| (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.) The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s Broward Chapter is proud to celebrate schools, instructors and students at its 7th Annual Excellence in Education Gala scheduled for Thursday, May 5, 2016. The event, designed to support local hospitality education in area high schools, is slated to take place at the Marriott Harbor Beach Resort and Spa in Fort Lauderdale. The night’s guest of honor is Broward’s tourism czar and CEO of the Greater Fort Lauderdale Convention and Visitors Bureau, Nicki Grossman, who is retiring after 21 years and is credited with making significant advancements in the local tourism industry. In addition, 101.5 FM’s Julie Guy will act as master of ceremonies and Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Ken Lawson will provide the night’s keynote speech, “Fired Up for the Future.”
“Broward County is filled with all-star students and instructors who work tirelessly to shape the future of Florida’s hospitality industry,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We are thrilled to celebrate their accomplishments and pleased that our wonderful community leaders are showcasing their support for hospitality education.” FRLA’s Educational Foundation is the only organization in Florida that offers the ProStart program and the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program (HTMP). These programs were developed to increase the quality and employability of today’s high school graduates by providing them with training related to important job skills as well as opportunities for careers and higher education. FRLA’s Broward Chapter is proud to support these efforts at the local level. Media is invited to attend. Event details are as follows: WHAT: WHO: WHEN: WHERE: COST: For registration and additional information, please visit: http://frla.org/event/excellence-in-education-gala/ or contact FRLA Regional Director, Anne Sallee at asallee@frla.org or 954-253-0850. Media is asked to contact FRLA Communications Director, Elizabeth Ray at ERay@FRLA.org or 850.224.2250 x255 for confirmation. ### About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association |
News Release Category: FRLA News
Hospitality Leaders Share Industry Insights With Southwest Florida’s Independent Restaurateurs and Hoteliers
| (Sarasota, Fla.) The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is thrilled to share industry insights with small business owners at its first-ever Independent Operators Workshop. The event, which is designed as an educational and entertaining session about best-practices, is scheduled for Wednesday, April 20, 2016 at the Polo Grill and Bar in Lakewood Ranch.The FREE half-day workshop features keynote speakers, Jim Knight and Kathleen Wood, who will provide solutions for business growth, tricks of the trade and new management skills. Hospitality industry leaders from the Ford’s Garage USA, Ocean’s 234, Gecko’s Hospitality, and Madison Social will also offer practical, real-life techniques to accelerate business.
“At the heart of our hospitality industry, are our independent owners and operators. They work hard to craft unique Florida experiences and ensure that guests are treated as part of the family. This event is our opportunity to share information and provide them with industry insights from experts in the field. It’s truly a must-attend event for any small business that is strategically planning their future,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. Jim Knight and Kathleen Wood are well-respected and nationally-renowned leaders in hospitality. Knight cut his teeth in the training field, starting out as a restaurant staff-level employee for Olive Garden and Hard Rock Cafe. He is the author of “Culture that Rocks: How to Revolutionize Your Company’s Culture” and is a Managing Partner/Owner in PeopleForward, an internal business solutions consortium providing organizational expertise to the restaurant and hotel industry. Wood is the founder of Kathleen Wood Partners, LLC, an innovative growth strategy firm specializing in shifting leaders and businesses to new levels of success. Her “Bold Leadership that Matters” platform has been adopted by CEOs of Fortune 500 companies, entrepreneurs, non-profits, start-ups and turn-arounds. Media is invited to attend. Event details are as follows: WHAT: WHEN: WHERE: THE LINE-UP: COST: For registration and additional information, please visit: http://frla.org/event/independent-operators-workshop/. Media is asked to contact FRLA Communications Director, Elizabeth Ray at ERay@FRLA.org or 850.224.2250 x255 for confirmation. This event is sponsored by: The Zenith, Heartland, United Healthcare, Sysco, Coca-Cola, Florida Power & Light, First Watch, PeopleForward, VISIT FLORIDA, Gratuity Solutions, Sarasota Originals, Seabreeze Coffee & Tea, LoSalt, Atlas Insurance and Franchise Edge. ### About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association |
Palm Beach Hospitality Students Partner With Professional Artists, Chefs and Musicians to Win Scholarship Funds at FRLA Event
(West Palm Beach, Fla.) The Palm Beach Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is proud to raise scholarship funds for local high school students at its second annual educational fundrasier. The FRLA Education and Arts Together Showcase (E.A.T.S.), which pairs talented students with professional counterparts in their respective fields of study, is scheduled to take place at the West Palm Beach Marriott on Tuesday, April 19, 2016. Proceeds from the event will benefit the FRLA Educational Foundation, which supports hospitality students, schools and teachers in Palm Beach County.
