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

(TALLAHASSEE, FL)—The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF) announced the winners of the 15th Annual ProStart Culinary Team Competition which was held Friday, February 27 and Saturday, February 28, 2015 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando.

A total of 49 schools participated in the competition with 16 schools winning top awards throughout the day’s events. More than $800,000 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.

Tarpon Springs High School won first place in the overall competition. Eastside High School in Gainesville took home second place in the overall competition, with Leto High School in Tampa placing third.  For photos of the event, please click here.

“We wish heartfelt congratulations to all of our winners and participants in this year’s competition. We were truly impressed with the incredible caliber of talent, which included young hospitality industry all-stars from across our great state. FRLAEF is the only organization in Florida that offers the ProStart program and we are proud to help bolster the quality and employability of today’s high school graduates by providing them with school-to-career training. We look forward to their successes and are thrilled to provide them more opportunities for foodservice and lodging careers, and higher education,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.

Overall Competition Winners

First Place
Tarpon Springs High School
Instructor: Cathleen Ryan

Second Place
Eastside High School
Instructor: Billie DeNunzio

Third Place
Leto High School
Instructor: Debra Hladky

Fourth Place *tie*
J.P. Taravella High School
Instructor: Scott Goodman

East Ridge High School
Instructors: Lucressie McGriff and Ken Pitts

Fifth Place
Seabreeze High School
Instructor: Samantha Crouch

Johnson & Wales University Culinary Competition
Participating teams demonstrated their creative abilities during the competition through the preparation of a meal consisting of: starter (such as soup, salad or appetizer), protein (such as meat, fish or fowl), starch, vegetable, and dessert.

First Place
Leto High School
Instructor: Debra Hladky

Second Place
West Boca Raton High School
Instructor: Nancy Hall

Third Place
Eastside High School
Instructor: Billie DeNunzio

Fourth Place
Nassau County Career Ed
Instructor: Bill Castleberry

Fifth Place
Tarpon Springs High School
Instructor: Cathleen Ryan

Cracker Barrel Management Competition
Participating teams demonstrated their knowledge of the restaurant and foodservice industry by developing a business proposal for a new restaurant concept. The business proposal consisted of a defined restaurant concept, supporting menu, and supporting marketing plan. Teams prepared a comprehensive written proposal, verbal presentation and visual display.

First Place
Eastside High School
Instructor: Billie DeNunzio

Second Place *tie*
J.P. Taravella High School
Instructor: Scott Goodman

East Ridge High School
Instructors: Lucressie McGriff and Ken Pitts

Third Place
Tarpon Springs High School
Instructor: Cathleen Ryan

Fourth Place*tie*
Estero High School
Instructor: Jan Doten

South Lake High School
Instructors: John Thunberg and Candace Huxhold

Fifth Place
John A. Ferguson School
Instructor: Janett Toledo

Keiser University Edible Centerpiece Competition
Participating teams demonstrated their creative ability during the competition through the preparation of an edible centerpiece consisting of fruits and vegetables. Contestants explained nutritional information, product availability, and preparation techniques.

First Place
Tarpon Springs High School
Instructor: Cathleen Ryan

Second Place *tie*
Steinbrenner High School
Instructor: Philip Meola

Jefferson High School
Instructor: David Hillard

Third Place
Columbia High School
Instructor: Cheryl Bender

Fourth Place
Bayside High School
Instructor: Stuart Gray

Fifth Place
Northeast High School
Instructor: John Beck

Coca-Cola Company Waiters Relay Competition
Participating teams demonstrated their ability to duplicate a table setting while racing against the clock.

First Place
Seabreeeze High School
Instructor: Samantha Crouch

Second Place
North Port High School
Instructors: Witold Bielak and Becky Halbert

Third Place
Cypress Creek High School
Instructor: Cynda Aron

Fourth Place
Winter Springs High School
Instructors: Adam Efland and Elizabeth Leh

Fifth Place
Tarpon Springs High School
Instructor: Cathleen Ryan

# # #

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 www.FRLA.org.

