The Community-First Program is Partnering with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation and Force Blue for Small Business and Environmental Initiatives

Pepsi has announced new giveback initiatives it is rolling out in Super Bowl LV host city Tampa, and across Florida, as part of its Pepsi Stronger Together platform – a tailored grassroots-based program giving back to communities across the nation.

“When we launched Pepsi Stronger Together, we aimed to give back to communities around the country while inspiring people in those communities to take action,” said Derek Lewis, President, South Division, PepsiCo Beverages North America. “We have seen an incredible response in cities from Miami to Memphis, Louisville to Washington, D.C. – from a charitable food drive, a community basketball court refurbishment, to mentorship programs with local universities – and we are thrilled to be able to give back to the Tampa Bay community during a time of such cultural importance, the Super Bowl.”

Beginning now and continuing through Super Bowl LV, Pepsi will partner with community leaders, customers and organizations to deploy initiatives centered around key pillars of Pepsi Stronger Together: community and the environment.

In Tampa, Pepsi Stronger Together is partnering with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) to donate $100,000 in grants and support to help struggling bay-area restaurants. Through the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), Pepsi and the NRAEF will award $10,000 grants to Tampa restaurants – recipients of which will be announced live during Shaquille O’Neal’s “Shaq Bowl” restaurant challenge on Super Bowl Sunday. Qualifying restaurants will also be offered membership in the FRLA and National Restaurant Association.

“We are honored to work with Pepsi and FRLA to support these Tampa area restaurants and their employees,” said Rob Gifford, president, NRAEF. “They have faced tremendous challenges due to the pandemic and were hoping the Super Bowl would be a way to make up for lost business. With Pepsi, one of the Foundation’s largest donors, we are working together to help them get back on their feet.” Super Bowl fans across the country can help restaurant workers rebuild their futures by donating to the NRAEF at www.chooserestaurants.org/strongertogether.

Pepsi Stronger Together will also support the timely issue of coral reef and marine habitat conservation with nonprofit Force Blue by hosting Dive55, a beach and ocean clean-up day in Anna Maria, Florida on January 25. Running in conjunction with NFL Green Week, Dive55 will feature Force Blue Special Operations veterans leading 55 volunteer divers from multiple local organizations in an operation to remove marine debris and abandoned fishing gear from Spanish Rocks Reef, a rare gem of marine life that includes sponges, soft corals and a variety of reef fish.

“Force Blue is proud to be able to work with the NFL, Tampa Bay Super Bowl LV Host Committee and Pepsi leading up to Super Bowl LV to bring attention to, and take action for, one of the biggest problems our oceans face today – the rapidly declining health of our coral reefs and coastal habitats,” said Jim Ritterhoff, Force Blue’s Executive Director and Co-Founder.

As an added surprise and delight for fans across Tampa, Pepsi drones will be dropping in to select lucky fans’ homes with VIP swag and merch – helping make their homegating experience an unforgettable one. Learn more at pepsistrongertogether.com/gamedays.

About Pepsi Stronger Together

Pepsi Stronger Together is a national initiative to empower and engage communities around the country by providing tailored programming and resources that bring people together. It was conceived with the idea that now, more than ever, we must foster a sense of connection and belonging, starting by investing locally. Launched in May of 2020 in response to the COVID-19 pandemic – engaging its network of partners in the South to shine a spotlight on essential front-line workers in a variety of industries – Pepsi Stronger Together was expanded in October of 2020 by partnering with NBA teams and charitable organizations to foster, among other things, community and police relations.

Guiding PepsiCo is our vision to Be the Global Leader in Convenient Foods and Beverages by Winning with Purpose. Under this vision, Pepsi Stronger Together is continually evolving the program to respond to the cultural moment and meet the needs of communities across the United States. Stay up to date at pepsistrongertogether.com, where visitors can engage in conversation and learn about the latest community initiatives and how to give back. Follow the conversation on social media at @pepsistrongertogether.

2021 Restaurant Trends Reflect Innovation and Survival in Unprecedented Year

National Restaurant Association releases top trends from forthcoming State of the Restaurant Industry Report

Contact: Vanessa Sink, National Restaurant Association

[email protected]

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Washington, D.C. (Jan. 12, 2021) – Last year was full of change and the search for comfort, according to the 2021 Restaurant Trends Report released today by the National Restaurant Association. The list reflects the pivots restaurants had to make early in the pandemic to survive and the innovation that has opened up needed new revenue streams.

