TALLAHASSEE – Today, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), released a video of restaurant members and employees thanking Governor Ron DeSantis for supporting Florida restaurants by allowing them to remain open and safely operating.

“On behalf of that 10,000 members of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), I want to thank Governor DeSantis for his support for our industry and the people we employ,” SAID CAROL DOVER, PRESIDENT AND CEO OF FRLA. “While other states go backwards, shutting down restaurants, putting people out of work, and crippling an already-devastated economy, Governor DeSantis promotes accountability and personal choice, and he recognizes that our teams have a right to safely operate and earn a living. Thank you, Governor DeSantis, for having the backs of more than 1.5 million Florida families who work in the greatest industry in Florida – hospitality.”

###

For Immediate Release
January 7, 2021

CONTACT: Ashley Chambers
AChambers@FRLA.org

PALM BEACH – On January 20 and 21, the Palm Beach chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) will host its first ever “Eat in For Education” event to support educational scholarships for local culinary and hospitality students.

Numerous local restaurants and hotels are participating by donating meals for this first-of-its-kind event. FRLA encourages local Palm Beach County residents to participate in this great opportunity to support local restaurants and enable students to grow in the hospitality industry.

Before the COVID-19 pandemic, this annual event – previously named Palm Beach E.A.T.S. – was a hit with local diners and, over the past four years, has raised nearly $80,000 that FRLA donated to local students launching their careers in the Florida hospitality industry. This year’s modified virtual event still aims to help students and an industry that has been hit harder than any other in the Sunshine State.

“2020 has been a difficult year for the restaurant community. We are committed to being able to provide scholarships for our local students,” said Jodi Cross, Regional Director of the Palm Beach Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “This event is one of our best fundraisers, so we got creative and designed a take-out theme. The menus are delicious, and the value is amazing. I predict it will sell out quickly.”

How it works: Local popular restaurants are providing three-course meals available for takeout. Diners have a two-tier option to spend $50 or $100 on a takeout meal for two. The $100 ticket includes a bottle of red or white wine.

“Receiving the FRLA scholarship has helped me learn and grow in my career,” said John, a previous FRLA scholarship recipient. “After gaining the opportunity to further my education, I am pursuing a career as a manager and want to work in the product development side of the food industry. Food science and hospitality are passions of mine that have greatly benefited from this wonderful event.”

Below are the restaurants participating in the event. Diners can choose meals on a first-come, first-served basis:

• Echo Palm Beach
• Cucina Palm Beach
• Café Chardonnay
• Evo Italian
• Henry’s Palm Beach
• Temple Orange, Eau Palm Beach Resort
• The Sundy House
• Galley, WPB Hilton
• Pistache French Bistro
• 3800 Ocean, Marriott Singer Island
• Frank’s No Anchovies, Café Chardonnay
• Rocco’s Tacos & Tequila Bar – Boca Raton
• Park Ave BBQ Grille – Boynton Beach
• Kapow Noodle Bar
• Little Moir’s Hibiscus Street Catering

For more information on Eat in For Education or to purchase dinner tickets, please visit https://eatinforeducation.org/.

###

Today, the National Restaurant Association shared “What The COVID-19 Relief Bill Means For Restaurants.” See below for more information and guidance listed. Download the full document here.

TALLAHASSEE – Today, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), released a video of restaurant members and employees thanking Governor Ron DeSantis for supporting Florida restaurants by allowing them to remain open and safely operating.

“On behalf of that 10,000 members of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), I want to thank Governor DeSantis for his support for our industry and the people we employ,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of FRLA. “While other states go backwards, shutting down restaurants, putting people out of work, and crippling an already-devastated economy, Governor DeSantis promotes accountability and personal choice, and he recognizes that our teams have a right to safely operate and earn a living. Thank you, Governor DeSantis, for having the backs of more than 1.5 million Florida families who work in the greatest industry in Florida – hospitality.”

Last week at the Okeechobee Steak House in West Palm Beach, Governor DeSantis held a press conference where he discussed the unfair targeting of restaurants, the closure of restaurants in other states, and his promise to not shut down Florida restaurants as they try to recover from the devastating effects of the COVID-19 pandemic this year.