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Ray
[email protected]
850.224.2250 x255

(Tallahassee, Fla.) – Tourism and hospitality leaders of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association today came out strongly against late filed legislation to allow the expansion of gambling in the Sunshine State.  House Bill 1233 by Rep. Dana Young (R-Tampa), filed on the eve of Florida’s Legislative Session, seeks to provide licenses for destination resorts under a new Department of Gaming Control.

“We will continue to fight this legislation, along with any other measure that seeks to expand gambling under the false pretense that it will bring additional jobs, attract more tourists, and increase Florida’s tax base,” said FRLA President and CEO Carol Dover. “Florida currently enjoys record number of tourists, and provides a strong ROI on tourism and hospitality dollars. We are confident legislators won’t be fooled by casino operators’ false arguments.”

“Florida’s tourism industry is predicated on pristine beaches, family-friendly attractions, and world-class and unique hotels and restaurants,” said 2015 FRLA President Andrew Reiss. “To believe for one moment that our state needs to establish so called destination resorts as an economic development measure, when other states have seen firsthand the harm done to local economies, is a cautionary tale that Floridians would be wise to adhere,” concluded Reiss, owner of Tallahassee-based Andrew’s Capital Grill & Bar and Andrew’s 228.

In a February 2015 Miami Herald opinion editorial, Collapse of Atlantic City casinos a cautionary tale for Miami, former CEO of the Beacon Council Frank Nero stated, “What we see in Atlantic City is the full life cycle of the impact of casinos on a local economy. We see the casinos cannibalizing local restaurants and retail establishments until they are out of business. We see billions of dollars flowing to out-of-state casino companies with a pittance remaining in the local economy. We see efforts to diversify local economies thwarted.”

A January 2015 Associated Press story, Atlantic City mayor predicts 2015 will be ‘a year of healing’ but expects another casino to close, reports the following scenario, “The loss of four casinos blew an unexpected hole in the city’s finances — which were atrocious to begin with. Six years ago, Atlantic City’s taxable property was worth $20 billion; that figure is now $11.2 billion, and [Atlantic City Mayor Don] Guardian expects it to shrink to about $7 billion before long. Steep spending cuts and layoffs that were already planned suddenly had to get even more drastic. Taxes went up 22 percent in his first year. Guardian planned to cut city spending by $40 million over the next four years; he now plans to cut that much in three years. Layoffs will include police officers and firefighters, and an entire department of city government could be eliminated.”

###

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.

Media Contact:
Elizabeth Ray
850.224.2250 x255
Day of Event: 813.469.3311

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Partnership for Florida Tourism is proud to present Florida Tourism Day on Wednesday, March 11, 2015 in Tallahassee. The event is designed to educate the legislature, media and Floridians on the significant role tourism plays in the success of our state’s economy. According to preliminary estimates, 97.3 million visitors came to Florida in 2014. This is the fourth consecutive record year for visitation to Florida, exceeding the previous high of 93.7 million in 2013. Ten statewide associations are participating in the effort and will be hosting a downtown celebration that evening.

Media interested in attending Florida Tourism Day are asked to contact Elizabeth Ray at 850.224.2250 x255 or via email at [email protected] prior to the event, and at813.469.3311 on the day of the event.

WHAT:         
2015 Florida Tourism Day

WHEN/WHERE:
Wednesday, March 11, 2015
10:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m. / CEO Briefings, Speakers
Turnbull Conference Center
555 W. Pensacola Street, Tallahassee
Media invited to attend.

5:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. – Street Festival
Downtown Tallahassee, corner of Adams Street and Jefferson Street
Media invited to attend. Welcome Remarks at 5:30 p.m.

