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:

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.

27 Bills Go Into Effect October 1st

27 bills from the 2015 regular legislative session are slated to take effect October 1, 2015. No bills vetoed by Governor Rick Scott had an October effective date.
HB 0087 Relating to Construction Defect Claims: Passidomo
Construction Defect Claims: Revises definition of term “completion of building or improvement”; provides additional requirements for notice of claim; revises requirements for response; revises provisions relating to production of certain records. Effective Date: October 1, 2015

HB 0115 Relating to Sentencing: Gaetz (M)
Sentencing: Redefines “victim” for purposes of restitution provisions to include governmental entities & political subdivisions; requires sentencing judge to order restitution & specified number of community service work hours for violations of provisions relating to bribery & misuse of public office & offenses by public officers & employees. Effective Date: October 1, 2015

HB 0157 Relating to Fraud: Passidomo
Fraud; Defines “business entity”; provides for restitution for certain out-of-pocket costs of victims; requires business entities to provide copies of business records of fraudulent transactions involving identity theft to victims & law enforcement agencies in certain circumstances; provides exception; includes counties & other political subdivisions in provisions prohibiting false marking of goods or packaging with location of origin; prohibits fraudulent issuance of indicia of membership interest in limited liability company; specifies that electronic statements are included in provisions prohibiting certain false representations; prohibits sale of counterfeit security company signs or decals; increases criminal penalties for fraudulently obtaining goods or services from health care provider; expands specified identity theft offenses to include all persons rather than being limited to natural persons; prohibits knowingly providing false information that becomes part of public record to facilitate or further commission of certain offenses. Effective Date: 10/1/2015

HB 0197 Relating to Tracking Devices or Tracking Applications: Metz
Tracking Devices or Tracking Applications: Prohibits installation of tracking device or tracking application without person’s consent; creates presumption that consent is revoked upon initiation of specified proceedings; provides exceptions; provides that violations of prohibition on installation of tracking devices & tracking applications by private investigative, private security, & repossession services are grounds for disciplinary action, to which penalties apply. Effective Date: October 1, 2015

Relating to Diabetes Awareness Training for Law Enforcement Officers: Narain
Diabetes Awareness Training for Law Enforcement Officers: Designates act the “Arthur Green, Jr., Act”; requires FDLE to establish online continued employment training component relating to diabetic emergencies; specifies topics to be included; provides that completion of training may count towards continued employment instruction requirements. Effective Date: October 1, 2015
SB 0222 Relating to Electronic Commerce: Hukill
Electronic Commerce; Creating the “Computer Abuse and Data Recovery Act”; prohibiting a person from intentionally committing specified acts without authorization with respect to a protected computer; specifying remedies for civil actions brought by persons affected by a violation; providing that the act does not prohibit specified activity by certain state, federal, and foreign law enforcement agencies, regulatory agencies, and political subdivisions, etc. Effective Date: 10/1/2015

HB 0275 Relating to Intrastate Crowdfunding: Santiago
Intrastate Crowdfunding: Exempts certain issuers & intermediaries from registration requirements relating to offer or sale of certain securities; provides requirements for such issuers & intermediaries; provides limitations on offers or sales of such securities; prohibits use of specified exemptions from registration requirements in conjunction with another exemption from registration requirements; provides appropriation. Effective Date: October 1, 2015

SB 0342 Relating to No Contact Orders: Simmons
No Contact Orders; Providing for the effect and enforceability of orders of no contact as a part of pretrial release; requiring that the defendant receive a copy of the order of no contact prior to release; specifying acts prohibited by a no contact order, etc. Effective Date: 10/1/2015

SB 0378 Relating to Juvenile Justice: Garcia
Juvenile Justice; Authorizing a law enforcement officer to issue a warning to a juvenile who admits having committed a misdemeanor or to inform the child’s parent or guardian of the child’s infraction; allowing a law enforcement officer who does not exercise one of these options to issue a civil citation or require participation in a similar diversion program; requiring a law enforcement officer to provide written documentation in certain circumstances, etc. Effective Date: 10/1/2015