The top Food and Menu Trends included changes such as off-premises dining taking precedence, but it was also a year where nipping and bundling made important impacts on operations and revenue. According to a survey of 6,000 restaurant operators and 1,000 customers, the top trends included:

• Streamlined menus
• Selling groceries
• Alcohol to go

This year, to identify what’s truly selling best during the pandemic, the Association surveyed restaurant operators to find out their Top Menu Sellers right now. They indicated that consumers were looking for more tried-and-true than new. Demand from both full-service and limited-service restaurants included:

• Burgers
• Pizza
• Chicken items
• Breakfast items

“These food and menu trends didn’t offset the industry’s devastation, but they do illustrate the resiliency, innovation, and commitment of restaurateurs,” said Hudson Riehle, senior vice president of Research and Knowledge for the Association. “The pandemic served to accelerate many trends we were already seeing, while it taught more consumers how to digitally access the restaurant meals they wanted, so expect many of these innovations to be long-term trends and not fads.”
The Restaurant Trends are excerpted from the forthcoming 2021 State of the Restaurant Industry Report, which will be released on Jan. 26, 2021.

See the full 2021 Restaurant Trends Report here.

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Contact: Maura Morton

[email protected]

FRLA Joins Attorney General Moody, Florida Lawmakers, National Organizations and Local Partners at AHLA Foundation’s No Room for Trafficking Event

TAMPA – To mark Human Trafficking Awareness Day, on Monday, January 11, hotel industry officials, lawmakers, local partners, and leading experts are joining forces ahead of Super Bowl LV to rally against human trafficking.

The American Hotel & Lodging Foundation (AHLA Foundation), in partnership with the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA), is welcoming Attorney General Ashley Moody, state lawmakers, local hoteliers and human trafficking prevention organizations It’s a Penalty and A21 to expand on nationwide efforts to combat human trafficking and unveil a new campaign.

Despite travel to the Super Bowl being limited in 2021, events such as the Super Bowl can create opportunities for instances of human trafficking. The hotel industry is tackling this by raising awareness through the No Room for Trafficking Program and support of National Human Trafficking Prevention Month.

The event will take place at The Hilton Downtown in Tampa, and in-person attendance will be limited, in accordance with local and state guidance, and the hotel industry’s Safe Stay Guidelines. The event will also be streamed virtually on the official It’s a Penalty YouTube page and will feature a virtual human trafficking training.

Each year, thousands of hotel employees are trained on how to identify and stop trafficking. With the launch of the AHLA Foundation’s No Room for Trafficking program, the hotel industry builds on its strong record by convening the entire industry around the goal of training every hotel worker.

The event will be streamed on the “It’s a Penalty Campaign” YouTube page. Watch Live Here at 10:00 am EST.

WHO:

AHLA President & CEO Chip Rogers

Attorney General Ashley Moody

FRLA President & CEO Carol Dover

Commissioner Kimberly Overman, Hillsborough County

Corporal Alan Wilkett, Pasco County Sheriff’s Office, Commander, Pasco County Human Trafficking Task Force

Dr. Heather Curry

Dr. Kat Rosenblatt, Survivor

John Parkinson, Area Vice President, Hilton

Josh Miller, U.S. Director of Partnerships, It’s a Penalty Campaign

Mollie Thorsen, U.S. Director of Advocacy, A21

Sarah de Carvalho, CEO, It’s a Penalty Campaign

 WHEN: 

Monday, January 11, 2021 at 10:00AM ET

 WHERE:

The Hilton Downtown

Bayshore Ballroom

211 North Tampa Street

Tampa, FL 33602

RSVP:

Maura Morton

[email protected]

202-381-8644

Availability for in-person press attendance is limited.

 AHLA CEO Chip Rogers will be available for scheduled, virtual post-event interviews upon request.

 FRLA CEO Carol Dover will be available for interviews onsite immediately following the event.

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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.”

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For Immediate Release
January 7, 2021

CONTACT: Ashley Chambers
[email protected]

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/.

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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.

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~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

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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.

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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.

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