our partners at the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation.” For further guidance on Florida’s laws regarding automatic gratuities, please click here. ### About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association |
AH&LA Action Alert: Stop the NLRB Overreach
As you know, an overreaching National Labor Relations Board (NLRB) has upended 30 years of labor law by changing the definition of “joint employer” under the National Labor Relations Act (NLRA). In doing so, they are fundamentally altering what it means to be a business owner or an employer. This marks a very significant liability shift and as an owner or employer, you can now be held liable for actions and activities of employees who are not your own.
This past August, the NLRB issued its decision in a case called Browning-Ferris Industries (BFI) in which the NLRB completely re-wrote the joint employer standard by including “indirect” and “potential” control as part of a new standard. In doing so, the NLRB ignored years of legal precedence and created an environment of uncertainty that will put pressure on primary companies to assert more authority over small businesses to limit new potential liabilities under federal labor law. This short-sighted and highly political decision by the NLRB could impact virtually any business to business contractual relationship and force many larger employers or corporations to stop outsourcing any aspect of their business or limit franchising opportunities.
AH&LA co-chairs The Coalition to Save Local Businesses which has been working aggressively to educate members of Congress on the negative consequences of this change to our industry and urge them to reinstate the previous joint employer standard. Through our collective efforts, legislation entitled: “Protecting Local Business Opportunity Act” has been introduced in the Senate (S. 2015) and the House (H.R. 3459) and would protect the traditional, direct-control definition of joint employer which has been the standard under the NLRA for decades. We need your help to ensure Congress acts on this legislation and moves it to the finish line.
Please take a few short minutes now to urge your member of Congress to cosponsor and support S. 2015/H.R. 3459, the “Protecting Local Business Opportunity Act.”
FRLA Hosts World-Renowned Hospitality Leaders in Miami
| (Miami, FL) – The Miami Dade Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to host two global hospitality industry leaders at its Miami Industry Forum and Annual Meeting. Former McDonald’s USA President and CEO, Ed Rensi, is scheduled to speak Monday, November 2, 2015, along with Global Officer of Worldwide Operations for The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company, Bob Kharazmi. The half day event, slated to take place at Jungle Island in Miami, is designed to provide exclusive insights centered on building sustainable businesses that recruit and retain great staff.
“Ed Rensi and Bob Kharazmi are world-renowned and we are thrilled to provide hospitality industry employees with an opportunity to be engaged and inspired by their success stories,” said FRLA President and CEO Carol Dover. “In addition to the valuable knowledge they will present at this must-attend event, we are glad to offer attendees educational opportunities that will help boost businesses in South Florida.” Ed Rensi now serves as an executive consultant to McDonald’s Restaurant Systems. Rensi’s enthusiasm and commitment to the company during his 31-year tenure helped establish McDonald’s as one of the world’s most successful quick service restaurants. Major innovations spearheaded and overseen by Rensi include the: enhancement of McDonald’s breakfast menu, development of Chicken McNuggets in 1983, fresh-tossed salads in 1987, the McChicken sandwich in 1989, lowfat frozen yogurt in 1990, and the McGrilled Chicken Classic in 1994. Rensi was also instrumental in the development of the first Ronald McDonald House, a temporary residence for families of children with serious illnesses that has grown to include 165 houses in 12 countries. Bob Kharazmi joined The Ritz-Carlton Hotel Company in 1984, shortly after it was formed. Over the years, he has established and cultivated the company’s motto of “Ladies and Gentlemen serving Ladies and Gentlemen” and its culture of personalized service excellence for which the brand is renowned. As a member of the Corporate Executive Committee and the Chairman of the Corporate Operating Committee, he oversees the operations, development and strategic positioning of one of the world’s most iconic and powerful luxury brands. The Ritz-Carlton portfolio currently includes 90 hotels in 32 countries. The presenting sponsor of this event is the Job Creators Network. The schedule is as follows: WHAT: WHO: WHEN: WHERE: COST: To register for the FRLA Miami Industry Forum and Annual Meeting, click here. For additional information, please contact Lynne Hernandez FRLA Regional Director at 305-710-3962 or by email at [email protected]. For media RSVP, please contact Elizabeth Ray, FRLA Communications Director at 850.224.2250 x255 or email at [email protected]. ### About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association |
CALLING ALL FLORIDA CHEFS TO PARTICIPATE IN A HEALTHY COOKING COMPETITION
Contact:
DOH Communications Office
[email protected]
850-245-4111
FDACS Communications Office
[email protected]
850-617-7737
Tallahassee, Fla. – The Florida Department of Health and the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services are partnering to offer the “Healthy, Fast, ‘Fresh from Florida’ Challenge,” part of the World Food Championship. The competition is open to Florida residents. Three finalists will be invited to cook their healthy recipes live at the World Food Championship on Friday, Nov. 6, in Kissimmee for a chance to win
$2,500.
“Healthy cooking doesn’t have to be a time-consuming effort,” said State Surgeon General and Secretary of Health Dr. John Armstrong. “This challenge shows just how easy it is to put together a healthy meal fast and how the healthy food choice can become the easy choice for families in the Sunshine State.”
