A la Carte Dedications, awards and growth

HDG Receives Award from International Franchise Association

FRLA member, HDG, was recently recognized with the International Franchise Association’s Open for Opportunity Award. Lisa Lombardo accepted the award on behalf of HDG from Matt Haller, the CEO of the IFA. Well done, HDG!

The Grove, Cucina & Wine Earns Wine Spectator’s 2022 Restaurant Award for the Third Year in a Row

Congrats to FRLA member, The Grove Pizza Cucina & Wine Bar, which was recently honored for the third year in a row for its outstanding wine program in Wine Spectator’s 2022 Restaurant Awards, which celebrate the world’s best restaurants for wine.

Charles Hilton Center Dedicated at Gulf Coast State College

The Charles Hilton Center for Advanced Technology and Hospitality Management was recently dedicated on the GCSC campus. The center honors Charles Hilton and his dedication to the hospitality industry in Bay County. Ms. Julie Hilton, a long-time active FRLA Board Member, generously donated funding for the Center and a scholarship program to assist the local community and workforce. Visit GCSC to find out more about the College and the Charles Hilton Center for Advanced Technology and Hospitality Management, by visiting gulfcoast.edu.

Luna Art Gallery at the Courtyard and Springhill Suites by Marriott Amelia Island

Did you know that there is a lovely fine art gallery at the Marriott properties on Amelia Island? Sponsored and created by Innisfree Hotels’ social responsibility program, The Hive, Luna Art Gallery offers a venue for local artists to exhibit work. With ongoing exhibits, gallery commissions benefit the Trinity Love Hoblit Foundation for brain aneurysm awareness and research. If you are in the area, be sure to visit!

FRLA Member, Virtual Dining Concepts, to Open First Brick and Mortar Restaurant

MrBeast Burger, a YouTube based concept that has been highly successful for VDC, is opening their first restaurant in New Jersey. The concept has broken all virtual brand records and really brought to life celebrity-based food branding. Want to learn more? Visit https://joinvdc.com/brands.

Women Leading Travel & Hospitality

Women Leading Travel & Hospitality is a membership-based association that connects executive women across all sectors of the travel and hospitality industry. Their mission is to unite, inspire and empower our community of executive women leaders by providing unparalleled resources, support and motivation to achieve personal and professional growth. Their community is built on passionate, successful, senior-level women from across the industry who have a strong belief that investing in themselves and in other women is good business. From CEOs with years of experience to directors working their way up, the common thread is women coming together to learn from each other and help each other succeed.

Want to get involved? Contact Hannah DeMaio, Vice President, Brand Strategy, Women Leading Travel & Hospitality. www.womenleadingtravelandhospitality.com

Olivia Hoblit, FRLA Chair and member of Women Leading Travel & Hospitalty, and Nailah Nash, Director of Retail Shops at The Ritz-Carlton Amelia Island.