TALLAHASSEE – Today, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) released a video in English and Spanish encouraging Floridians to show their community support to support Florida restaurants. At the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic, nearly 600,000 Florida restaurant employees were furloughed or laid off. Businesses closed, and some never returned. In Florida, it is estimated that more than 10,000 restaurants have closed.
“No industry has been hit harder by COVID-19 than the hospitality industry,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA). “Florida is open for business, and our restaurants and hotels are eager to safely welcome guests and create those memorable experiences. Restaurants are the centers of our communities, and we hope you will dine in or take out to support your local restaurants, enabling them to stay open and keep their team members employed.”
In the summer of 2020, FRLA launched its Seal of Commitment (SOC) program to recognize an establishment’s tangible commitment to the highest standards of safety and sanitation. The SOC is a demonstration to guests and associates that the operator prioritizes their health and safety. Hospitality establishments across Florida have earned the Seal. For more information, click here.
About the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association
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 $111.7 billion hospitality industry which represents 1.5 million employees.
Dedicated to safeguarding the needs of its 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 SafeStaff® 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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