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.

Governor Rick Scott Highlights $74 Million for VISIT FLORIDA to Continue Record Tourism in the Sunshine State

CLEARWATER, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott visited the Clearwater Marine Aquarium to highlight $74 million in the “KEEP FLORIDA WORKING” budget to continue attracting record numbers of tourists to Florida. Last year, Florida welcomed a record 98.9 million visitors, who spent a total of $73 billion while in the Sunshine State.

 

Governor Scott said, “Florida is the best tourist destination for families. Every 85 visitors to our state support one job, and a growing tourism industry means more opportunities for our families and a stronger economy. With countless attractions like the Clearwater Marine Aquarium throughout our state, we are welcoming a record number of visitors to Florida each year. I look forward to our investments in VISIT FLORIDA continuing to grow jobs and promote Florida as the ultimate travel destination across the world.”

 

The number of travel-related jobs is up 4.8 percent over last year, employing 1.2 million Floridians. For every dollar that was invested in VISIT FLORIDA last year, the state saw a return of $3.20. This May, Governor Scott announced that according to VISIT FLORIDA, more than 28 million visitors came to Florida in the first quarter of 2015, an increase of 6.2 percent over last year and the largest first quarter for visitation in the state’s history.

 

Will Seccombe, President and CEO of VISIT FLORIDA, said “Our thriving tourism industry employs 1.2 million Floridians and is essential to maintaining the growing economy in our state. VISIT FLORIDA is grateful to Governor Scott for his support as we continue our work of promoting everything the Sunshine State has to offer and attracting another record number of visitors.”

 

The Clearwater Marine Aquarium rescues and rehabilitates injured animals in order to release them back into their natural habitat. They also provide long term care when animals cannot be released. In 2014, the Aquarium welcomed approximately 600,000 visitors, and are on track to welcome 800,000 visitors this year. The Clearwater Marine Aquarium also hosted the filming of both Dolphin Tale movies, which had an economic impact of $1.3 billion for the state from 2012-2014.

 

David Yates, President and CEO of Clearwater Marine Aquarium, said, “In the past four years, the Clearwater Marine Aquarium has welcomed an incredible number of visitors from across the country, and we appreciate Governor Scott’s focus on growing the economy and investing in tourism. The animals at our facility, including the beloved Winter and Hope from the Dolphin Tale movies, serve as symbols of courage, perseverance and hope, and we are proud to share their stories with the thousands of individuals who visit our Aquarium each year.”

 

Senate President Andy Gardiner said, “Florida is a world-class travel destination, and our state’s record number of tourists last year helps us continue to build on that reputation. More visitors mean more jobs for Florida’s families, which is why Governor Scott and the Legislature continue to invest in our thriving tourism industry.”

 

Senator Jeff Brandes said, “Governor Scott’s work to improve the economic climate and make investments in VISIT FLORIDA helps make Florida a top tourist destination. With this investment, our great attractions and beautiful climate, we look forward to welcoming another record number of visitors to our great state.”

 

House Speaker Steve Crisafulli said, “I am proud to join Governor Scott in recognizing our improved economic climate, our recent record tourism numbers, and the over 1 million Floridians that are employed by the tourism industry. By continuing to make strategic investments in tourism, we are working to build on this exciting success and create even more opportunities for families across the state.”

Majority Leader Dana Young said, “The $74 million for VISIT FLORIDA in the “KEEP FLORIDA WORKING” budget is great news for our state. This money will help Florida recruit more tourists to enjoy our world renowned beaches, attractions, and climate. We have made impressive gains in tourism, and we are excited to welcome more people to Florida.”

 

Rep. Larry Ahern said, “As Florida’s tourism industry continues to boom, I want to thank Governor Scott on behalf of beach communities and tourist destinations around the state for being so supportive. The growth of our state and our state’s economy is tied to those who choose to visit us.  I applaud the Governor for keeping his focus on making Florida the best place to work, play, retire and visit.”

 

Representative Kathleen Peters said, “I thank Governor Scott for his investments in VISIT FLORIDA. Every 85 visitors that come to Florida support one Florida job, and we look forward to reaching our goal of 100 million visitors in Florida this year.”

 

Representative Chris Sprowls said, “Every year, more and more visitors come to visit the Clearwater Marine Aquarium, and this year they are on track to welcome 800,000 visitors from across the country. Funding for VISIT FLORIDA will help highlight attractions that create jobs, like the aquarium, and show visitors that Florida is the best travel destination in the world.”