“This competition provides a fun way for Floridians to engage in making good dietary decisions, which improves health and gives children the fuel they need to excel in the classroom,” stated Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “Florida’s agriculture
industry provides an abundance of healthy foods that people can find at their local grocery stores—just look for the ‘Fresh From Florida’ label.”
Floridians 18 and older are invited to submit their healthy recipes online at worldfoodchampionships.com/florida. All recipe submissions must meet the following requirements:
• Use no salt added or low sodium products;
• Be 500 calories or fewer;
• Include food items of at least three colors;
• Contain at least two “Fresh From Florida” fruits or vegetables;
• Contain one source of protein – plant or animal sources;
• Take no more than five minutes to cook, excluding prep time; and
• Must be original, titled and include a picture.
The three contestants chosen will compete at the live event for the chance to win
$2,500, $1,000 or $500.
For more information on the World Food Championship, visit the event webpage.
About the Florida Department of Health
The department works to protect, promote and improve the health of all people in Florida through integrated state, county and community efforts.
Follow us on Twitter at @HealthyFla and on Facebook. For more information about the Florida Department of Health please visit www.FloridaHealth.gov.
About the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services
The Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services helps support Florida’s
$123 billion agriculture industry. As part of this effort, the department administers the “Fresh From Florida” program to help Florida producers market their products. For more information, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
About Healthiest Weight Florida
Healthiest Weight Florida is a public-private collaboration bringing together state agencies, not-for-profit organizations, businesses and entire communities to help Florida’s children and adults make consistent, informed choices about healthy eating and active living. To learn more about how to be active and make nutritious food choices, visit www.healthiestweightflorida.com/.
FRLA Boosts Forgotten Coast Tourism by Sponsoring Blast on the Bay Featuring Nationally Renowned Songwriters
| (Port St. Joe, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to sponsor Blast on the Bay, a FREE festival along Florida’s Forgotten Coast featuring celebrated songwriters. The event is scheduled to take place Thursday, October 15 through Sunday, October 18, 2015 at various venues in Port St. Joe, Mexico Beach and Indian Pass.
“The Forgotten Coast is one of Florida’s treasures and is truly the perfect backdrop for this unique festival that offers visitors an opportunity to hear the incredible stories behind the hit songs they hear on the radio,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We are proud to sponsor this event that spotlights wonderful venues in the Sunshine State and the best and brightest in the songwriting business.” Celebrating its 7th anniversary in 2015, Blast on the Bay will play host to a group of talented musicians and songwriters straight from the streets of Nashville. Festival performances will consist of 30+ musicians who have collectively written hundreds of hit songs for chart topping artists like Faith Hill, George Strait, Jason Aldean and Garth Brooks. Click the following links for a full schedule of events, list of artists and suggested lodging. The FRLA is a prime sponsor of these local concert performances through its Great Florida Events program designed to promote the local tourism and hospitality industry throughout the year. The public is invited and encouraged to attend these can’t miss events. ### About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association |
FRLA Celebrates Florida’s Hospitality Industry Stars at Shades of Pink Installation and Awards Gala
| (ORLANDO, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) celebrated the stars of Florida’s hospitality industry at its Shades of Pink Installation and Awards Gala on Wednesday, October 7, 2015. During the ceremony, held at the Hyatt Regency Orlando, FRLA announced its 2016 Executive Committee and unveiled its 2015 Hall of Fame along with other industry award winners. A portion of the proceeds from the event will be donated to Susan G. Komen Central Florida to help fund breast cancer research.
Lino Maldonado, Vice President of Operations for Wyndham Vacation Rentals, was named FRLA’s 2016 Chairman of the Board. Maldonado will preside over the FRLA, one of the state’s largest trade associations, representing more than 10,000 members in the hospitality industry. FRLA congratulates its newly elected Executive Committee, Hall of Fame and Shades of Pink award winners.
At the event, Hall of Fame Awards were given to individuals who have attained career distinctions of the highest level and were recognized for distinguished service to their industry, community, charitable organizations and family. The 2015 Hall of Fame is as follows: 2015 Restaurateur of the Year: Chris Christini, Christini’s Ristorante Italiano, Orlando 2015 Hotelier of the Year: Russ Kimball, Sheraton Sand Key, Clearwater 2015 Supplier of the Year: Greg Ohlemacher, Ecolab During the evening, FRLA also announced four new annual award categories to recognize exceptional service throughout the state: Restaurant General Manager of the Year, Hotel General Manager of the Year, Restaurant Employee of the Year and Hotel Employee of the Year. Winners and nominees were chosen by a panel of independent industry judges.
Please contact FRLA Communications Director, Elizabeth Ray, for photos or additional information. ### About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association |
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Jacksonville Restaurants and Seafood Nutrition Partnership Announce Seafood Week Oct. 12-17, Featuring Special Menu Items, Discounts
| (JACKSONVILLE, FL) – The First Coast Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) today announced it is launching its first Jacksonville Restaurant Seafood Week. From Oct. 12-17, area restaurants will feature special seafood dishes in order to celebrate October as National Seafood Month. FRLA is working in cooperation with Seafood Nutrition Partnership (SNP), a national nonprofit organization whose goal is to educate Americans about the nutritional benefits of eating seafood, as well as promoting ways to prepare seafood.
