~More than $2.7 Billion in unfunded Florida Restaurant Revitalization Fund applications leave local small business owners in limbo~

[TALLAHASSEE] – Today, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), the National Restaurant Association, and other state restaurant association partners sent a letter to Congressional leadership sharing new national consumer confidence survey findings and urging swift replenishment of the Restaurant Revitalization Fund (RRF). Florida has more than 11,500 pending applications that total nearly $2.7 billion in stabilization funding that would be addressed by the $60 billion proposed replenishment bills.

The letter urges Congress to complete the mission of the RRF and provide adequate funds to replenish the program and offer relief for the applications still pending.

“There are thousands of Florida small business owners stuck in limbo waiting to find out if Congress will act to provide the stability they need to make it through this new pandemic threat and into the future,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association]. “The rise of coronavirus variants like delta threaten to push these restaurants closer to permanently closing their doors. It’s time for Congress to step in and fulfill the promise of the RRF.”

The National Restaurant Association survey found that nationally a majority of consumers have already changed their dining behavior, which is beginning to put acute pressure back on the restaurant industry. This faltering consumer confidence comes on top of restaurant labor costs at a 10-year high, increased food and supply prices, continued labor shortage issues, and crushing long-term debt loads for countless restaurant owners.

Specifically, the survey found the following:

• 6 in 10 adults changed their restaurant use due to the rise in the delta variant

• 19% of adults have stopped going out to restaurants
• 9% have cancelled existing plans to go out to a restaurant in recent weeks
• 37% have ordered takeout or delivery instead of going out to a restaurant
• 19% have chosen to sit outside instead of inside when going out to a restaurant

“For an industry that requires a ‘full house’ every evening to make a profit, this is a dangerous trend,” said Sean Kennedy, executive vice president of Public Affairs for the National Restaurant Association. “These changes indicate declining consumer confidence that will make it more difficult for most restaurant owners to maintain their delicate financial stability.”

Read the full letter sent to Congressional leadership here.

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Article Pulled From the South Florida Business Journal

Applications to enter Florida’s annual quota liquor license drawing are now open, providing an opportunity for residents and businesses alike.

Each year, the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation’s (DBPR) Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco runs a lottery to award a set number of quota liquor licenses in different counties, depending on population growth in each county. This year, the DBPR is awarding 49 licenses statewide, including two in Miami-Dade County, one in Broward County and three in Palm Beach County.

The application process runs until Sept. 29, according to the DBPR.

While liquor licenses are common throughout Florida, these quota licenses stand out in how versatile – and therefore valuable – they are, said Valerie Haber, a shareholder at Miami-based GrayRobinson who specializes in alcohol-related law.

Quota licenses, she said, are not limited in how the owner of one of these licenses can use them. While a normal license may only apply to bottle sales or on-premise consumption, quota licenses can be used for any and all alcohol sales. Quota licenses also don’t have a requirement for food sales like standard beer and wine licenses do.

That, plus the limited supply, means whoever wins one of these licenses in the lottery drawing could be in for a six-digit sale of that transferable license, easily.

“Because they are limited, they’re sort of akin to the taxi medallions in New York City,” Haber said. “They have an inherit value because they’re in low supply and in high demand.”

The asking price for a Palm Beach County-applicable quota license, for example, is $385,000 on Florida License Auctioneers.

It costs just $100 per application to enter the drawing. Individuals can apply on behalf of themselves, as well as through business entities, allowing someone to submit multiple applications.

However, applicants must be at least 21 years old to enter and have a clean criminal history over the past 15 years to be eligible.

Chances of winning a quota license, much like in any lottery, are slim. In 2020, there were 23,655 entries deemed qualified by the DBPR, but there were only 62 available licenses. That’s a 0.003% chance to win.

Those who win must pay an initial fee of $10,750 to activate the license and claim it, Haber said. It comes with a $1,820-per-year license fee, and if any license owner wants to sell its license within 36 months of when it was issued, the owner must pay $27,300 to the state.