 

Representative James Grant said, “I am grateful to Governor Scott for his support as we work to continue welcoming record numbers of visitors to the Sunshine State. The tourism industry is directly tied to Florida’s economy and is essential to job growth. Last year, 99 million visitors came to Florida and spent $73 billion, and we know VISIT FLORIDA will continue to recruit even more visitors to the Sunshine State.”

 

Representative Chris Latvala said, “I am proud Florida is one of the top tourist destinations in the world and that we on our way to reaching our goal of 100 million visitors in Florida. I congratulate Governor Scott for making important investments in tourism, which will greatly pay off for Florida’s economy and families.”

FRLA Statement on FDA’s Menu-Labeling Mandate Delay

Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Communications Director
850.224.2250 x255
[email protected]

(Tallahassee, FL) – The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has pushed the effective date for the federal menu-labeling regulation for chain restaurants and similar foodservice establishments to December 1, 2016. The FDA had originally set December 1, 2015, as the compliance date but said today that it is extending the compliance date in response to requests and in order to further clarify the rule’s requirements. Today, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) released the following statement in response to the FDA’s determination.

“We applaud today’s decision by the Food and Drug Administration to require a nationwide, uniform menu-labeling standard for chain restaurants. The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, along with the National Restaurant Association, have long supported this universal approach, rather than inconsistent state-by-state guidelines which place undue burdens and restrictions on our restaurateurs. We look forward to our continued work with the FDA and the NRA in identifying best practices within many national establishments currently incorporating menu-labeling,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.

# # #

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.

2015 TripAdvisor Certificate of Excellence Award Presented to Homewood Suites by Hilton Palm Beach Gardens

Property Recognized as a Top Hotel for Hospitality Excellence by Travelers Worldwide

PALM BEACH GARDENS, Fla.– Homewood Suites by Hilton Palm Beach Gardens has been recognized with a 2015 TripAdvisor® Certificate of Excellence Award. The award, now in its fifth year, recognizes hospitality excellence and is given to establishments that consistently achieve outstanding traveler reviews on TripAdvisor.

TripAdvisor highlights the world’s top properties based on reviews and ratings from travelers around the globe. In addition to positive online guest reviews, hotels must maintain an overall TripAdvisor bubble rating of at least four out of five. Volume, timing of reviews as well as a hotel’s tenure and popularity ranking are all factored into the selection process.

“Our staff is committed to showing each of our guests that while they are here with us, they are part of our extended stay family,” said Liz Oliver, general manager. “There is no greater seal of approval than being recognized by our guests, and we are honored to receive this award based on our commitment to customer satisfaction.”

Homewood Suites by Hilton provides travelers amenities and services that maximize their travel budget including: complimentary internet, daily full-hot breakfast and complimentary evening social Monday -Thursday.  In addition, Homewood Suites offers inviting, generous all suite-accommodations including fully equipped kitchens, complimentary grocery shopping service* and fun recreational options such as a fitness center and indoor pool, enabling travelers to “stay in the groove.”

Homewood Suites by Hilton Palm Beach Gardens participates in Hilton HHonors®, the only hotel loyalty program that allows members to earn Points & Miles® on the same stay and No Blackout Dates on reward stays. HHonors members always get our lowest price with our Best Price Guarantee, along with HHonors Points, digital check-in and no booking fees only when they book directly through Hilton.

For more information or to make a reservation, visit Homewood Suites by Hilton Palm Beach Gardens  or call +1 561 622 7799

Read more about Homewood Suites by Hilton at www.homewoodsuites.com and news.homewoodsuites.com.

* Guest pays for groceries. Other restrictions apply.

– ### –

About Homewood Suites by Hilton™
Homewood Suites by Hilton, Hilton Worldwide’s upscale, all-suite, extended-stay hotel brand with more than 360 locations in the United States, Mexico and Canada, is an award-winning leader that has been named “Top Upscale Extended-Stay” hotel by J.D. Power the last five years. The first choice for guests seeking comfortable accommodations when traveling for an extended or quick overnight stay, Homewood Suites offers inviting, generous suites, featuring separate living and sleeping areas, and fully-equipped kitchens with full-size refrigerators. Additional value-driven essentials include: complimentary Internet, a daily full-hot breakfast and complimentary evening social every Monday-Thursday. With Hilton’s award-winning digital check-in with room selection tool, Hilton HHonors members can log into their accounts and choose their exact room from a digital floor plan, as well as customize their room prior to arrival with amenity requests. The service is available for 650,000+ rooms at more than 4,100 properties across 11 brands worldwide. Homewood Suites is focused on guest satisfaction and stands behind each stay with its 100% Suite Assurance® guarantee. For more information on the extended-stay advantage, visit www.homewoodsuites.com or news.homewoodsuites.com.

