~Honored Industry Veterans Collectively Represent More Than 115 Years in Hospitality~
ORLANDO, FL – The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) announced its Stars of the Industry Hall of Fame Winners at an evening gala at the Caribe Royale Resort and Conference Center this week.
“The Hall of Fame recognition is one of FRLA’s highest honors, recognizing industry leaders for their exceptional service and outstanding hospitality that spans decades,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “These awards honor proven leaders who have left a lasting impact on Florida’s hospitality industry, and we are incredibly proud of this year’s honorees.”
The 2022 FRLA Hall of Fame winners are:
Supplier of the Year – Kevin Johnson, Founding Shareholder, Johnson Jackson PLLC
Kevin Johnson is a founding shareholder of Johnson Jackson PLLC, a top firm for employment law, and has been working with the hospitality industry for nearly three decades. The Johnson Jackson team is well-known for their trusted counsel to clients and their ability to fully understand the culture and needs of those they represent. He graduated from the University of Florida’s Levin College of Law in 1994. He became board certified in Labor and Employment Law by The Florida Bar in 2007. Kevin currently serves as the chair of the Standing Committee on Technology for The Florida Bar and is a past chair of both the Civil Procedure Rules Committee and the Solo and Small Firm Section. He has been recognized by Best Lawyers in America, has been named in Florida Trend’s Legal Elite, and has been listed by SuperLawyers on their list of the Top 100 attorneys in Florida for ten of the past eleven years. He is a native of Gainesville, Florida.
Frank Eucalitto – Restaurateur of the Year, President, Café Chardonnay
Frank Eucalitto has dedicated his life to the hospitality and has been a staple of the Palm Beach County community offering the best in food for locals since 1982. Chef Eucalitto and his wife Gigi have successfully created seven restaurants and an off-premise catering company. Graduating from the prestigious Johnston and Wales in Providence, Rhode Island, he holds degrees in both culinary arts and hotel/restaurant management. Frank is a respected businessmen in the local community and created No Anchovies! during the pandemic as a successful take-out concept. He has been named Businessman of the Year by the local Chamber of Commerce, was a past president and current board member and treasurer of the FRLA Palm Beach Chapter, and has been involved in numerous charitable events – including Share our Strength “Taste of the Nation” event and “Chef’s Helping Heroes.”
Sheldon Suga – Hotelier of the Year, VP Managing Director at Hawks Cay Resort
A recent Chairman of the FRLA Board of Directors, Sheldon Suga has served more than 50 years in the U.S. and international hospitality industry and is well-known for his integrity, passion, and commitment to excellence, as well as his outstanding leadership of teams. Sheldon graduated from Ryerson University in Toronto with a degree in Hospitality Management and was accepted into the ITT Sheraton’s General Management Training program. During his time with ITT Sheraton, he attained the ITT Ring of Quality Worldwide Team Award and served as general manager at properties in West Hartford, New York City, Halifax, La Jolla, and Los Angeles. He also worked in Tokyo and was country manager for ITT Sheraton. Sheldon has also worked for Wyndham hotels and resorts as an area director in Atlanta and Puerto Rico. He also previously worked in Orlando at the Gaylord Palms as the VP Hotel Manager and was the opening SVP and general manager of the Gaylord National Resort. Sheldon is a member of the District III Advisory Committee of the Monroe County TDC and a board member of Visit Florida. Additionally, he is on the Board of Trustees for The College of the Florida Keys and has served on the board of Tourism Halifax, Maryland Hotel and Motel Association, and on the Maryland Tourism Development Council.