###

~Florida Restaurants and Hotels to Get Much-Needed Financial Assistance~

TALLAHASSEE – Today, Congress is expected to pass a $900 billion relief bill to provide short-term economic relief to the country in the face of the coronavirus pandemic. The plan includes several items that will benefit restaurants and hotels, most importantly a second round of access to the Paycheck Protection Program (PPP), with unique provisions aimed to assist Florida’s hospitality industry, which continues to endure catastrophic job and revenue losses.

“Millions of hard-working families in Florida’s hospitality industry have been given hope at the end of a very hard year as Congress will pass substantial COVID relief legislation today,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA). “As a top tourist destination, Florida’s hospitality industry has suffered unparalleled damages from the COVID-19 pandemic. From the beginning of this crisis, FRLA has worked with local, state, and federal leaders, alongside our national partners at the National Restaurant Association and the American Hotel and Lodging Association (AHLA), to advocate for relief for tens of thousands of Florida restaurants and hotels and their 1.5 million workers. The value to our members cannot be overstated. Simply put, for many, this means the survival of their business and the livelihood of their employees.”

The plan announced today targets industry relief with provisions including:

• Enhanced PPP Loan Size: The PPP provides a business with a forgivable loan based on 2.5 times its monthly payroll costs. Restaurants and hotels, however, can seek forgivable loans based on 3.5 times monthly payroll costs.
• Enhanced Access to PPP: Companies that employ a total of 300 or more employees at all locations (combined) are deemed ineligible for the PPP. Today’s bipartisan plan reflects the reality that many mid-sized and larger restaurant groups are on the verge of bankruptcy and allows restaurants to qualify for PPP if they do not employ more than 300 employees at each physical location.
• One-year extension for Troubled Debt Restructuring (TDR) relief (Section 4013 of the CARES Act), which will allow for banks to continue to work with borrowers to gain additional forbearance and debt relief through the end of 2021.

The relief package is also expected to include the following:

• Direct payments to individuals: $600 for an individual making up to $75,000 a year; $1,200 to a couple making $150,000 a year and $600 for each child dependent.
•  An additional $300 a week will go to individuals receiving unemployment benefits

Other provisions in the bill that will benefit restaurants and hotels include the deductibility of business expenses paid with PPP loans, enhancement of the Employee Retention Tax Credit (ERTC), extension of the augmented Work Opportunity Tax Credit (WOTC), and increased tax deduction for business meals.

The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association and the National Restaurant Association have shared a resource document with additional information here.

For more information, visit the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association website, and follow FRLA’s social media channels linked below.

Twitter

Facebook

LinkedIn

###

TALLAHASSEE – Hospitality establishments across the Tampa and Clearwater Areas have achieved the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) Seal of Commitment, demonstrating their dedication to enhanced safety and sanitation practices at a time when it matters most. The FRLA Seal of Commitment is a promise to guests and employees that their safety is a priority, that the restaurant or hotel meets superior safety and sanitation standards, and that staff are well-trained in these procedures.

Since the launch of the program, nearly 150 establishments have achieved the Seal, with dozens more in progress, representing the statewide commitment of the hospitality industry to the health and safety of employees and guests. Awarded establishments have invested considerable resources to prioritize the safety and health of the staff, guests, and establishment.

Of the first group of Seal of Commitment Designees, the following achievers are in the Tampa and Clearwater Areas:

• World of Beer, Brandon
• Bascom’s Steakhouse, Clearwater
• Clear Sky on Cleveland, Clearwater
• Columbia Restaurant Sand Key, Clearwater
• Island Way Grill, Clearwater
• Bob Heilman’s Beachcomber, Clearwater
• Bobby’s Bistro and Wine Bar, Clearwater
• Clear Sky Café, Clearwater Beach
• Sand Pearl Resort, Clearwater Beach
• Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach, Clearwater Beach
• Clear Sky Draught Haus, Dunedin
• East Lake Café, Palm Harbor
• Whiskey Joe’s, Port Richey
• The Don Cesar, St. Pete Beach
• The Library, St. Pete Beach
• Bern’s Steakhouse, Tampa
• Columbia Café, Tampa
• Columbia Restaurant Ybor City, Tampa
• Goody Goody, Tampa
• Haven, Tampa
• Meat Market, Tampa
• Oxford Exchange, Tampa
• Rusty Pelican, Tampa
• Ulele, Tampa
• Whiskey Joes, Tampa
• World of Beer Avion Park, Tampa
• World of Beer Fowler, Tampa
• World of Beer South Tampa, Tampa