“We are thrilled that Palm Beach County community members care about the future of Florida’s hospitality industry and are willing to give students wonderful real-life experience,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “This event raises the necessary funds to help local students pursue their education and ultimately, their careers. Plus, it’s slated to be a fantastic, fun-filled evening for all attendees.”
During the event, students will collaborate with local artists, chefs and musicians to prepare original artwork, a unique dinner and entertaining music led by the Palm Beach Symphony. Their art will be sold during a silent auction, alongside professional art pieces, hotel stays, and gift certificates to area restaurants, spas and businesses. Outstanding students will also be presented with scholarships and awards.
This event is open to the community, parents, students and the media. Event details are as follows:
WHAT:
FRLA Palm Beach Chapter’s Education and Arts Together Showcase (E.A.T.S.)
WHEN:
Tuesday, April 19, 2016
6:30– 9:00 PM
WHERE:
West Palm Beach Marriott
1001 Okeechobee Boulevard
West Palm Beach, FL 33401
*Media invited to attend.
COST:
$75: Adult Ticket Price
$25: Parent or School District Staff
$700: VIP table of 8
Registration Deadline April 13, 2016
For more information about the event please click here or contact Regional Director, Lois Croft, at lcroft@frla.org. For media RSVP, please contact Elizabeth Ray, FRLA Communications Director at 850.224.2250 x255 or by email at eray@frla.org.
###
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, September 27-29, 2016 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.
FRLA Applauds Mayor Buddy Dyer & City Council for Recognizing Exceptional Women Leaders in Orlando
(Orlando, Fla.) The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) commends Mayor Buddy Dyer and the Orlando City Council for recognizing exceptional women leaders. On March 28, 2016, Commissioner Regina Hill presented a proclaimation announcing March as “Women’s History Month” in Orlando to recognize the many accomplishments and contributions made by American women and to encourage all residents to learn more about the generations of women who have played such an important role in our history. Within the proclamation, women in the hospitality industry were specifically highlighted as business owners who provide career opportunities for every race, class and ethnic background and who help shape the lives of employees in a positive manner. To read the full proclamation, please click here.
“I’m proud that Orlando is a welcoming, inclusive City that values the contributions of all citizens. Women in the hospitality industry are a positive force in our community, providing career opportunities for women from all walks of life. Their leadership and guidance helps strengthen our economy and the City of Orlando is proud to recognize their impact,” said Orlando Mayor Buddy Dyer.
“We are grateful that Mayor Dyer and the City Commission appreciate the accomplishments of the incredible women who help sculpt the hospitality industry in Orlando and who positively impact our economy and families across the state,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We are excited to continue celebrating Women’s History Month and applaud the City of Orlando for encouraging the community to reflect on the great leaders who created a legacy in the City Beautiful.”
FRLA participated in the announcement through its Engage Orlando program, which is a working group of informed, active and motivated hospitality community members that serve as industry ambassadors with policy makers, opinion leaders, community organizations and the general public. The goal is to continue building a reliable team of 100 leaders that can promote the positive aspects of the hospitality sector and position our industry as a valuable community partner.
###
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, September 27-29, 2016 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.
Grammy Award Winning Songwriter to Perform at FRLA Music Licensing Event in Tampa
(Tampa, Fla.) – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to host grammy award winning songwriter, Frank Myers, at the “Essentials of Music Licensing” scheduled for Wednesday, March 30, 2016. Presented by FRLA’s Hillsborough and Pinellas Chapters at the Chart House in Tampa, the event is designed as an expert educational and entertaining session on how to use music licensing to protect local businesses. The focus will be on when a restaurant or venue needs a public performance license and how copyright licensing fees are determined. The special performance is presented by BMI, a global leader in music rights management.
At the event, Myers will play his biggest hits and share the stories behind the songs he wrote, including: John Michael Montgomery’s “I Swear,” Crystal Gayle and Eddie Rabbitt’s “You and I,” and Lonestar’s “I’m Already There.” Myers moved to Nashville in 1981 to pursue a career in music as a band leader, road manager and lead guitarist for Eddy Raven. With more than 50 songs recorded by country and pop artists, he has 12 number one hits and 20 top tens.