Grub Burger Bar Adds New Locations

Grub Burger Bar is a fast, casual concept offering eclectic burgers, fresh salads and cutting edge shakes and cocktails. Grub stands for Good people, Real food, Unique vibe and Big flavors. They grind their signature blend of chuck and brisket in house every morning. They also bake their buns from scratch every hour. The menu is made up of gourmet burgers, delicious bar appetizers, crisp side dishes, filling salads and even some “Burgers That Don’t Moo.” Grub has locations in Texas, Atlanta, Louisiana, Pennsylvania, and Delaware. They are opening in Tallahassee, Florida on June 16th and looking to open in Montgomeryville, Pennsylvania in late July.

Some of their unique burgers include the Lockhart Legend, Thai Peanut Burger, and Ghost Burger, featuring its ghost chili sauce. Not looking for a burger that moos? Grub also offers the Hippie Chickpea and the Jive Turkey Burger. This fast casual burger bar even features a full-bar, complete with shakes, both spiked and regular, that is best enjoyed during its Happier Hours Drink Specials!

For more information please visit: http://www.grubburgerbar.com/

Medical Tourism Survey

The Florida Chamber Foundation wants to better understand Florida’s opportunities in “Medical Tourism.” Your insights will help them provide information and clarity in support of the work Florida’s restaurants and lodging establishments lead.

Broadly, we include three activities under the heading of “Medical Tourism”:

1) inbound travel and services associated with consumers traveling to Florida for medical, surgical and broader health services;

2) medical meetings and conventions which attract inbound domestic and international travel by physicians and other health care professionals; and

3) health and wellness related tourism, events and activities.

Please click here to take the survey.

Panama City Beach Businesses, Community Leaders, and Law Enforcement Prepare for Safe and Successful Spring Break at Hospitality Workshop

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Communications Director
850.224.2250 x255
[email protected]

Panama City Beach Businesses, Community Leaders, and Law Enforcement Prepare for Safe and Successful Spring Break at Hospitality Workshop

– FRLA’s RCS to Host FREE Responsible Vendor Training in Panama City on Feb. 24th

(Panama City Beach, FL) – Regulatory Compliance Services (RCS), a subsidiary of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to present its 2015 Spring Break Hospitality Workshop to promote a safe and successful spring break season. This free responsible vendor training session will bring together businesses, community leaders and law enforcement to promote alcohol sales best practices, raise staff awareness, and advise the local hospitality industry on recent changes to the local law. The event will be held Tuesday, February 24, 2015 from 2:00 – 4:00 PM at the Boardwalk Beach Resort in Panama City Beach.

“In preparation for spring break, we are pleased to work closely with our local hospitality community and raise awareness of recent local ordinance changes that will cultivate a more safe and enjoyable environment for our businesses and spring breakers alike,” said Panama City Beach Mayor Gayle Oberst.

Mayor Oberst is slated to speak at the event alongside Panama City Beach City Manager Mario Gisbert and Panama City Beach Police Chief Drew R. Whitman. They will be actively involved in discussion during the workshop, which will include training presented by RCS in coordination with Florida’s Division of Alcohol Beverages and Tobacco.

“As Florida’s premier provider of responsible alcohol vendor training, we are passionate about server and seller alcohol education.  We are thrilled to partner with Panama City Beach government and business leaders to actively support a safe and memorable spring break season,” said FRLA Vice President of Education and Training, Geoff Luebkemann.

Responsible vendor training is a program offered to bar and restaurant staff.  Instructors present state-mandated content that encourages best management practices and patron safety.  Participants learn about alcohol laws, avoiding serving underage patrons, and preventing over-serving patrons. The training contributes to fewer underage alcohol sales, reduced DUIs, and increased professionalism and knowledge among those selling and serving alcohol to patrons.  Alcohol beverage licensees who successfully qualify and remain responsible vendors enjoy certain protections under the law for their license, and may reduce their risk liability exposure and costs.

The media is invited to attend the workshop and if planning to be present will need to contact FRLA Communications Director Elizabeth Ray at 850.224.2250 x255 or via email at [email protected].

