~Retired Firehouse Subs CEO Honored at FRLA Stars of the Industry Gala; Tribute Video Released~
(L-R: FRLA President & CEO Carol Dover, FRLA Lifetime Achievement Award Winner Don Fox, FRLA 2023 & 2024 Chairman of the Board John Horne)
TALLAHASSEE, FL – At the recently held Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) presented its Lifetime Achievement Award to highly respected and accomplished restaurant leader Don Fox, former CEO of Firehouse of America. Fox was inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame during the ceremony, which was held at the Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor following a delay due to Hurricane Milton.
“Don Fox is the embodiment of leadership, vision, and passion for the hospitality industry,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA. “His remarkable career has not only shaped Firehouse Subs into a household name but has also inspired countless professionals in our field through his focus on culture and mentoring. His impact goes far beyond business – his dedication to community service, advocacy, and operator success is a true testament to his character and desire for others to succeed. We are honored to recognize Don with our Lifetime Achievement Award and celebrate his extraordinary legacy.”
The Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala pays tribute to men and women from across the Sunshine State for their remarkable work in hospitality. The FRLA Lifetime Achievement Award is a prestigious and seldom-bestowed honor, only presented to individuals whose lifelong contributions have profoundly shaped Florida’s hospitality industry and its future.
“The FRLA has been a rewarding part of my professional journey,” said Don Fox, FRLA Lifetime Achievement Award winner and retired CEO of Firehouse of America. “Receiving this award is a great honor, surpassed only by the value of the relationships forged among my peers.”
To learn more about Don Fox and his contributions, please view his FRLA Lifetime Achievement Award Video here.
About Don: Don M. Fox is an inspirational leader and engaged advocate with over 50 years in the restaurant industry. He has a proven track record in executive, operational, and staff roles, excelling in building critical franchisee-franchisor relationships. His accolades include the 2011 Operator of the Year from Nation’s Restaurant News and the 2013 Silver Plate Award from IFMA. In early 2024, he retired from day-to-day executive management. At Firehouse of America, LLC (2003–2023), Don served as President and CEO, guiding the brand to become one of America’s favorite restaurant chains with record sales of $1.1 billion in 2021, leading to its acquisition by Restaurant Brands International. His earlier roles included Chief Operating Officer and Director of Franchise Compliance. Prior to Firehouse, he spent 23 years at Burger King Corporation, rising through various management positions. Don is also an accomplished author and public speaker, with over 250 engagements and several published works. He actively serves on various boards – including FRLA, for which he was Chairman in 2017– contributing to industry advancement and community initiatives at both the state and federal levels.
About FRLA: The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) is Florida’s premier non-profit hospitality industry trade association. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. FRLA’s more than 10,000 members include independent hoteliers and restaurateurs, household name franchises, theme parks, and suppliers. The Association’s mission is to protect, educate, and promote Florida’s nearly $112 billion hospitality industry which represents nearly two million employees. Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of the membership, FRLA provides legislative advocacy to ensure the voices of its members are heard and their interests are protected. The Association offers regulatory compliance and food safety training through Safe Staff® and FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training. The FRLA Educational Foundation provides industry-developed, career-building high school programs throughout the state.