HB 0383 Relating to Private Property Rights: Edwards
Private Property Rights: Providing that any settlement agreement reached between an owner and a governmental entity applies so long as the agreement resolves all issues; authorizing a property owner to bring an action to recover damages caused by a prohibited exaction; specifying that an action for a prohibited exaction is not to be construed in pari materia with certain other actions, etc. Effective Date: October 1, 2015

HB 0465 Relating to Human Trafficking: Spano
Human Trafficking: Provides enhanced criminal penalties for soliciting another to commit prostitution & similar offenses; requires persons convicted of such offenses to perform community service & pay for & attend education program; requires court to impose minimum mandatory terms of incarceration for persons convicted two or more times of soliciting another to commit prostitution & similar offenses; provides for impoundment of vehicle used in soliciting another to commit prostitution & similar offenses; allows vehicle owner to prevent impoundment or immobilization in certain circumstances; provides that any court in circuit in which the petitioner was arrested may expunge criminal history record of human trafficking victim; requires judge to allow advocate to be present with in expunction hearing in certain circumstances. Effective Date: October 1, 2015

HB 0467 Relating to Public Records/Human Trafficking Victims: Spano
Revises exemption from public records requirements for certain criminal intelligence & investigative information to exempt information that reveals identity of victims of certain human trafficking offenses; provides exemption from public records requirements for investigative information relating to criminal history records of human trafficking victims that have been ordered expunged; provides for future legislative review & repeal of exemption; provides statement of public necessity; provides for contingent effect. Effective Date: on the same date that HB 465 or similar legislation relating to human trafficking takes effect

HB 0469 Relating to Pub. Rec./Residential Facilities Serving Victims of Sexual Exploitation: Spano
Pub. Rec./Residential Facilities Serving Victims of Sexual Exploitation: Provides exemption from public records requirements for information about location of safe houses, safe foster homes, & other residential facilities serving victims of sexual exploitation held by an agency; provides exemption from public records requirements for information about location of residential facilities serving adult victims of human trafficking involving commercial sexual activity held by an agency; provides for future legislative review & repeal of exemptions; provides statement of public necessity; provides contingent effective date. Effective Date: on the same date that HB 465 or similar legislation relating to human trafficking takes effect

SB 0538 Relating to Sexual Cyberharassment: Simmons
Sexual Cyberharassment; Prohibiting a person from willfully and maliciously sexually cyberharassing another person; authorizing a law enforcement officer to arrest, without a warrant, any person that he or she has probable cause to believe has committed sexual cyberharassment; providing an exception to the prohibition on search warrants being issued to search private dwellings, etc. Effective Date: 10/1/2015

HB 0749 Relating to Continuing Care Communities: Van Zant
Continuing Care Communities: Revises requirements for continuing care contracts; revises authority of OIR to waive requirements for accredited facilities; provides that continuing care & continuing care at- home contracts are preferred claims subject to any secured claim in event of liquidation or receivership proceedings against provider; requires agent of provider to provide copy of examination report & corrective action plan under certain conditions; requires residents’ council to provide forum for certain purposes; requires residents’ council to adopt its own bylaws & governance documents; revises provisions relating to quarterly meetings between residents & governing body of provider; revises powers of residents’ council; revises continuing care facility reporting requirements. Effective Date: October 1, 2015

SB 0806 Relating to Regulation of Financial Institutions: Richter
Regulation of Financial Institutions; Requiring mailed semiannual assessments to be received by the Office of Financial Regulation by a specified date; deleting the requirement that the office select a licensed or certified appraiser to conduct certain appraisals; revising the individuals for whom certain information must be provided to the office on an application for authority to organize a banking corporation or trust company, etc. Effective Date: 10/1/2015

HB 0889 Relating to Health Care Representatives: Wood
Health Care Representatives: Providing an exception for a patient who has designated a surrogate to make health care decisions and receive health information without a determination of incapacity being required; revising provisions relating to the designation of health care surrogates; providing for the designation of health care surrogates for minors; specifying that a principal’s wishes are controlling while he or she has decisionmaking capacity, etc. Effective Date: October 1, 2015

SB 1010 Relating to False Personation: Braynon
False Personation; Revising the list of officials who are prohibited from being falsely personated; prohibiting the sale or transfer of specified badges bearing in any manner or combination the words “fire department” and the ownership or operation of vehicles marked or identified by the words “fire department”, etc. Effective Date: 10/1/2015