WHAT:

2015 Spring Break Hospitality Workshop  

Includes FRLA’s RCS FREE Responsible Vendor Training 

WHEN:               

Tuesday, February 24, 2015

2:00 – 4:00 PM

WHERE: 

Boardwalk Beach Resort

9450 South Thomas Drive

Panama City Beach, FL 32408

Businesses looking to participate in the event should contact RCS Northwest Regional Manager, Caitie Mook at 850-933-3762 or [email protected]. For more information about RCS please visit http://www.regcomplianceusa.com/.

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 $76.1 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy, $4.6 billion in sales tax revenue, and nearly 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.

Firehouse Subs CEO in Ft. Myers to Share Insight on Building Your Brand

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Ray
FRLA Communications Director
850.224.2250 x255
[email protected]

Firehouse Subs CEO in Ft. Myers to Share Insight on Building Your Brand
– Don Fox to Present at FRLA SW Florida Chapter Meeting on April 1st –

(Tallahassee, FL) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is thrilled to host Don Fox, Chief Executive Officer of Firehouse of America, LLC at its next Southwest Florida Chapter meeting. Fox leads the strategic growth of Firehouse Subs, one of America’s leading fast casual restaurant brands and is scheduled to give a presentation titled, “Seven Keys for Building a High Performing Brand” on Wednesday, April 1, 2015 at the Holiday Inn Fort Myers Airport at Town Center. Drawing on 40 years of experience, Fox will offer insight on developing and leading a high performance organization. The event is open to FRLA chapter members and non-members. Media is invited to attend.

“This is a must-see presentation that is truly inspiring. Don Fox is an incredibly engaging speaker with a wealth of industry knowledge. He helped lead the growth of the Firehouse Subs brand – one of the top franchises in the country. There’s no doubt he’s a successful veteran of the business and will motivate restaurateurs, hoteliers, and other businesses to take their brand to the next level,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.

Under Fox’s leadership, the Firehouse Subs brand has grown to more than 750 restaurants in 41 states and Puerto Rico. Fox sits on various boards of influence in the restaurant community, and is a respected speaker, commentator and published author. He was recognized by Nation’s Restaurant News as 2011’s Operator of the Year. In 2013, he received the prestigious Silver Plate Award from the International Food Manufacturers Association (IFMA), and was recognized by FastCasual.com as the No.1 Executive in the fast casual restaurant community.

WHAT:
Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Southwest Florida Chapter Meeting
“Seven Keys for Building a High Performing Brand”
Presented by Don Fox, Chief Executive Officer, Firehouse of America, LLC

WHEN:     
Wednesday, April 1, 2015

11:30 AM – 12:00 PM Registration and Networking

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM Luncheon and Presentation

*Media is Invited to Attend

COST:
$23 Per Person
$190 For Reserved Table of 8

 

WHERE:
Holiday Inn Fort Myers Airport at Town Center
9931 Interstate Commerce Dr.
Fort Myers, Florida 33913
*Royal Palm Ballroom

To register for the event, please email [email protected] or click here to see the event flyer.

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 $76.1 billion hospitality industry which represents 23% of Florida’s economy, $4.6 billion in sales tax revenue, and more than one 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.

Worker’s Compensation Notice Posters

Rule 69L-6.007, Compensation Notice, Florida Administrative Code, has been adopted and will become effective on January 30, 2011.  The rule adopts the revised workers’ compensation notice posters, including the Spanish version of the poster and updates the information that is required to be included on the poster.  Section 440.40, F.S., requires every employer who has secured workers’ compensation insurance to post in its place of business a workers’ compensation notice and an Anti-Fraud Reward Program notice.  Section 440.40, F.S., also authorizes the Department, by rule, to prescribe the form of the notices and to require carriers to provide the notices to policyholders.

For a transitional period of 90 days from the effective date of the rule, an insurer or self-insurance servicing agent may use the “broken arm” posters identified and adopted in subsection 69L-6.007(1), Florida Administrative Code, or the corresponding poster(s) in effect prior to the adoption of the rule.  After the completion of the 90 day transitional period, only the revised posters adopted in this rule may be used.

Copies of the rule text and the revised workers’ compensation notice posters may be obtained from the Division’s website at http://www.myfloridacfo.com/WC/.

Contact Tasha Carter, Chief, Bureau of Compliance, Division of Workers’ Compensation, 200 E Gaines Street, Tallahassee, FL  32399, (850) 413-1878 regarding this rule.