JACKSONVILLE – Last night, nearly 500 people from across the regional hospitality industry gathered at the Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village in St. Augustine for the 14th Annual ROSE Awards ceremony to award those making a difference in Northeast Florida’s hospitality community.
A premier event of the Northeast Chapter of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA), the ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) Awards honor frontline hospitality champions across Northeast Florida. This year’s event boasted more than 130 nominees from 48 different businesses, and 27 outstanding team members were honored with the coveted ROSE Award. From administrative assistants to chefs, housekeeping to transportation, and front desk staff to valet and bellmen, every single position in hospitality is critical to the success of the business in achieving outstanding guest experiences. Last night’s winners each received a trophy, the coveted ROSE Award pin, gift cards from local businesses, and recognition from industry peers and leadership. Middle managers were also recognized for their commitment and hard work throughout the ceremony. This year’s winners include individuals who saved a guest’s life, an amazing cook who celebrates his deafness and spreads positivity, and more behind the scenes stars.
“It’s such a privilege to recognize Northeast Florida’s best of the best in hospitality for the 14th year of ROSE Awards,” said Nicole Chapman, Regional Director for FRLA and the event’s organizer. “Day in and day out these individuals truly go above and beyond as ambassadors for our region and our industry. Our winners are shining stars in our hotels and restaurants that keep our visitors coming back, and we are so proud to honor them.”
“As Florida’s hospitality and tourism industry rebuilds post-COVID and we set new visitation and revenue records, we are still struggling to meet our pre-pandemic workforce numbers,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “For these nominees and winners to serve with such excellence – even during these challenging times – is a testament to their grit, grace, and professionalism and shows that they truly love what they do. Ours is the best industry in the state, and the Northeast Florida ROSE Awards is a wonderful opportunity to shine the light on these outstanding individuals who provide the ultimate guest experiences. Congratulations to these industry leaders and to Nicole Chapman, our amazing Regional Director, for all she has done to make this event such a success.”
The 2023 ROSE Award winners are:
President’s Award: Clive Ramsey, Brett McLaughlin, and Austin Patton: One Ocean Resort & Spa
Administrative Assistant: Saige Horowitz, Ponte Vedra Inn & Club
Banquets: Christine Steffens, One Ocean Resort & Spa
Bartender / Mixologist: Aaron Price, The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island
Behind the Scenes: Isabella Zarka, One Ocean Resort & Spa
Beyond the Call of Duty: Ben Burke & Thomas Robertson, The Lodge & Club
Culinary Service – Chef / Cook Hotel: Jimmy McGuire, Hyatt Regency Jacksonville
Culinary Service – Chef/Cook Restaurant: Kathleen Hampton, Prospect Five Points
Customer Service – Concierge, Recreation, Spa: Jody Sutton, Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village
Customer Service – Event Services: Captain William Mayhem, St. Augustine Pirate & Treasure Museum
Food & Beverage – Support: Roderick Carlise, Prospect Five Points
Guest Service – Bed & Breakfast: David Corey, St. Francis Inn B&B and Casa De Suenos
Guest Service – Front Desk, Full-Service Hotel: Deidra Facey, Omni Amelia Island Resort
Guest Service – Front Desk, Select Service Hotel: Kaitlyn “Katie” Murphy, Best Western Oceanfront
Guest Service – Housekeeping, Full-Service Hotel: Odalis Rodriguez, One Ocean Resort & Spa
Guest Service – Housekeeping, Select Service Hotel: Debora Lowe, Fairfield Inn & Suites, St. Augustine
Guest Service – Laundry: Milena Gusalic, Aloft Jacksonville Tapestry Park
Guest Service – Maintenance / Engineer: Luis Villacis, Courtyard Orange Park
Guest Service – Valet / Bell Attendant: Angel Rodriguez, Renaissance Resort at World Golf Village
Server – Restaurant, Casual Dining: Danny Stimpson, Biscottis
Server – Restaurant, Fine Dining: James “Slim” Allen, The River Club
Server – Restaurant, Hotel: Glensner Layugan, One Ocean Resort & Spa
Restaurant – Quick Service: Faith Brunner, Starbucks at Casa Monica Resort & Spa
Transportation – Airport, Ground, & Water: Jenny Cremer, East Coast Transportation
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 1.5 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.
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