Those fees may seem steep, but depending on what county the license is designated to, it shouldn’t be difficult to more than triple the investment, she added.

The process to be approved for a license is long, Haber said, so small-scale mom-and-pop operators rarely apply for the license as a first resort.

For example, while the application process for the 2020 quota liquor license drawing opened in August 2020, the winners weren’t announced until late June 2021. Therefore, these quota licenses aren’t a speedy option for those who need a license in the near future.

VISIT DBPR’s website here for more details.

AHLA, Biden Administration, SBA Collaboration Expands, Improves EIDL Loan Program

WASHINGTON (August 11, 2021) –The American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), the Biden Administration and the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) collaborated over the last several months to expand and improve the SBA’s Economic Injury Disaster Loan (EIDL) program for the hotel industry, which was heavily impacted by COVID 19.

The ongoing dialogue led to an increase in the cap on total loan amounts and a waiver of affiliation rules to ensure hotels can benefit from long term, low interest rates.

AHLA has been working with Biden Administration and SBA officials for months to secure the changes, which would directly benefit hoteliers. The changes, outlined in a special webinar for AHLA members today, include:

• Raising the loan cap to $2 million per property
• Raising the aggregate loan cap to $10 million
• Waiving the program’s affiliation rules to mirror those of the Paycheck Protection Program
• A low 3.75% interest rate over a 30-year fixed amortization period
• Waiving the credit-elsewhere requirement
• Allowing use of funds to pay down prior commercial debt and to make monthly Principal and Interest payments toward federal debt

The application period for the revised EIDL program begins the week of August 16, and AHLA is encouraging members to apply as soon as possible since Congress may attempt to use some of the program’s funding to pay for pending legislation. Information on how to apply for the loans is here.

“When we asked the Biden administration and SBA to work with us to provide more help for hoteliers struggling from the pandemic, they made it happen. The culmination of those efforts is EIDL’s expansion – a huge step forward for our industry in terms of COVID relief,” said AHLA president and CEO Chip Rogers. “The new and improved EIDL program is a fantastic opportunity for hoteliers to access capital to help address commercial debt, operating costs and other expenses as travel slowly returns to pre-pandemic levels. We are grateful to the Biden Administration and SBA for working with us to improve EIDL to better serve hoteliers, who have been left out of other COVID relief programs and are vital to the economic growth of nearly every community around the country.”

COVID-19 is the single worst economic event in the history of the American hotel industry. Despite being among the hardest hit by the pandemic, hotels are the only segment of the hospitality and leisure industry yet to receive direct COVID-related aid.

While the recent uptick in leisure travel for summer is encouraging, it will not offset the nearly 500,000 hotel jobs lost due to COVID. The hotel industry generates 53% of its revenue from business travel and events. According to a recent Deloitte survey, corporate travel is projected to remain at only 30 percent of 2019 levels through the end of 2021. This lack of corporate travel would cost the hotel industry an estimated $60 billion in 2021, according to leading economists.

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, 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.

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TALLAHASSEE, FL – Today, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) announced its partnership with the Blue Angels Foundation to raise awareness and funding to support wounded veterans and their families.

Sadly, each day, more than 22 veterans take their own lives due to the loneliness or hopelessness they feel following their disruption to or separation from service due to injury. That is more than 8,000 suicides each year. For comparison and to fully understand the impact, in the 20 years the U.S. has been fighting in Iraq and Afghanistan, we have lost 7,000 soldiers in combat. It is estimated that more than 500,000 men and women who have served are living with Post-Traumatic Stress (PTS), and more than 52,000 have been wounded in battle. The Blue Angels Foundation plays an essential role in supporting the health and well-being of veterans as they transition back to the civilian community.