Media is invited to attend this event, details are as follows:
WHAT:
Essentials of Music Licensing Featuring Grammy Award Winner, Frank Myers
WHEN:
Wednesday, March 30, 2016
2:00-4:00 PM
WHERE:
Chart House
The Skyline Room
7616 W. Courtney Campbell Causeway
Tampa, FL 33607
COST:
$10 per person
For more information about the event please click here or contact FRLA Director of Membership, Dannette Lynch, at dannette@frla.org. For media RSVP, please contact Elizabeth Ray, FRLA Communications Director at 850.224.2250 x255 or by email at eray@frla.org.
###
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, September 27-29, 2016 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.
$1.4 Million in Scholarships Awarded to Florida High School Students Participating in ProStart Culinary Team Competition
| (Orlando, Fla.) The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF) announced the winners of the 16th Annual ProStart Culinary Team Competition which was held Friday, February 5 and Saturday, February 6, 2016 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando.
A total of 49 schools participated in the competition with 13 schools winning top awards throughout the day’s events. More than $1.4 million in scholarships was distributed to the winning schools. All winners and participants are a part of Florida’s ProStart program which is a career technical education program where high school students learn from an industry-derived curriculum that teaches culinary techniques and restaurant management skills. More than 20,000 students from across the state are enrolled in the program. The four main event competitions included: the Cracker Barrel Management Competition, the Johnson & Wales University Culinary Competition, the Keiser University Edible Centerpiece Competition, and the Coca-Cola Company Waiters Relay Competition. Gainesville’s Eastside High School won first place in the overall competition. East Ridge High School in Clermont took home second place in the overall competition, with J.P. Taravella High School in Coral Springs placing third. For photos of the event, please click here. “These students absolutely represent the future of Florida’s hospitality industry and we are proud to help support their education by awarding more than $1 million in scholarships. We are passionate about investing in the lives of these student all-stars and are thrilled we get to watch them craft their incredible talents and build successful careers,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. Overall Competition Winners
Johnson & Wales University Culinary Competition Winners
Cracker Barrel Management Competition Winners
Keiser University Edible Centerpiece Competition Winners
Coca-Cola Company Waiters Relay Competition Winners
### |
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| About FRLA Educational Foundation (FRLAEF) The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association created the Educational Foundation in 1994. FRLAEF administers and executes two high school curriculums ‐ the National Restaurants Association’s (NRA) ProStart and the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s (AH&LA) Lodging Management Program – in more than 240 Florida high schools and provides resources to nearly 25,000 students in these culinary arts and hospitality management programs. Scholarships, Teacher Training Institutes, Industry Certifications, Equipment Mini‐Grants and Industry Internships are just a few of the products and services the FRLAEF provides to these classrooms. For more information, please go to http://frla.org/educational-foundation/.
|
|||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| 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, September 27-29, 2016 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. |
To Prepare for Spring Break, Panama City Beach Businesses and Employees Receive FREE Responsible Vendor Training
(Panama City Beach, FL) – Regulatory Compliance Services (RCS), a subsidiary of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to present its 2016 Spring Break Hospitality Workshop to promote a safe and successful spring break season. This free responsible vendor training session will bring together businesses, their employees and Florida Division of Alcoholic Beverages and Tobacco agents to promote alcohol sales/service best practices, raise staff awareness and provide valuable resources to assist businesses during the busy season. The event will be held Monday, February 15, 2016 from 3:00-4:30 PM at the Boardwalk Beach Resort in Panama City Beach.
“In preparation for Spring Break, we want to give local businesses the necessary tools and tips that cultivate a safe and enjoyable environment. We are proud to present this opportunity, free of charge, to help businesses be responsible vendors. As Florida’s premier provider of responsible alcohol vendor training, we are passionate about risk management and are excited to help serve the Panama City Beach community,” said FRLA Vice President of Education and Training, Geoff Luebkemann.
Responsible vendor training is a program offered to any entity with an alcoholic beverage license. 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.
During this event, the training will be presented by RCS in coordination with Florida’s Division of Alcohol Beverages and Tobacco.
The media is invited to attend and if planning to be present will need to contact FRLA Communications Director Elizabeth Ray at 850.224.2250 x255 or via email at ERay@frla.org.
