Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association Awards Broward Hospitality Workers for Service Excellence

~Inaugural ROSE Awards Recognize Local Stars of the Industry~

HOLLYWOOD, FL – Nearly 300 people from across Broward County gathered at the iconic Diplomat Beach Resort for the inaugural FRLA Broward ROSE (Recognition of Service Excellence) Awards ceremony to honor outstanding members of the local hospitality community.

 The ROSE Awards recognize and celebrate the exceptional contributions of frontline hospitality team members across the region. The event boasted more than 80 nominees from 22 local businesses, and 10 outstanding team members were honored with the coveted ROSE Award. The winners each received their award, the coveted ROSE Award pin, and recognition from industry peers and leadership. Additionally, all winners received complimentary roundtrip airline tickets from Southwest Airlines.

“We are thrilled to bring the ROSE Awards to Broward County and celebrate these deserving individuals,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA). “Florida’s hospitality industry is globally recognized for creating unforgettable experiences that keep visitors and guests coming back time and time again. Every single team member in our restaurants and hotels plays a vital role in delivering the exceptional service that drives our success. Congratulations to our nominees and winners! Our industry is second to none because of you.”

“The inaugural Broward ROSE Awards celebrated the very best of Broward County’s hospitality industry, honoring the outstanding individuals that go above and beyond to create exceptional experiences every day,” said Rozeta Mahboubi, FRLA’s Broward Chapter Regional Director and the event organizer. “This prestigious event recognized the dedication, passion, and excellence that make Broward a top destination for visitors and locals alike.”

The 2025 ROSE Award Winners Are:

Back of the House: Kelvin Vasquez, Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport

Behind the Scenes: Monica Cabezas, Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa

Culinary: Kedon Carter, Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort

Customer Service: Paige Vincent, Four Seasons Fort Lauderdale

Food and Beverage: Onyx Long, Riverside Hotel/The Las Olas Company

Front of the House: Julio Lopez, The Diplomat Beach Resort

Front of the House: Kushboo Singh, Sonesta Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

Front of the House: Nuno Luis Casanova, Boucher Brothers/Fort Lauderdale Marriott Harbor Beach Resort & Spa

Front of the House: William Jones, Margaritaville Hollywood Beach Resort

Transportation: Kimberly Bertsch, Port Everglades

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.