HB 1127 Relating to Insurance Fraud: Sullivan
Insurance Fraud: Repeals provisions relating to operation or reporting of unlicensed health care clinics; revises provisions related to certain health care clinic charges or reimbursement claims; revises & provides criminal penalties for unlawful charges, operating or failing to report unlicensed clinic, filing false or misleading information related to clinic license application, & other violations; repeals provisions relating to establishment of motor vehicle insurance fraud DSO. Effective Date: October 1, 2015

HB 7005 Relating to OGSR/Commission for Independent Education: Government Operations Subcommittee
OGSR/Commission for Independent Education: Removes scheduled repeal of exemptions from public records & public meeting requirements for records of investigations conducted by Commission for Independent Education, discussions of such investigatory records at probable cause panel meetings, & recordings, minutes, & findings from closed portions of such meetings. Effective Date: October 1, 2015

Relating to OGSR/Licensure Examination Questions/Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services: Banking and Insurance
OGSR/Licensure Examination Questions/Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services; Amending provisions relating to an exemption from public meeting requirements for portions of meetings of the Board of Funeral, Cemetery, and Consumer Services within the Department of Financial Services at which licensure examination questions or answers are discussed; saving the exemption from repeal under the Open Government Sunset Review Act, etc. Effective Date: 10/1/2015
Relating to OGSR/Examination Techniques or Procedures/Office of Financial Regulation: Banking and Insurance
OGSR/Examination Techniques or Procedures/Office of Financial Regulation; Amending provisions relating to an exemption from public records requirements for information that would reveal examination techniques or procedures used by the Office of Financial Regulation under the Florida Securities and Investor Protection Act; saving the exemption from repeal under the Open Government Sunset Review Act, etc. Effective Date: 10/1/2015

HB 7011 Relating to OGSR/Public Transit Providers: Government Operations Subcommittee
OGSR/Public Transit Providers: Removes scheduled repeal of public records exemption for certain personal identifying information held by public transit providers. Effective Date: October 1, 2015

Relating to OGSR/Credit History Information and Credit Scores/Office of Financial Regulation: Banking and Insurance
OGSR/Credit History Information and Credit Scores/Office of Financial Regulation; Amending provisions which provide a public records exemption for credit history information and credit scores held by the Office of Financial Regulation for purposes of licensing loan originators, mortgage brokers, and mortgage lenders; saving the exemption from repeal under the Open Government Sunset Review Act, etc. Effective Date: 10/1/2015

SB 7016 Relating to OGSR/Minor Identifying Information: Judiciary
OGSR/Minor Identifying Information; Amending provisions relating to an exemption from public record requirements for certain information that could identify a minor petitioning a court to waive parental notice requirements before terminating a pregnancy; saving the exemption from repeal under the Open Government Sunset Review Act, etc. Effective Date: 10/1/2015

SB 7034 Relating to OGSR/Stalking Victims Identifying Information: Ethics and Elections

OGSR/Stalking Victims Identifying Information; Transferring, renumbering, and amending provisions relating to an exemption from public records requirements for certain information of persons who are victims of stalking or aggravated stalking; removing the scheduled repeal of the exemption, etc.
Effective Date: 10/1/2015

HB 7055 Relating to Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: Highway & Waterway Safety Subcommittee
Highway Safety and Motor Vehicles: Revises provisions for funeral expenses for certain officers killed in line of duty, flag displayed when load extends beyond vehicle, permitting of overlength trailers, display of vehicle for sale, hire, or rent, pilot program for rebuilt inspection services, options on application forms, residential manufactured buildings on mobile home lots, specialty & special license plates, disclosure of insurance policy numbers, & emergency allergy treatment. Effective Date: October 1, 2015

Action Required – Orange County Property Appraiser

As you know from a recent FRLA notice, many Orange County businesses have received significant increases in property values from the Orange County Property Appraiser’s Office. We urge you to review your most recent property valuation and appraisal. Please read the following information if you intend to appeal to the Value Adjustment Board (VAB) to contest these higher valuations of your property. Time is of the essence. To file a petition visit; VAB.occompt.com deadline is September 15, 2015

ORANGE COUNTY PROPERTY APPRAISER NOTICE:

IMPORTANT: The deadline for filing a petition to the Orange County Value Adjustment Board (VAB) for the 2015 tax year is September 15, 2015

To file a petition visit; VAB.occompt.com. You may also file a petition for the 2015 tax cycle by completing Petition Form DR-486.