CEO BRIEFING/SPEAKERS:
Florida Lieutenant Governor Carlos Lopez-Cantera
Florida Attorney General Pam Bondi
Florida Secretary of State Ken Detzner
Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation Secretary Ken Lawson
State Representative Ritch Workman (R – Melbourne)

TOURISM DAY PARTICIPANTS:
Carol Dover, President/CEO, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
Will Seccombe, President/CEO, VISIT FLORIDA
Bill Lupfer, President/CEO, Florida Attractions Association
Robert Skrob, Executive Director, Florida Association of Destination Marketing Organizations
Bobby Cornwell, Executive Director, Florida Association of RV Parks & Campgrounds
John Webb, President, Florida Sports Foundation
Malinda Horton, Executive Director, Florida Association of Museums
Michelle Hillery, President, Film Florida
Henry Kempfer, President, Florida Cattlemen’s Association

For more information, please visit http://tourismworksforflorida.org/florida-tourism-day/.

# # #

The Partnership for Florida’s Tourism is a grassroots coalition which began in 2006 designed to raise awareness of the importance of tourism and to increase public funding of tourism marketing.  Key stakeholders in the tourism industry have joined in this effort. The Partnership is comprised of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association, Florida Attractions Association, Florida Association of RV Parks and Campgrounds, Florida Association of Destination Management Organizations and VISIT FLORIDA. – See more at: http://frla.org/frla-news/item/1518-florida-tourism-to-be-celebrated-on-wednesday-march-11-2015#sthash.CqkIrDh9.dpuf

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

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. —The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF) announced the winners of the 12^th Annual Hospitality and Tourism Management Program (HTMP) Competition which was held Sunday, March 1 and Monday, March 2, 2015 at the Rosen Plaza Hotel in Orlando.

Thirty-two students from across the state participated in the day’s events and won more than $30,000 in scholarships. All winners and participants are a part of the Hospitality and Tourism Management Program (HTMP) which was developed by industry experts and is the official industry-recognized curriculum to prepare students for roles in the hotel industry and beyond. The program is delivered with graphic-rich textbooks and workbooks, and incorporates the best of modern technology with a selection of online coursework. This year, there were three different competitive categories: Hotel Operations, Hospitality Project and the Knowledge Bowl.

Miami Beach Senior High School won first place in the overall competition. Mid Florida Technical in Orlando took home second place in the overall competition, with Gainesville High School placing third.

“The competition was fierce, but these students showed they were up for a challenge. Congratulations to all of our winners and participants who are passionate about the hospitality industry. We look forward to their continued success as they move forward with careers and educational opportunities. They are the future of Florida and we are thrilled to help train them as HTMP students right here in the Sunshine State,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.

Overall Competition Winners

First Place
Miami Beach Senior High School
Instructor: Patricia Gregory

Second Place
Mid Florida Technical
Instructor: Pat Novalis

Third Place
Gainesville High School
Instructor: Dawn Bekaert 

Hotel Operations Competition Winners
Students competing in the hotel operations competition performed a night audit, analyzed three case studies, and performed a room inspection.

First Place
Mid Florida Technical
Instructor: Pat Novalis

Second Place
Colonial High School
Instructor: Richard Grace

Third Place
Oakridge High School
Instructor: Joanne Goodman

Hospitality Project Competition Winners
Students participating in the hospitality project competition demonstrated the knowledge, skills and abilities required in planning an event, which included a proposal to the client, BEO (Banquet Event Order), menu and floor plan.

First Place
Miami Beach Senior High School
Instructor: Patricia Gregory

Second Place
Colonial High School
Instructor: Richard Grace

Third Place
Miami Sunset High School
Instructor: Milagros Perez

Knowledge Bowl Competition Winners
Students participating in the knowledge bowl competition, participated in a “Jeopardy style” question and answer session.