“2021 marks the 75th anniversary of FRLA and the 75th anniversary of the Blue Angels,” said Mike Campbell, President of the Blue Angels Foundation. “How fitting is it the Blue Angels Foundation and FRLA are joining hands this year to begin a partnership that will raise awareness around veteran suicide and raise funds that will allow wounded warriors to complete Post-Traumatic Stress protocol. As a nation, we owe so much to our wounded warrior community, servicemembers that laid it all on the line to preserve our Freedom. Please join us in this important effort. Spread the word to save lives and make a donation,100% of which goes towards saving a life.”

“FRLA and our members are incredibly proud to stand with the Blue Angels Foundation to help our treasured veterans, wounded warriors, and their families when they need it the most,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “These brave men and women and their families have sacrificed so much to preserve our freedom and fight for the rights of others, and they need our help as they return or transition from active duty. It is important that we all do what we can to support the Foundation as they provide critical services for our veterans, including counseling, housing, post-traumatic stress, employment, transportation, and other important life skills.”

To learn more and donate to the Blue Angels Foundation as they support our wounded warriors, please visit https://app.mobilecause.com/e/f9FN3g?vid=kcqty.

About The Blue Angels Foundation: The Blue Angels Foundation (BAF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit foundation with the mission of supporting the nation’s wounded veterans. Led by former members of the United States Navy Flight Demonstration Squadron, the BAF strives to have a positive impact on resolving post-traumatic stress (PTS) among wounded veterans – saving lives and promoting positive transitions for wounded veterans and their families. The wounded veterans who selflessly volunteered to serve the nation are the same individuals who need the support and resources necessary to provide a path of transition and a life of dignity and fulfillment. Each year, the BAF identifies and sponsors organizations that assist wounded warriors with the four-part continuum of care: transition housing, education, networking for employment and resolving PTS. Completing this continuum of care allows the wounded warrior to rebuild their self-esteem and self-confidence and develop a purpose-driven life in the civilian community. To learn more, visit www.blueangelsfoundation.org.

About FRLA: 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 nearly $112 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.

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Restaurant owner shares his perspective on the worker shortage on ‘Your World’

Anna Maria Oyster Bar owner John Horne, who also serves as FRLA’s Restaurant Director, gives his take on Biden’s requests that business owners pay employers more.

Watch the video here.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. — Today, Governor Ron DeSantis issued Executive Order 21-150 declaring a state of emergency for 15 counties in the potential path of Tropical Storm Elsa. The Governor is urging Floridians in the southern part of the state to begin preparing for impacts as early as Monday, including heavy rain, flooding and potential storm surge.

By declaring a state of emergency, Governor DeSantis is ensuring that state and local governments have ample time, resources and flexibility to prepare. The State Emergency Operations Center activated to a Level 2 this morning, enhancing the coordination between federal, state and local emergency management agencies.

“This morning, I signed an Executive Order issuing a State of Emergency due to the threat of Tropical Storm Elsa,” said Governor Ron DeSantis. “While we continue to provide resources to support the response at Surfside, impacts from Elsa will begin affecting the Florida Keys and portions of southern Florida as early as Monday. All Floridians in the potential path of this storm need to prepare for the risk of isolated tornadoes, storm surge, heavy rainfall and flash flooding.”

Full remarks on the state response and current status of Tropical Storm Elsa were delivered by Governer DeSantis at a press conference this evening. Watch here.

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~Will Pool Resources and Efforts to Educate State and Local Lawmakers on Critical Issues Facing Hospitality~

AHLA and AAHOA today announced the creation of the American Hospitality Alliance (AHA) at the International Society of Hotel Associations’ summer meeting. AHA will promote the hospitality industry at the state and local levels by harnessing the power and influence of industry leaders and directing it toward advocacy and political engagement. The strategic partnership between AAHOA, AHLA, and leading state hospitality associations will encourage pooling resources and streamlining efforts to educate lawmakers at the state and local level.