If you require additional information regarding your petition to the VAB, you may contact the VAB Clerk at vab@occompt.com or by dialing (407)-836-5447.

How a new ‘joint-employer’ standard could hurt franchising

By: National Restaurant Association (View Original Article)

Recent moves by the National Labor Relations Board are threatening franchise independence, and that has franchise owners like Tom Saia worried.

Saia, a Burger King Franchisee and 37-year veteran of the restaurant business, thinks the NLRB’s efforts to redefine its decades-old “joint employer” standard could damage the growth potential for franchises and the ability of current owners to create opportunities.

“Joint-employer,” explained: The “joint employer” standard is how the NLRB determines whether an individual is employed by two independent companies when it investigates complaints about unfair labor practices. Historically, the standard has recognized franchise independence. However, the NLRB abruptly changed course last year and announced it would consider a prominent restaurant franchisor as a joint employer in a handful of unfair labor practice cases against franchisees. This shift in direction means franchisors could be held responsible for decisions that were solely made by franchisees. The increased liability could lead franchisors to take a hands-on approach in matters like hiring, firing and promoting, that are normally handled by franchisees.

“I’ve worked hard to become a franchise owner,” said Saia, who got his start in restaurants as a busboy and dishwasher. “I feel like I’d be working for a large company, and not be my own boss anymore. My life savings is in my business. I don’t want someone else on a larger scale telling me what to do.”

Equally concerning to Saia is how a widespread change in the joint-employer standard would be felt by the employees at his eight Maryland restaurants. “There’s no doubt in my mind that the opportunities for employees are going to be affected,” he said. “We promote almost 80 percent of our people from within. Those are decisions we make as individual franchise owners.”

Owners of restaurants and other franchises around the country are making the case for franchise independence directly to members of Congress. The Coalition to Save Local Businesses, which includes the National Restaurant Association, has been holding a series of meetings in an effort to secure legislation to stop the joint-employer change. Saia was among a group of franchise owners who met recently with Rep. Steny Hoyer (D-Md.).

“I thought [Hoyer] did a great job of listening to the concerns of all the business people,” Saia said. “I felt comfortable that he understood what this could conceivably do to the franchise landscape as we know it.”

There are signs that Congress is looking to address the issue. A subcommittee of the House Committee on Education and the Workforce subcommittee will hold field hearings in Savannah, Ga., and Mobile, Ala., next week on the joint employer issue. A Firehouse Subs franchisee is set to testify.

What’s next: The NLRB is expected to issue a ruling soon in a case brought by the International Brotherhood of Teamsters against Browning-Ferris Industries that will determine whether a staffing agency can be considered a joint employer. The NRA filed an amicus brief in that case urging the NLRB to preserve the settled joint-employer standard that properly treats third parties as independent business owners.

Emergency Recovery Guidelines for Business

The Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation urges all state food service operators to take special measures during power or water outages and other emergency conditions. All public food service establishments must take action after these events to offset the effects of loss of electricity, flooding, compromised potable water supplies or damage sufficient to contaminate stored food.

Please review the following guidelines in preparation for any possible Emergency:

Boil Water Notice Guidelines – PDF
Emergency Recovery Guidelines – PDF

Additionally, please review the Business Disaster Toolkit from the Florida Virtual Business Emergency Operations Center:

BEFORE A DISASTER STRIKES

Tips, links and articles to help businesses of all sizes prepare for disasters before they happen.view »

DURING A DISASTER

Help keep your workplace and employees safe during hurricanes, tornados, and other disasters. view »

AFTER A DISASTER – IMMEDIATE ACTION

What businesses should do after a disaster to recover – safety tips, repairs, generator selection and safe use of generators. view »

AFTER A DISASTER – REBUILDING

What businesses should do after a disaster to recover and rebuild – loans, tax help, construction guides view »

State Emergency Operations Center Activates to Level Two in Preparation for Possible Impacts from Tropical Storm Erika

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – On Wednesday, the State Emergency Operations Center (SEOC) in Tallahassee activated to partial activation, as current forecast models now indicate Florida is within Tropical Storm Erika’s five-day cone of error.

