Leadership Reports Letters from the CEO and Board Chair

Message from Carol Dover

As this issue was going to print, Florida was hit by a storm of historic magnitude. Hurricane Ian made landfall in Southwest Florida as a strong Category 4 hurricane. The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association is in response mode as part of our role at the State Emergency Operations Center, working to meet business and industry needs for recovery. Thank you for all of your support. For the many of you impacted, our thoughts are with you. We are here to help you in any way we can.

At the beginning of the year, we heard several predictions on food trends. Whether it was expanding to food trucks, mobile and to-go operations or increasing plantbased options to reach a different segment of consumers, these predictions were spot on. Despite historic food price increases and continuing supply chain issues, and while many have simplified their menus to offset those challenges, most have delivered with a newfound variety for those seeking vegan and alternative options. Ensuring we have options helps bring everyone to our tables.

Florida has always been known for world-class dining, and we are incredibly proud of the growth and accomplishments we have seen. This summer, for the first time ever, Florida restaurants were added to the Michelin guide. We are so proud of what that means for the entire industry and are thrilled to brag on the dozens of FRLA members who received direct recognition at varying levels, including Michelin recommended plates, Bib Gourmand and the coveted Michelin stars.

As we look back on late summer and Food Safety Month, it’s a great reminder to do all that we can to promote a culture of food safety at every level. Active managerial control and appropriate training is essential to protecting our guests and ensuring the quality of the great food we offer. Our RCS Training is always here to help, so make sure you reach out to these industry leaders on food safety and other training.

We look forward to honoring our FRLA Hall of Fame winners in November at the Stars of the Industry Gala. This year’s winners are Sheldon Suga, Vice President and Managing Director for Hawks Cay Resort, for Hotelier of the Year; Frank Eucalitto, President of Café Chardonnay, for Restaurateur of the Year; and Kevin Johnson with Johnson Jackson for Supplier of the Year. We offer congratulations to these outstanding hospitality industry legends for their accomplishments and contributions to this great industry.

I hope you enjoy the following pages for this year’s food issue. Bon Appetit!

Carol B. Dover

Carol B. Dover

FRLA President & CEO

Message from the Chairwoman

With Hurricane Ian’s landfall behind us, and with ongoing emergency response and business recovery underway, it’s important to recognize all who have made this response as manageable as possible. Thank you to our first responders, law enforcement, the military, the State Emergency Response Team, volunteers and elected officials for doing everything possible to assist Floridians impacted by the Storm. It is going to take many communities months and even years to get back to pre-storm operation level. Know that we are pulling and praying for you. Our Industry is resilient — we’ll be back, just give us some time.

The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Show is back in November, and it will be an awesome event. I know we are all looking forward to seeing our friends that can make it to the Show in Orlando at the new venue, the Caribe Royale. You’ll see new products and solutions that are certain to help you with your business. In conjunction with the Show, the FRLA Fall Board Meeting is scheduled as well as the Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala. Please try to attend these events if possible. The Industry needs your support as do our award-winning Stars this year. It has been quite a ride the last two years, and every effort of getting back to normal will help you and your team.

It’s important to mention in this food issue of FR&L Magazine, be sure to look through the articles to catch up on what’s happening in this incredible industry. A big part of maintaining excellence in the industry is training. FRLA’s subsidiary, RCS Training, can help you with all of your needs, from food safety and alcohol compliance training to professional development and more. You may find that you simply don’t have the personnel to conduct training as you should. RCS can deliver in-person and online training. They are known for excellence in training, and that is just what you’ll receive should you decide to work with them.

Hope to see you in November.

Olivia Hoblit

Olivia Hoblit

2022-23 Chair of the Board

FRLA DISASTER RELIEF FUND

The FRLA Disaster Relief Fund is an initiative of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF) to provide economic relief for Florida’s independent restaurants and lodging establishments and their employees who are financially needy or distressed from the impact of Hurricane Ian. The Fund provides financial support in the form of grants valued at up to $10,000 per independently owned restaurant or lodging location. A minimum of 1/3 (33%) of the support provided must be earmarked to support employees in financial need.

WWW.FRLA.ORG/RELIEF

REGISTRATION#: CH70008 FLORIDA DEPARTMENT OF AGRICULTURE AND CONSUMER SERVICES A COPY OF THE OFFICIAL REGISTRATION AND FINANCIAL INFORMATION MAY BE OBTAINED FROM THE DIVISION OF CONSUMER SERVICES BY CALLING TOLL-FREE (800-435- 7352) WITHIN THE STATE. REGISTRATION DOES NOT IMPLY ENDORSEMENT, APPROVAL, OR RECOMMENDATION BY THE STATE. ” FRLAEF is a 501(c)(3) not-for-profit organization. Since the organization does not provide any good or services in whole or partial consideration for contributions, the full amount of your donation to the Educational Foundation is tax-deductible, subject to applicable laws and Internal Revenue Service (IRS) regulations.