“Employee and guest safety is paramount for Florida’s hospitality industry,” said Carol Dover, FRLA President and CEO. “Before the COVID-19 pandemic, our hotels and restaurants adhered to strict sanitation, food safety, and training guidelines, but it is important for our guests to know we are going above and beyond. With the Seal of Commitment program, we have built on the foundation of excellent standards to do even more to ensure cleanliness and safety to help build consumer confidence. Establishments can display their awarded Seal as a promise to guests of their strict adherence to these rigorous standards as they welcome back their guests and create memorable experiences.”

“We always want our guests to be safe and healthy” said Michael Kilgore, Chief Marketing Officer of Columbia Restaurant Group. “That’s even more true now, in these times. When they see our independently verified FRLA Seal of Commitment, it’s a symbol. It’s our promise that we have implemented thorough safety and sanitation standards and completed specialized training.”

“Being open for business today, it is more critical than ever to continue doing things that provide our guests and team members with a high level of comfort within our business environment,” said David A. Yamada General Manager of Wyndham Grand Clearwater Beach. “Having intensified our efforts to this end, including incorporating the practices recommended by the CDC, we wanted to find a credible way to help us get this message out. Because of the process required to earn the FRLA Seal of Commitment, we felt this achievement would help us in our goal to ensure safety and comfort.”

Awarded establishments have completed rigorous safety and sanitation training. In a post COVID-19 atmosphere, when guests see the FRLA Seal of Commitment on an establishment’s door, they can be confident that the business is committed to sanitation excellence and protecting employees and guests.

Visit https://frla.org/sealofcommitment/ to learn how to achieve the FRLA Seal of Commitment.

###

TALLAHASSEE – Hospitality establishments across Sarasota and Bradenton have achieved the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) Seal of Commitment, demonstrating their dedication to enhanced safety and sanitation practices at a time when it matters most. The FRLA Seal of Commitment is a promise to guests and employees that their safety is a priority, that the restaurant or hotel meets superior safety and sanitation standards, and that staff are well-trained in these procedures.

Since the launch of the program, nearly 150 establishments have achieved the Seal of Commitment, with dozens more in progress, representing the statewide commitment of the hospitality industry to the health and safety of employees and guests. Awarded establishments have invested considerable resources to prioritize the safety and health of the staff, guests, and establishment.

Seal of Commitment achievers in the Sarasota and Bradenton Area include the following:

• Anna Maria Oyster Bar Cortez, Bradenton
• Anna Maria Oyster Bar Landside, Bradenton
• Mattison’s Riverwalk Grille, Bradenton
• Pier 22, Bradenton
• Anna Maria Oyster Bar on the Pier, Bradenton Beach
• Anna Maria Oyster Bar Ellenton, Ellenton
• Whiskey Joe’s, Ellenton
• The Ugly Grouper, Holmes Beach
• The Grove Restaurant, Lakewood Ranch
• Lazy Lobster, Longboat Key
• Anthony’s Italian Deli & Eatery, Sarasota
• Cha Cha Coconuts, Sarasota
• Columbia Restaurant Sarasota, Sarasota
• Heritage Oaks Golf & Country Club, Sarasota
• Mattison’s City Grille, Sarasota
• Mattison’s Fourty One, Sarasota
• Michael’s on East, Sarasota
• Sarasota Yacht Club, Sarasota

“Employee and guest safety is paramount for Florida’s hospitality industry,” said Carol Dover, FRLA President and CEO. “Before the COVID-19 pandemic, our hotels and restaurants adhered to strict sanitation, food safety, and training guidelines, but it is important for our guests to know we are going above and beyond. With the Seal of Commitment program, we have built on the foundation of excellent standards to do even more to ensure cleanliness and safety to help build consumer confidence. Establishments can display their awarded Seal as a promise to guests of their strict adherence to these rigorous standards as they welcome back their guests and create memorable experiences.”

