~Dixie Crossroads Co-Owner Honored at FRLA Stars of the Industry Gala, Tribute Video Released~
(L-R: FRLA Chairman of the Board John Horne, Hall of Fame Winner & Restaurateur of the Year Laurilee Thompson, FRLA President & CEO Carol Dover)
TALLAHASSEE, FL – At the 2023 Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala, the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) awarded the coveted Restaurateur of the Year award to Laurilee Thompson, co-owner of Titusville’s Dixie Crossroads Seafood Restaurant. Thompson was also inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame during the ceremony, which was held at the Opal Grand Resort in Delray Beach last week.
“People come from across the country and even the globe to experience the delicious wild ocean-caught seafood and renowned rock shrimp at Dixie Crossroads,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “Through Laurilee’s leadership, the restaurant has thrived, all while she has also contributed so much to the local community and the state through her nature and environmental activism. Her passion and commitment to commercial fishing, food service, and the greater hospitality industry are without comparison! We are proud to recognize her as Restaurateur of the Year!”
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 Hall of Fame distinction is reserved for those who have dedicated decades to providing excellent service and leadership in hospitality.
“It is such an honor to be recognized as Restaurateur of the Year by FRLA because there are so many deserving restaurateurs in this great state,” said Laurilee Thompson, co-owner of Dixie Crossroads Seafood Restaurant. “I share this wonderful award with my family, my business partners, and my staff, as well as the boat captains who work so hard to ensure we have enough quality seafood from American waters to serve our guests. I’m so proud of what an incredible team we are together!”
To learn more about Laurilee, please watch her FRLA Hall of Fame Video here.
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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