First Place
Miami Beach Senior High School
Instructor: Patricia Gregory

Second Place
Gainesville High School
Instructor: Dawn Bekaert

Third Place
Miami Sunset High School
Instructor: Milagros Perez

###

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 www.FRLA.org. – See more at: http://frla.org/frla-news/item/1519-frlaef-announces-winners-of-hospitality-and-tourism-management-program-competition#sthash.0SACQtu9.dpuf

Media Contact:

Elizabeth Ray, [email protected], 850.224.2250 x255
Christina Johnson, [email protected], 850.391.5040

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to present this week’s episode of Emeril’s Florida airing Sunday, March 15, 2015, at 2:30 p.m. EST on the Cooking Channel. In Sunday’s episode, celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse travels to Orlando’s next-door neighbor, Kissimmee to tour three top-rated restaurants in the area.

“There’s no place like Kissimmee when it comes to delicious food. From gourmet restaurants offering exquisite dishes in elegant settings, to family-friendly eateries serving traditional Florida favorites in a laid-back atmosphere, there is something for every taste and every mood,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “The FRLA is thrilled this week’s episode of Emeril’s Florida highlights three restaurants in Kissimmee that offer unparalleled dining experiences and reflect a sample of the many different culinary styles and influences of the area.”

Emeril’s first stop on the “Kissimmee” episode begins at El Tenampa. El Tenampa is one of the highest rated Mexican restaurants in the area and has been serving authentic Mexican food since 2008.  The food is representative of the Jalisco state of Mexico and Guadalajara, the state’s capital. The owners, Jorge and Angelica Garcia, are both from Jalisco and their menu includes family recipes they grew up eating. Some of their specialties include seafood platters, cactus dishes, authentic Mole, and frescos – fresh fruit juices made daily. Emeril samples these and other dishes from their menu.

Emeril’s next stop is the Bohemian Hotel in Celebration.  The hotel is a boutique lakefront property known for its tranquil setting and elegant wedding coordination. The Bohemian Hotel has 115 guest rooms and suites and features a lobby inspired by nature and sophisticated Floridian elegance. On the property is the hotel restaurant, the Lakeside Bar and Grill that offers luxurious lakeside dining and an indulgent new menu. Chef Zachary Martin is the Executive Chef for the restaurant and was mentored by Emeril at his restaurants in New Orleans.  Emeril and Chef Martin talk about how his menu has evolved while they taste some of the chef’s signature dishes including Grilled Blue Point Oyster, Truffle Salted Grilled Lobster, and Grilled Lamb T-Bone.

The final stop on the “Kissimmee” episode is Reunion Wyndham Grand Golf and Spa Resort.  It is one of the premier tourist destinations in Kissimmee.  The resort is a part of the Salamander Collection of Hotels, and is owned by BET mogul Sheila Johnson. Eleven is the fine dining restaurant within the resort. Eleven is named for its location on the eleventh floor of the main tower of the resort and it overlooks their 2300-acre property as well as Disney in the distance. Chef Etienne Jehl, a French born and trained chef, heads the kitchen and oversees a menu that includes lamb, steak, seafood and more. Emeril sits down with Chef Jehl to taste some of his favorite dishes.

The show reruns on Monday, March 16 at 9:30 a.m. EST and Thursday, March 19 at 10:30 a.m. EST.  Please check local listings.

Emeril’s Florida Season Three 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 third 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 local chefs, photos of dishes prepared, and recipes of featured dishes, please contact Elizabeth Ray at[email protected]or 850.224.2250 x255, or Christina Johnson at [email protected] or 850.391.5040.

# # #

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.

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

MIAMI, FL – The Miami-Dade Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is proud to host Miami-Dade State Attorney Katherine Fernandez Rundle as keynote speaker at aluncheon meeting on Thursday, March 19, 2015 at Jungle Island in Miami. The event is designed to raise awareness among local hospitality industry leaders about the dangers of human trafficking. In addition to the State Attorney’s remarks, FRLA President and CEO, Carol Dover and Troy Flanagan, AH&LA Vice President of State & Local Government Affairs will be present to give industry updates. Media is invited to attend.

“We have zero tolerance for human trafficking and are proud to help educate the hospitality community about preventative practices. We are glad to have State Attorney Fernandez Rundle share her wealth of knowledge on the subject and we encourage all of our colleagues in the industry to attend this event to assist in combating these horrific crimes,” said Dover.

