A La Carte

Joe’s Stone Crab Is Top Independent Restaurant In U.S. Joe’s Stone Crab, Miami Beach, is the top independent restaurant in a recent Restaurant Business survey. Serving 325,530* meals with $38,400,000* in sales and an average check of $87*, it topped the charts above such restaurants as Carmine’s (Times Square), The Boathouse (Disney Springs), Old Ebbitt Grill (Washington, D.C.), Lavo Italian Restaurant & Nightclub (New York), Smith & Wollensky (New York), Gibsons Bar & Steakhouse (Chicago), Balthazar (New York), Junior’s (New York) and Prime 112 (Miami Beach). *Estimated by Restaurant Business.

Tobacco Products Minimum Age of Sale Raised From 18 to 21 Years of Age On December 20, 2019, President Donald Trump signed legislation to amend the Federal Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act and raise the federal minimum age of sale of tobacco products from 18 to 21 years. It is now illegal for any retailer to sell any tobacco product — including cigarettes, cigars, and e-cigarettes — to anyone under 21. FDA will provide additional details on this issue as they become available.

The FDA has six months to finalize additional details and regulatory measures (like requiring all retailers to check ID for anyone under the age of 30 — currently 27), etc. FRLA will provide information to industry upon receipt of such information.

Join the American Cancer Society In April To Beat Cancer Together vs. Cancer is a national point-of-sale campaign that raises awareness and funds to fight cancer. This powerful messaging aligns with our trusted brand and delivers actionable content and high-impact solutions. To get more info contact Sara Gross at sara.gross@ cancer.org or (813) 349-4297.

In Passing

Heidi Dennis

After a long battle with cancer, beloved Heidi Dennis passed away in late February. She was most recently the General Manager of the Pelican Grand Beach Resort and was awarded the 2019 General Manager’s Award at FRLA’s Stars of the Industry Gala. In addition, she was named as FRLA’s June 2019 Member of the Month. Heidi was featured in FR&L’s 2018 Women in LodgingIssue and had this to say about her career in the lodging industry. What advice do you have for someone entering the hospitality industry? “If you want a career in hospitality, get your degree, but learn all areas from the ground up. Walk in others’ shoes: housekeeping, front desk, kitchen, restaurant etc.” Heidi was also known for her love of the industry. She was asked: What is your favorite part of working in the hospitality industry? “The team! Walking daily throughout the hotel and really appreciating everything they do every day.”

Meet FRLA’s New Comms Staff FRLA has a new Press Secretary and Communications and Marketing Coordinator. Welcome to Ashley Chambers, FRLA’s new Press Secretary, and Alison Burtoft, Communications and Marketing Coordinator. Ashley has a diverse background in public relations, events and political campaigns. Prior to joining FRLA, she served for nine years as the Director of Communications for the Florida Department of Elder Affairs under Gov. Rick Scott and Gov. Ron DeSantis. Prior to working on the Rick Scott for Florida campaign, she worked in Washington D.C. for President George W. Bush doing media and White House advance, as well as at the U.S. Department of Commerce and the U.S. Department of Justice. Ashley received her Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from Baylor University. She resides in Tallahassee with her husband, Blake, and 2-year-old son, Marshall.

Allison’s background includes marketing, public relations and event coordinating. Prior to working at FRLA, she served as the External Affairs Coordinator at the Florida Department of Elder Affairs under Governor Ron DeSantis. She also worked in account management at The Zimmerman Agency. Allison graduated from Florida State University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Editing, Writing and Media and a minor in Business. She lives in Tallahassee and is looking forward to getting married this fall.

Lynne Hernandez Nominated as Hospitality Tourism Professional of the Year Congratulations to Lynne Hernandez, FRLA South Florida Regional Director, for being named as a nominee for the From Miami TV Tourism Professional of the Year. Great job, Lynne!

Mike Quillen Sarasota County Sheriff Tom Knight recently presented the agency’s firstever Community Partner Award to Mike Quillen, co-owner of Gecko’s Hospitality Group.

Quillen serves on the sheriff’s advisory board and is credited with working with other local business owners to create the SCSO Charitable Foundation. The goal of the nonprofit is to assist individual employees of the Sarasota County Sheriff’s Office who are experiencing extraordinary personal or family need. Since its inception a few years ago, the foundation has helped several sheriff’s office members through financial loss and major medical expenses. Mike, you make FRLA proud!

Jimmy Theo Patronis Sr. Jimmy Theo Patronis Sr. — father of Florida Chief Financial Officer Jimmy Patronis and owner of Captain Anderson’s Restaurant in Panama City, Florida — passed away recently. Mr. Patronis was an active member of the FRLA. In 1953, he and his brother Johnny moved to Panama City and operated the Seven Seas Restaurant, and he later purchased Captain Anderson’s Restaurant. In addition, Mr. Patronis graduated from Florida State University with a business degree, served in the U.S. Air Force, and was devoted to helping his community.

He is survived by his wife, Helen, four sons, Theo, Yonnie, Nick and Jimmy, 10 grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Bill Robinson Bill Robinson, former 1994 Chairman of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association, recently passed away. Robinson, a native Floridian, attended Florida State University and served in the U.S. Air Force. Upon completion of his service, he graduated from Florida Atlantic University. In 1975, Robinson opened Fat Willie’s Fish Camp in Valrico. It is still open and operated by his stepson and his wife; it’s now called Willie’s: The Place For Seafood. Robinson served as president and was an active member of the Hillsborough Chapter of FRLA. In addition, he served on the Governor’s Worker’s Compensation Reform Advisory Group, supported local law enforcement, and was very involved in local youth programs. He was 80.