“Back in June, we wanted to be the first restaurant to receive the FRLA Seal of Commitment as we feel it is so important to not only talk the talk, but walk the walk, in keeping our restaurants safe and secure for our guests and our staff during these crazy times,” said John Horne, Owner and President, Anna Maria Oyster Bar. “Having the FRLA’s Seal behind us lets our guests know loud and clear that we are committed to ensuring that, as COVID-19 is again on the rise in Florida, the Anna Maria Oyster Bars are four of the safest places to dine and gather in small groups with loved ones this holiday season.”

Anthony Puccio, Owner of Anthony’s Italian Deli and Eatery, said “We sought this designation to ensure the health and safety of our customers, staff, and families.”

Awarded establishments have completed rigorous safety and sanitation training. In a post COVID-19 atmosphere, when guests see the FRLA Seal of Commitment on an establishment’s door, they can be confident that the business is committed to sanitation excellence and protecting employees and guests.

Visit https://frla.org/sealofcommitment/ to learn how to achieve the FRLA Seal of Commitment.

###

~Florida Law Requires Training Completion by January 1, 2021~

 TALLAHASSEE – To help aid in the prevention and reporting of human trafficking in Florida, legislation was passed in 2019 that requires human trafficking awareness training and the establishment of reporting procedures for Florida’s lodging operators and employees with a compliance deadline of January 1, 2021.

“Florida’s hospitality industry is committed to stopping human trafficking in our state,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA). “Properly training our team members on the front lines in lodging is essential to spot and stop this horrific crime. FRLA stands ready to ensure that our people are trained and that our industry is no longer targeted or vulnerable for trafficking.

“When this important legislation passed in 2019, we knew it was crucial to the fight against human trafficking,” said Attorney General Ashley Moody. Now more than ever, training is imperative. The pandemic’s impact on our economy has unfortunately created hardships, which traffickers have exploited. Adding more eyes and ears in our hotels and restaurants will ensure this horrific crime is identified and reported. As your Attorney General, I remain committed to using all the resources at my disposal to ensure victims are rescued and restored while traffickers are prosecuted and punished. We are grateful to have a partner in FRLA in this important endeavor.”

Section 509.096, Florida Statutes, mandates training for those lodging employees who perform housekeeping duties or work at the front desk or reception areas within 60 days of hiring or by January 1, 2021, whichever occurs later. To ensure the utmost vigilance, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) recommends that lodging operators train all guest-interactive staff as well, including concierge, bell staff, valet, and others who have direct guest contact. The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR), which regulates lodging establishments, released an Industry Bulletin that provides additional details on the new law.

Those details include the following:

• Training programs must be approved by DBPR. FRLA is an approved trainer and offers online training at no cost in English and Spanish. In person training by FRLA is also available for a fee.
• Covered employees must complete training by January 1, 2021, or within 60 days of hire – whichever is later – and must re-train annually thereafter.
• Covered lodging properties must implement a procedure to report suspected human trafficking to the National Human Trafficking Hotline at 1-888-373-7888 or local law enforcement and must post prescribed signage in employee areas regarding the hotline.

For more information on FRLA Human Trafficking Awareness Training or requirements under the law, please click here.

###

With Drop in Travel, 77% Expect More Layoffs at Current Levels

Download Survey One-Pager HERE

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Contact: Jennifer Myers, 202-289-3148; jmyers@ahla.com or Maura Morton, 202-289-3186; mmorton@ahla.com

WASHINGTON (November 18, 2020) – With a resurgence of COVID-19 and renewed travel restrictions enacted in many states, a new survey of American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) members shows that the hotel industry will continue to face devastation and significant job loss without additional relief from Congress.