WHAT:
2016 Spring Break Hospitality Workshop
Includes FRLA’s RCS FREE Responsible Vendor Training
WHEN:
Monday, February 15, 2016
3:00-4:30 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 cmook@frla.org. 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 $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, September 27-29, 2016 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.
Lt. Governor to Keynote South Florida Regional Powerhouse Luncheon Alongside All-Star Panel of Accomplished Female Hospitality CEOs
(Miami, Fla.) The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is thrilled to host the South Florida Regional Powerhouse Luncheon on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 at Jungle Island in Miami. The event, designed to provide exclusive industry insights and share tips to build a sustaining career, will feature Lieutenant Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera, National Restaurant Association President/CEO Dawn Sweeney, American Hotel and Lodging Association President/CEO Katherine Lugar and FRLA President/CEO Carol Dover.
“I am thrilled to be on a panel with so many incredibly talented leaders who are filled with invaluable knowledge about success and specifically, our hospitality industry,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “I feel humbled to share the stage with them and look forward to experiencing it with all of our colleagues in South Florida who are eager to learn and build on the momentum of our state’s record-breaking achievements.”
Carlos Lopez-Cantera is the 19th Lieutenant Governor of Florida. He is the first Hispanic elected to hold this position in Florida. He has been part of the team that has brought over 850,000 jobs to the state, lowered taxes for Florida families, reduced government regulation and increased education spending and achievement for Florida’s students, including making higher education more affordable for Florida’s students and veterans.
As President and CEO of the National Restaurant Association, Dawn Sweeney has been instrumental in focusing the mission of the association through a unique, multi-year strategic plan, highlighting key areas of opportunity within the restaurant industry. Before joining the National Restaurant Association, Sweeney was president and CEO of AARP Services. Her 25+ years of marketing, advocacy and policy experience also include leadership positions at the National Rural Electric Cooperative Association and the International Dairy Foods Association.
As the head executive of AH&LA, Katherine Lugar implements and directs AH&LA’s services and works directly with the volunteer officers and board of directors in determining the industry’s major strategic initiatives. In addition, Lugar also oversees AH&LA’s two affiliate organizations, the American Hotel & Lodging Educational Foundation (AH&LEF) and the Educational Institute (EI). Lugar has more than 20 years of experience in private sector public affairs, working on Capitol Hill and previously served as executive vice president, public affairs, with the Retail Industry Leaders Association (RILA).
Carol Dover has served as President and CEO of FRLA since July of 1995. Dover is a professional association manager, a lobbyist and a former government insider. After graduating from Florida State University, Dover accepted the position of Assistant Director of the Beer Industry of Florida. In 1989, she was appointed Deputy Chief of Staff in the Executive Office of the Governor, serving under the Martinez administration. Dover’s other professional accomplishments include positions at the Department of Business and Professional Regulation Director of the Division of Hotels and Restaurants, she was the first woman to serve as Chief of the Bureau of Fire Prevention, State Fire Marshall’s Office, and President/CEO of the Florida Outdoor Advertising Association.
Media is invited to attend this event, the schedule is as follows:
WHAT:
FRLA’s South Florida Regional Powerhouse Luncheon
KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
Lieutenant Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera
INDUSTRY PANELISTS:
Carol Dover, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association President and CEO
Dawn Sweeney, National Restaurant Association President and CEO
Katherine Lugar, American Hotel & Lodging Association President and CEO
WHEN:
Tuesday, February 16, 2016
11:30 AM-1:00 PM
WHERE:
Jungle Island
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail
Miami, FL 33132
*MEDIA INVITED TO ATTEND*
COST:
$35 per person
$300 for VIP Reserved Table of Eight
To register for FRLA’s South Florida Regional Powerhouse Luncheon, click here. For additional information, please contact Lynne Hernandez, FRLA Regional Director, at 305-710-3962 or by email at lhernandez@frla.org. For media RSVP, please contact Elizabeth Ray, FRLA Communications Director at 850.224.2250 x255 or email at ERay@FRLA.org.
###
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, September 27-29, 2016 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.
FRLA to Help Boost Local Tourism & Raise Funds for Brevard County Hospitality Students
(Cape Canaveral, Fla.) The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to sponsor the Space Coast Crab Smash & Oyster Bash Seafood Jubilee, scheduled for Saturday, January 30, 2016 at Wild Ocean Market. In addition to boosting local tourism, the 4th annual event will raise funds for Brevard County’s High School Culinary Programs.