“This is a great opportunity for our chefs to shine with the best of the best, working with one of Florida’s natural resources,” said Corkey Bergamo, Northeast Florida Regional Director, Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. “Some of the most wonderful seafood dishes anywhere in this state are prepared right here in our own backyard. It’s an honor for the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association to have such a great group of members willing to help get the message out about how healthy seafood really is.” Jacksonville Seafood Week posters announcing the campaign will be posted at participating restaurants. They include: One Ocean, Atlantic Beach; Ocean 60, Atlantic Beach; North Beach Fish Camp, Neptune Beach; Marker 32, Jacksonville Beach; Palm Valley Fish Camp, Ponte Vedra; Julington Creek Fish Camp, Jacksonville; Lexington Hotel, Jacksonville; Junior’s Seafood in Jacksonville, Callahan and Yulee; Blue Bamboo, Jacksonville; Los Loros, Jacksonville; Beech Street Bar & Grill, Fernandina; and La Mancha, also in Fernandina. “Our mission is to help Americans gain the skills and knowledge to eat, buy and cook seafood as part of a well-balanced, nutrient-rich diet and we are pleased to share this important information with the residents of Jacksonville ,” said Linda Cornish, Executive Director of the Seafood Nutrition Partnership. “We are pleased to see so many Jacksonville area restaurants joining us in demonstrating that seafood is not only healthy, but it tastes good and is adaptable to many types and styles of cooking.” Cornish notes: Research shows that eating seafood twice a week can reduce your risk of heart disease by at least 36 percent and give you more energy throughout the day. That’s why SNP is encouraging people to take the Healthy Heart Pledge and eat seafood twice a week. ### |
| About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association FRLA is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Our mission is to ‘Protect, Educate and Promote’ Florida’s $82 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy and more than 1.1 million employees – making it the state’s number one industry. We offer regulatory compliance and food safety training needs (RCS and SafeStaff®); industry developed career-building high school programs (FRLAEF); sponsor the only event in Florida exclusively serving the restaurant and foodservice industry (FR&L Show, October 6-8, 2015 in Orlando); and we safeguard the needs of the hospitality industry by providing legislative advocacy. We represent and serve more than 10,000 independent and household name members, suppliers, and theme parks. For more information, go to www.FRLA.org and find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube. About the Seafood Nutrition Partnership Seafood Nutrition Partnership is a 501(c)3 charitable non-profit whose mission is to inspire a healthier America through partnerships that raise awareness about the essential nutritional benefits of eating seafood. Through its education efforts, the organization aims to help Americans gain the skills to select, order, and prepare fish and shellfish. |
Commissioner Adam Putnam Announces Partnership with FRLA to Expand “Fresh From Florida: On the Menu”
Tallahassee, FL – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has partnered with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to expand its “Fresh From Florida: On the Menu” program, which highlights restaurants that feature “Fresh From Florida” products on their menus. The partnership has already yielded 50 restaurants around the state that are in the process of becoming “Fresh From Florida: On the Menu” restaurants, bringing the total number of restaurants in the program to 75.
“Partnering with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is a natural fit for our ‘Fresh From Florida: On the Menu’ program, and we’ve already tripled the number of restaurants participating in the program,” stated Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “I thank Carol Dover for her support, and we look forward to ensuring that every Floridian and visitor can enjoy fresh Florida cuisine.”
“We are thrilled to partner with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to help showcase the Sunshine State’s unique flavors at venues that feature ‘Fresh from Florida’ ingredients,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We applaud Commissioner Putnam’s efforts to promote local cuisine and are thrilled to help support this wonderful program that gives Floridians and visitors another opportunity to enjoy dining experiences at exceptional establishments.”
The following restaurants are becoming “Fresh From Florida: On the Menu” restaurants:
- Yardbird – Miami Beach
- Swine – Coral Gables
- Bodega Taqueria y Tequila – Miami Beach
- Blue Bamboo – Jacksonville
- Lexington Hotel & Conference Center – Johns Café – Jacksonville
- Beech Street Bar & Grill – Fernandina Beach
- Grinders American Diner – Jacksonville
- Terra & Acqua – St. Augustine
- 101 Restaurant – Tallahassee
- BurgerFi – 30 locations throughout Florida (from Tallahassee to Miami)
- Bistro – Jupiter
- BellaBrava – St. Petersburg
- Stillwaters Tavern – St. Petersburg
- Sergio’s – Miami (6 restaurants / 2 cafes)
- Captain’s Table – Punta Gorda
- Village Fish Market & Restaurant – Punta Gorda
FRLA is a non-profit hospitality industry trade association that represents more than 10,000 members across the state.
“Fresh From Florida: On The Menu” restaurants feature delicious, fresh ingredients from Florida, including produce grown by local farmers and seafood caught in Florida’s waters. Restaurants must apply with the department and certify that they are sourcing products from Florida. Once part of the free program, members can use the iconic “Fresh From Florida” logo in promotional materials as well as their menu. For more information, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.