The State Emergency Response Team (SERT) continues to monitor the developing storm, as it prepares for any weather-related impacts Erika may bring to the state.

“Too many variables still exist for us to be able to accurately predict where this storm might impact us or how strong it may be if it does,” said FDEM Director Bryan W. Koon. “We are preparing the protective and responsive measures we will need if the storm continues to develop out of an abundance of caution.”

Florida residents and visitors should continue to monitor local news for further instructions, ensure disaster supply kits are fully stocked and plans are in place to remain safe in the event that that Tropical Storm Erika does impact the state. The 2015

Atlantic Hurricane season runs from June 1 – November 30. For additional information about severe weather in Florida, and to Get A Plan, visit FloridaDisaster.org and FLGetAPlan.com. Follow the SERT on social media on Twitter at @FLSERT and Facebook at www.Facebook.com/FloridaSERT.

Assistance for Businesses Affected by West Central Florida Flooding

The Florida Virtual Business Emergency Operations Center (FLVBEOC) is continuing to receive requests for assistance from businesses affected by flooding in West Central Florida. The affected counties include: Hillsborough, Pasco, and Pinellas Counties.

The most prevalent needs include: financial/loans, debris removal, water damage, employee transportation, access to businesses, and customer base.

If you feel you need business assistance, or if you feel you could offer assistance to the affected businesses please visit http://flvbeoc.org/ or contact FRLA’s Elizabeth Ray at eray@frla.org for more information.

Thanks in advance for your support and assistance.

Twin Peaks is on the Lookout for Talent in Altamonte Springs

DALLAS (August 3, 2015) – Twin Peaks, the ultimate sports lodge known for its made-from-scratch kitchen, rugged atmosphere, and playful Twin Peaks Girls, is opening its fourth Florida location in Altamonte Springs at 227 W. SR – 436. To outfit the new location, the concept is currently holding auditions for 95 enthusiastic and friendly ladies to join the team as Twin Peaks Girls.

Becoming a Twin Peaks Girl comes with perks such as flexible hours to accommodate school schedules, prepaid tanning and fitness packages, and a fun work environment which consists of great tips and contests to win shopping sprees and vacations. Twin Peaks Girls also wear the pro-cheerleader-inspired “Lumber-Jill” costumes and have the chance to star in national modeling opportunities.

“Twin Peaks is known across the country for its great food and hospitable service and that’s thanks to the Twin Peaks Girls,” said Kristen Colby, Senior Director of Marketing at Twin Peaks. “Their confidence and friendly personalities are what set us apart from other sports restaurants, and it’s important to have the best possible talent representing us.”

Twin Peaks Altamonte Springs will feature 70 high-definition flat screen TVs, an open air patio, and a covered, outdoor dining area. The made-from-scratch menu will feature hearty American favorites and includes 32 draft beers served at a freezing 29-degrees from two full-service bars.

“The Twin Peaks Girls are our signature assets and we can’t wait to get started with auditions in Altamonte Springs and welcome a new group of girls to the team,” added Colby.

Auditions for potential Twin Peaks Girls will begin on Monday, August 3. Prospective applicants are invited to stop by Twin Peaks Altamonte Springs, located at 227 SR – 436, from 10:00am to 7:00pm, Monday – Sunday. Auditions will be held up until the time of opening.

Prospective applicants should arrive dressed to impress as positions are in high demand. No previous restaurant experience is required.

Applications are also being accepted for 50 kitchen and staff positions. For more information, call (407) 649-3171.

Local information and updates are available at www.facebook.com/TwinPeaksAltamonteSprings.

Twin Peaks currently has 71 locations with plans for an additional 4 locations before the end of the year.

More information on Twin Peaks, including locations and franchise information is available at www.TwinPeaksRestaurant.com.