“This event is near and dear to my heart, because it helps provide necessary funds to support the future leaders of Florida’s hospitality and tourism industry,” said Carol Dover, FRLA President and CEO. “It’s for a good cause and it’s truly great fun, as our Space Coast members always deliver savory seafood that the community is sure to enjoy.”
Media is invited to attend this event, details are as follows:
WHAT:
Space Coast Crab Smash & Oyster Bash Seafood Jubilee
WHEN:
January 30, 2016
11:30 AM – 2:30 PM
WHERE:
Wild Ocean Market
710 Blue Water Drive
Cape Canaveral, FL 32920
COST:
$42 per person
*Click here for ticket purchase information
This event is part of FRLA’s Great Florida Events program, co-sponsored by VISIT FLORIDA, which is designed to promote the local tourism and hospitality industry throughout the year. The public is invited and encouraged to attend these can’t miss events.
###
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, September 27-29, 2016 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.
Chef Emeril Lagasse Tours Restaurants in St. Petersburg & Clearwater on National Television
(St. Petersburg, Fla.) The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to present this week’s episode of Emeril’s Florida airing Sunday, January 31, 2016, at 2:30 p.m. EST on the Cooking Channel. In Sunday’s episode, “Sugar Sand Paradise,” celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse visits three fantastic properties in the St. Petersburg and Clearwater area, including: Locale Market, Guy Harvey’s RumFish Grill and Palm Pavilion. Emeril rounds out the episode preparing Cedar Key Baked Oysters with Portuguese Chorizo Butter.
“Florida’s West Coast is packed with wonderful restaurants featuring picturesque backdrops and unique dining experiences,” said Carol Dover, FRLA President and CEO. “Emeril’s Florida certainly selected some of our favorite spots this year and we are proud to help give visitors the opportunity to sample them.”
On this episode of Emeril’s Florida, the first stop is Locale Market, a gourmet market located in downtown St. Petersburg that’s owned by nationally renowned chefs Michael Mina and Don Pintabona. It’s chef driven and offers locally sourced meats, seafood, and produce along with house made pastas and artisanal products. Emeril tours the market with Chef Don Pintabona and then sits down with Chef Michael Mina to sample some of Locale’s signature dishes including Steamed Two Docks Clams; Faithful Farms Tuscan Kale Salad; The “St. Petersburger” (a dry aged beef monster hamburger); a 32 oz. Bone In Dry Aged Tomahawk Ribeye; and a Liquid Nitrogen Bon Bon Sundae.
Next, Emeril visits Guy Harvey’s RumFish Grill on St. Pete Beach. The centerpiece of the restaurant is the 33,500 gallon aquarium in the dining room that was built by Wayde King and Brett Raymer of Animal Planet’s hit series Tanked. Emeril sits down with Executive Chef Justin Harry to sample some of the seafood dishes on the chef’s menu including Caribbean Ceviche; Cedar Key Oysters; Jerk Lion Fish; and Seafood Brochette with shrimp sea scallop and fish.
Then, Emeril visits Palm Pavilion, a restaurant that was built on Clearwater Beach in 1926 and sold in 1964 to the family that continues to own and operate it today. Emeril gets the backstory from owner Ken Hamilton on this family run, gulf front icon. Emeril then sits down with Executive Chef Marlin Kaplan to sample some of Palm Pavilion’s signature dishes including St. Louis BBQ Ribs; The Palm Burger; The Palm Grouper Sandwich; and The Palm Nachos.
The show reruns on Monday, February 1 at 9:30 a.m. EST and Thursday, February 4 at 10:30 a.m. EST. Please check local listings.
Emeril’s Florida Season Four is a 13-episode series highlighting the Sunshine State through the eyes of Emeril on-location with a focus on food, cooking, events and activities around the state. Throughout the fourth season, Emeril will be visiting Florida’s top restaurants and resorts. He will also prepare some of his favorite recipes which often will feature some of the best seafood Florida has to offer. The FRLA and VISIT FLORIDA sponsor the series. For additional information on the series, including links to previous episodes, please go to the Cooking Channel website here. For a preview of Sunday’s episode, click here.
Editor’s Note:
For photo and video requests of Emeril Lagasse with personnel from Star Fish Company, Mrs. Mac’s Kitchen and Crazy Fish Bar & Grill, photos of signature menu items and recipes of featured dishes, please contact Elizabeth Ray at ERay@FRLA.org or 850.224.2250 x255.
###
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, September 27-29, 2016 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.