Seven in ten hoteliers (71%) said they won’t make it another six months without further federal assistance given current and projected travel demand, and 77% of hotels report they will be forced to lay off more workers. Without further government assistance (i.e. second PPP loan, expansion of Main Street Lending Program), nearly half (47%) of respondents indicated they would be forced to close hotels. More than one-third of hotels will be facing bankruptcy or be forced to sell by the end of 2020.

Chip Rogers, president and CEO of AHLA, urged Congress to move quickly during the lame duck session to pass additional relief measures.

“Every hour Congress doesn’t act hotels lose 400 jobs. As devastated industries like ours desperately wait for Congress to come together to pass another round of COVID-19 relief legislation, hotels continue to face record devastation. Without action from Congress, half of U.S. hotels could close with massive layoffs in the next six months,” said Rogers.

 “With a significant drop in travel demand and seven in 10 Americans not expected to travel over the holidays, hotels will face a difficult winter. We need Congress to prioritize the industries and employees most affected by the crisis. A relief bill would be a critical lifeline for our industry to help us retain and rehire the people who power our industry, our communities and our economy.”

AHLA conducted the survey of hotel industry owners, operators, and employees from November 10-13, 2020, with more than 1,200 respondents. Key findings include the following:

• More than 2/3 of hotels (71%) report that they will only be able to last six more months at current projected revenue and occupancy levels absent any further relief, with one-third (34%) saying they can only last between one to three more months
• 63% of hotels have less than half of their typical, pre-crisis staff working full time
• 82% of hotel owners say they have been unable to obtain additional debt relief, such as forbearance, from their lenders beyond the end of this year
• 59% of hotel owners said that they are in danger of foreclosure by their commercial real estate debt lenders due to COVID-19, a 10% increase since September
• 52% of respondents stated their hotel(s) will close without additional aid
• 98% of hoteliers would apply for and utilize a second draw Paycheck Protection Program loan

The hotel industry was the first impacted by the pandemic and will be one of the last to recover. Hotels are still struggling to keep their doors open and unable to rehire all their staff due to the historic drop in travel demand. According to STR, nationwide hotel occupancy was 44.2% for the week ending November 7, compared to 68.2% the same week last year. Occupancy in urban markets is just 34.6%, down from 79.6% one year ago.

A recent national consumer survey commissioned by AHLA shows that many Americans are not expected to travel this holiday season. Seventy-two percent (72%) of Americans said they were unlikely to travel for Thanksgiving and 69% were unlikely to travel for Christmas. Meanwhile, business and group travel are not expected to return to peak 2019 levels until 2023, compounding the challenges for the hotel industry during this public health crisis.

About AHLA

The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA) is the sole national association representing all segments of the U.S. lodging industry. Headquartered in Washington, D.C., AHLA focuses on strategic advocacy, communications support and workforce development programs to move the industry forward. In the wake of COVID-19 pandemic, the hospitality was the first industry impacted and it will be among the last to recover. That is why AHLA is committed to promoting safe travel while also creating a standardized safety experience nationwide through the Safe Stay initiative. With an enhanced set of health and safety protocols designed to provide a safe and clean environment for all hotel guests and employees, hotels across America are ready to welcome back travelers when they are ready to travel. Learn more at www.ahla.com.

###

Contact: FRLA Communications

Media@frla.org 

Tallahassee – Today, Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, released the following statement in response to state and national media reports questioning the safety of patronizing hotels and restaurants during the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Across the nation and here in Florida, there has been an increase in reported COVID-19 cases; however, media reports that reference updated CDC guidelines have made unfair and irresponsible allegations about the safety of hotels and restaurants. There is no data to support these allegations, which can cause unnecessary panic. Florida’s hospitality industry has always had stringent guidelines for sanitation and safety and have significantly increased those standards and processes since the beginning of COVID. This pandemic has decimated our industry, whose members are trying to safely operate, welcome guests, and rebuild their livelihoods. To falsely point fingers and release hyperbolic assertions at a time when we are fighting tooth and nail to survive is shameful. Our community businesses need our support now more than ever.”

About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association 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 $111.7 billion hospitality industry which represents 1.5 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 SafeStaff® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state.

###