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About Twin Peaks

Founded in 2005 in the Dallas suburb of Lewisville by successful restaurant veterans Randy DeWitt and Scott Gordon, Twin Peaks was designed as a unique concept to meet the needs of an untapped market. Twin Peaks features high-quality food and ice cold draft beer served by friendly and attractive Twin Peaks Girls in a mountain sports lodge setting. In 2014, Twin Peaks was listed among Nation’s Restaurant News’ “Second 100,” an annual report that ranks restaurant brands between 101-200 based on U.S. system-wide sales, and was included in FSR Magazine’s “Ones to Watch.” Twin Peaks was also recently named “America’s Fastest Growing Restaurant Chain” by Bloomberg Businessweek. The national chain currently has 68 locations throughout 24 states.

FL Virtual Business Emergency Operations Center Activated

In response to the “West Central Florida Flooding 2015 Event” and the issuance of Governor’s Executive Order 15-158, the State Emergency Response Team through its Emergency Support Function-18, Business, Industry, and Economic Stabilization has activated the Florida Virtual Business Emergency Operations Center (FLVBEOC) to assist in assessing the impact that local businesses have experienced from the flooding. Affected businesses are being asked to complete a Business Damage Assessment Survey that can be obtained at: http://flvbeoc.org/index.php?action=bda. The survey results will be shared among various state and local agencies to expedite implementation of appropriate disaster relief programs for affected businesses.

Tijuana Flats Tex-Mex Restaurants Partners with AUA Private Equity Partners, LLC

ORLANDO, Fla. (August 3, 2015) – Tijuana Flats Holdings, LLC, (“Tijuana Flats”) parent company for Tijuana Flats Tex- Mex restaurants, announces a strategic partnership with AUA Private Equity Partners, LLC (“AUA Equity”) to help further the expansion of the “unchain” chain. AUA Equity, a private equity firm that makes investments in family-owned businesses and companies benefiting from the growth of the U.S. Hispanic population, will be making a capital investment into Tijuana Flats and will assist the company through its next phase of growth. In conjunction with the partnership, AUA Equity professionals, Andy Unanue, Steven Flyer and Kyce Chihi, who have significant restaurant experience, will be joining the Board of Directors. In addition, experienced restaurant and real estate investors Barry Goff and Mike Wood will also be joining the board. Brian Wheeler, founder of Tijuana Flats, will remain on the board and Camp Fitch will serve as the Chairman. Brad Kaemmer will continue to lead the company as CEO and no other management changes will be made as a result of the private transaction.

“It’s been incredible watching the growth and the extraordinary loyalty among all of our guests throughout the years,” said Wheeler. “With AUA as a partner and our great management team in place, I look forward to the future and continued success of Tijuana Flats.”

“We are pleased to be partnering with the founders of Tijuana Flats to help accelerate the company’s further growth into Florida and into out-of-state markets,” said Steven Flyer, Partner at AUA Equity. “Tijuana Flats is well positioned to continue its strong and impressive growth in the fast casual segment by leveraging its fresh ingredients, customizable offerings and fast, high-touch service offering.”

Over the past two years, Tijuana Flats has added new executive talent, including Brad Kaemmer as CEO, Todd Chase as Chief Financial Officer and Monique Yeager as Chief Marketing Officer. Brian Wheeler remains closely involved in strategic decisions and is also focused on the continuing development of the Tibby’s New Orleans Kitchen concept.

About Tijuana Flats
Established in 1995 in Winter Park, Florida, Tijuana Flats is a unique, fast-casual Tex-Mex dining experience featuring superior guest service and fresh, made-to-order food. Tijuana Flats has 110 locations in Florida, Georgia, Indiana, North Carolina, South Carolina, Pennsylvania and Virginia. The brand has been named to Fast Casual Magazine’s 2015 Top 100 Movers & Shakers list.

About AUA Equity
AUA Private Equity Partners, LLC is a New York-based, operationally-focused, lower middle-market private equity firm providing strategic capital to companies in the consumer, media, and business services sectors, with a particular focus on family-owned businesses and companies benefiting from the growth of the U.S. Hispanic population in the United States. AUA Equity makes equity investments of $10 to $50 million in companies that generate in excess of $3 million in EBITDA. For more information on AUA Equity, visit www.auaequity.com.