Since March 1993, Katherine Fernandez Rundle has served Miami-Dade County as State Attorney. She prides herself in being a career crime fighter and has dedicated herself to every cause imaginable in her relentless commitment to keep our streets safe.  She is recognized as a pioneer in the creation of numerous programs dealing with issues that affect our community daily such as teen truancy, domestic violence, child support, human trafficking, and victim’s rights.

WHAT:
FRLA’s Miami-Dade Chapter Luncheon
SPEAKERS:
Katherine Fernandez Rundle, State Attorney, Miami-Dade County
Carol Dover, President and CEO, Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA)
Troy Flanagan, Vice President of State & Local Government Affairs, American Hotel & Lodging Association (AH&LA)

WHEN:
Thursday, March 19, 2015
11:30 AM – 1:30 PM

WHERE:
Jungle Island
1111 Parrot Jungle Trail, Miami, FL 33132
*Media invited to attend.

COST:
$35 per person, member and non-member rate
Please click here to view the event registration information.

###

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 towww.FRLA.org and find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube.

Media Contact:

Elizabeth Ray, [email protected], 850.224.2250 x255
Christina Johnson, [email protected], 850.391.5040

TALLAHASSEE, FL – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is proud to present this week’s episode of Emeril’s Florida airing Sunday, March 22, 2015, at 2:30 p.m. EST on the Cooking Channel. In Sunday’s episode, celebrity chef Emeril Lagasse travels to Fort Walton Beach, Jacksonville and Malabar to salute two veteran-owned restaurants and one craft brewery.

“We owe so much to our military, and dining at restaurants owned by veterans is a perfect way to say ‘thank you for your service,’” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “The FRLA is proud this week’s episode of Emeril’s Florida highlights three veteran-owned establishments and we encourage residents and visitors alike to support these businesses.”

Emeril’s first stop takes him to Fort Walton Beach.  There he meets Chef Tom Rice, an Army veteran of 27 years. Tom is a retired First Sergeant from the 18^th Airborne Division and saw combat time in Desert Storm in 1991. After retiring from the military in 1996, Tom and his wife Peggy opened Magnolia Grill in a 1910 catalog house.  Since opening the restaurant, Tom and Peggy have decorated the restaurant with local artifacts, military memorabilia and other family collectibles. In fact, the entire second-floor dining room is so full of WWII artifacts, flags, pictures, medals and signs that the restaurant has become known as the “museum that serves food.” The menu at Magnolia Grill features mainly seafood and Italian food, which Chef Rice learned to cook when he worked in a diner as a young man.  The food, however, is only part of the story.  Chef Tom Rice is president of the Fisher House of the Emerald Coast board of directors and has been a volunteer for the foundation since 2006. Fisher House Foundation is known for its network of comfort homes where military and veterans’ families can stay at no cost while a loved one is receiving treatment. Emeril sits down with Tom to discuss his story, the restaurant and the Fisher House Foundation.

Emeril then travels to Jacksonville’s newest brewery, Veterans United Craft Brewery where he meets with Ron Gamble, a former Naval Flight Officer who founded the establishment. After retiring from active service, Ron’s wife bought him a home beer brewing kit and his passion began. After attending rigorous training at the Siebel Institute as well as managing brewhouse and cellar operations at several breweries in New England, Ron and Sheryl, a Jacksonville native, decided to head to the Sunshine State. It was there, the Veterans United Brewing Company was born.  Veterans United has 19 private investors, and more than 80% of them are veterans. The business officially opened in 2013 and they distributed their first batches of beer in the summer of 2014. In August 2014, they opened a new taproom to showcase their beer directly to local residents. Emeril takes a brewery tour and then samples some of their current offerings including Raging Blonde, Scout Dog 44 – Amber Ale, Buzzin’ Bee Honey Rye Wheat, and Hop Banshee-American IPA.