AHLA and AAHOA have long recognized the importance of state and local governments in policy issues affecting hoteliers – including COVID-19 liability, illegal hotels masquerading as short-term rentals, drive-by lawsuits, tax reform, and workforce development. This announcement brings significant benefits to hoteliers across the country as AHA’s advocacy efforts will focus on these issues and more that are key to boosting the hospitality industry’s recovery as the country reopens.

AHLA and AAHOA will co-chair AHA, and an advisory board of seventeen industry representatives, including the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), and industry staff serving one-year terms will steer the Alliance’s priorities and policy initiatives.

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FRLA Launches Website to Help Fill Florida’s Hospitality Jobs

~GreatFloridaJob.com connects jobseekers with hospitality employers statewide~

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Today, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) announced GreatFloridaJob.com, a new easy-to-use website for employers and job seekers to post and find jobs across all levels of Florida’s hospitality industry.

“As the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic continues and visitor numbers continue to increase, FRLA is supporting the efforts of our industry members in hiring the best talent to join their teams,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA). “Florida’s hospitality industry provides exciting, challenging, and fun employment options with great opportunity for advancement and the establishment of a long-term career path, and we encourage all job seekers to consider returning to or joining Florida’s premier industry – hospitality.”

“The Great Florida Job campaign is another example of FRLA being in touch with the realities of the industry it represents and stepping up to create a substantive, timely solution,’ said Lisa E. Lombardo, Chief People and Culture Officer for HDG Hotels. “HDG is seeing results from participating in the Great Florida Jobs campaign. The online site for job postings is being promoted throughout the state and to diverse audiences, with all levels of experience. From job seekers’ livelihoods to the guest experience, what a great way to positively impact Florida’s tremendous, but still recovering, hospitality industry.”

According to the Department of Economic Opportunity (DEO), Florida has more than 460,000 jobs available, including tens of thousands from entry level to managerial in Florida’s hospitality industry.

Florida’s hospitality industry was devastated by the COVID-19 pandemic. As the travel, tourism, and hospitality industries shut down internationally, more than 934,000 of Florida’s 1.5 million hospitality employees were furloughed or laid off. As Governor DeSantis led the nation to re-open Florida and jumpstart our economic recovery, Florida’s hotels and restaurants are rebounding but still facing historic labor shortages.

To assist the industry in getting back to pre-COVID service and staffing levels and maintain Florida’s status as the number one international tourism destination, FRLA has

advocated for policies that will support industry recovery, hosted job fairs, and created a task force to help identify solutions. Visit GreatFloridaJob.com today to get started. The resource is free to job seekers and FRLA members. Nonmembers can post job vacancies for a nominal fee of $50.

About FRLA: 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 nearly $112 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.

FRLA’s training and education arm adds industry veteran

TALLAHASSEE, FL – Today, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) announced that Brenda Moons joins the organization as the Director of Operations for FRLA subsidiary RCS Training, Florida’s leader in regulatory compliance and professional development training for the state’s hospitality industry.

“RCS Training enjoys a well-established statewide reputation for high quality compliance and performance-enhancing training, and with this outstanding addition to our team we look forward to deepening our service to industry,” said FRLA Senior Vice President Geoff Luebkemann.

FRLA President and CEO Carol Dover added, “We are fundamentally committed to efforts that strengthen and protect our industry, and with the arrival of this proven industry veteran and leader, we will continue to do so as we move beyond the challenges of the pandemic and refocus on the excellence of Florida hospitality.”

Ms. Moons joins FRLA with over 20 years’ service at the American Hotel and Lodging Association Educational Institute (AHLA EI) and brings executive level experience in hospitality training product development, sales, and marketing. She successfully fostered high-level relationships with Fortune 500 companies, U.S. government agencies, and international government and educational institutions. She has overseen domestic and global sales efforts and has a wealth of experience in leading teams to monitor market demands and the competitive environment.

Moons is a native of Central Florida and alumna of Florida Southern College. She holds a certificate in interactive courseware development from the American Film Institute and is a member of the Council of Hotel and Restaurant Trainers (CHART).

About FRLA: 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 nearly $112 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.

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