Emeril’s third stop is the Yellow Dog Café, an award-winning restaurant offering exquisite appetizers, salads, entrees and desserts in Malabar on the Indian River. There, Emeril meets Chef Stuart Borton, a United States Army veteran who along with his wife owns the restaurant. While growing up in Michigan, he decided to enlist in the U.S. Army where he rose to the rank of Sergeant. After four years in service to his country, Stuart traveled to Australia where he began his career as a restaurant owner at the age of 21. In 1998, he moved back to the United States and along with his wife Nancy, and bought the original building where Yellow Dog Café stands. The couple describes the food they serve as “comfort food with flair.” Stuart hosts Emeril at the café where try some of the restaurant’s signature dishes including Potato Crusted Salmon, Rack of Lamb, Onion Crusted Chicken, and the Dog Bone Brownie.

The show reruns on Monday, March 23 at 9:30 a.m. EST and Thursday, March 26 at 10:30 a.m. EST.  Please check local listings.

Emeril’s Florida Season Three 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 third 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 local chefs and recipes of featured dishes, please contact Elizabeth Ray at[email protected]or 850.224.2250 x255, or Christina Johnson at [email protected] or 850.391.5040.

# # #

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 towww.FRLA.org and find us on Twitter @FRLAnews, Facebook and YouTube.

TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Governor Rick Scott will kick off “Cut My Taxes Week” on Tuesday, March 24th at the Florida State Capitol.  A booth will be set up at the Plaza Level Rotunda from Tuesday through Thursday from 8:00am – 3:00pm where Floridians can bring their bills and use the tax cut calculator to see their savings with the Governor’s proposed cell phone and TV tax cut. Governor Scott will be at the booth on Tuesday, March 24 and Wednesday, March 25. In celebration of Gator Day at the Capitol, University of Florida President Dr. Fuchs and Albert and Alberta will join Governor Scott at the booth on Tuesday. FSU President John Thrasher and Coach Jimbo Fisher will join Governor Scott at the booth on Wednesday.

Governor Scott said, “Florida families know how to spend their hard earned money better than government can. In the last four years, we have cut taxes more than forty times and reduced state debt by $7.5 billion. This year, Florida has a $1.8 billion surplus and we have the resources available to continue to cut $673 million in tax cuts, including our proposal to cut the cell phone and TV tax. Every Florida family will be able to get back real money back with our cell phone and TV tax cut – saving every Florida family around $43 a year for spending as little as $100 a month between cell phone, cable and satellite bills. I look forward to meeting Floridians at our booth this week to talk to them about the savings they will see with our proposed tax cut.”

In his 2015 “KEEP FLORIDA WORKING” budget, Governor Scott has proposed cutting $673 million in tax cuts for Floridians. The biggest portion of Governor Scott’s proposal includes cutting the tax that families and businesses pay for their cell phone and TV services. Currently, Florida families pay a state cell phone and TV tax rate of 9.17 percent on nonresidential landlines, cell phone, and cable services, and 13.17 percent on satellite services.

The Tax Cut Calculator is also available online at CutMyCellPhoneTVTax.com.

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TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Today, Governor Rick Scott recognized John Schrowang, president of the Red Elephant Pizza and Grill with the Governor’s Business Ambassador Award. The Governor’s Business Ambassador Award is given to individuals and business in recognition of their efforts to create jobs and opportunities for Florida families.

Governor Scott said, “I am proud to award Red Elephant’s President John Schrowang with the Governor’s Business Ambassador Award for creating opportunities for families in Florida. Since December 2010, Florida has added more than 801,000 private sector jobs, and small businesses like the Red Elephant have played a big role in that growth. John and his family are a great example of how hard work and determination can lead to achieving the American Dream in Florida.”

The Red Elephant President John Schrowang fulfilled his life-long dream of owning a family-friendly restaurant in November 2006, when he opened his first location in Tallahassee.  During the first few months, John worked 97 straight days, his wife Melanie rolled silverware, and his triplet sons and daughter bused tables. Just six months later, they opened their second location in Tallahassee. The Red Elephant began with 60 employees, and today it has grown to seven locations in two different states with over 400 employees.

John Schrowang, Red Elephant Pizza President, said, “I am proud to accept the Governor’s Business Ambassador Award on behalf of our entire team at the Red Elephant. Our dream was to create a place that offered great food, but even more importantly, a place where people could recharge and reconnect. We are honored to be able to share our success with our fellow Floridians by creating jobs opportunities, and we look forward to our future growth.”

Same-store sales increase: 6.6%
Customer traffic increase: 4.6%
*1/1/15-3/18/15

SAN ANTONIO, TX, March 23, 2015 – Biglari Holdings Inc. (NYSE: BH) announced  that its wholly-owned subsidiary Steak ‘n Shake is on track to reach its 25th consecutive quarter of same-store sales growth. This momentum has been propelled almost exclusively by an approximate 40% cumulative increase in same-store customer traffic over the same time period.

Sardar Biglari, Chief Executive Officer, stated: “When present management took over the reins in August of 2008, Steak ‘n Shake was generating negative cash flows from its core operations, was out of compliance with its debt covenants, and was within 90 days from insolvency. The situation was so dire that we were taking measures such as paying some of our vendors with company shares to stay afloat.”

“We quickly succeeded in turning around the chain because of our entrepreneurial culture, by placing the customer first, and in doing so we have been on an impressive streak. Steak ‘n Shake will reach a major milestone when it registers its 25th consecutive quarter of increases in same-store sales. All our approximately 23,000 employees, especially those who weathered the most perilous times in our history, ought to be proud of their achievements. I am most grateful for their efforts,” continued Mr. Biglari.

Steak ‘n Shake’s focus on quality – using 100% beef without preservatives or artificial ingredients, as well as fresh produce, always made-to-order – has created the benchmark for success in the premium burger category with nearly 550 locations.  Steak ‘n Shake’s momentum has been supported by geographic and franchise expansion, along with the introduction of new restaurant formats. Steak ‘n Shake’s flexibility in design and concepts has made the brand popular in universities, casinos, airports, turnpike oases, convenience stores,  gas stations, shopping centers, and other venues – always created with the same commitment to award-winning premium quality.

Since the repositioning of the brand, Steak ‘n Shake has been the recipient of Nation’s Restaurant News Golden Chain Award. Zagathas recognized Steak ‘n Shake as creating the #1 Milkshake, and Consumer Reports has ranked Steak ‘n Shake as one of the Top 10 finest-tasting burgers.

About Steak ‘n Shake
Steak ‘n Shake, a classic American brand, serves premium burgers and shakes in more than 500 restaurants across the country and the world. Since 1934, Steak ‘n Shake has served hand-crafted, premium Steakburgers and hand-dipped milkshakes. Steak ‘n Shake is a Biglari Holdings company.

About Biglari Holdings Inc.
Biglari Holdings Inc. is a holding company owning subsidiaries engaged in a number of diverse business activities, including media, property and casualty insurance, as well as restaurants. The Company’s largest operating subsidiaries are involved in the franchising and operating of restaurants. All major operating, investment, and capital allocation decisions are made for the Company and its subsidiaries by Sardar Biglari, Chairman and Chief Executive Officer.

Risks Associated with Forward-Looking Statements
This news release may include “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of the Private Securities Litigation Reform Act of 1995 and other federal securities laws. These statements which may concern anticipated future results are based on current expectations and are subject to a number of risks and uncertainties that could cause actual results to differ markedly from those projected or discussed here. Biglari Holdings cautions readers not to place undue reliance upon any such forward-looking statements, for actual results may differ materially from expectations. Biglari Holdings does not update publicly or revise any forward-looking statements even if experience or future changes make it clear that any projected results expressed or implied therein will not be realized. Further information on the types of factors that could affect Biglari Holdings and its business can be found in the company’s filings with the SEC.

SOURCE Biglari Holdings Inc.