Longtime Sarasota restaurateur Dick Rivera has been named the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award winner by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA). Rivera was inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame during the Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala at Henderson Beach Resort in Destin.
Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA, stated, “Dick Rivera is a true giant of our industry – a visionary whose leadership, integrity, and passion have shaped the future of hospitality in Florida and far beyond. For more than five decades, Dick has elevated every organization he has touched, developing iconic brands, inspiring the next generation of leaders, and showing all of us what it means to serve with heart. His rare ability to combine operational excellence with genuine mentorship has earned him the admiration of peers across the industry. Dick’s impact is woven into the fabric of this industry, and his legacy will endure for generations. We are deeply honored to welcome Dick Rivera into the FRLA Hall of Fame as our 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award recipient.”
The annual gala recognizes restaurant and lodging operators and suppliers throughout Florida for their work in hospitality. The Hall of Fame distinction is reserved for leaders whose careers have significantly influenced Florida’s hospitality sector. Other awards presented at the event included Hotelier, Restaurateur, and Supplier of the Year.
Upon receiving his award, Rivera said: “I’m so humbled to receive this award; it’s an incredible honor for a lifetime of work. To be awarded by your peers in the industry makes it even more special. The joy in this business comes from the people you serve, the people you work with, and the times you have with them. Success is never a solo act – there are a lot of people involved. Winston Churchill once said, ‘Success is never final,’ so getting this award raises the bar for me as I ask what’s next.”
Rivera leads Suncoast Hospitality Partners LLC based in Sarasota. The company manages ventures such as Vin Cella, TGI Friday’s, Marlow’s Tavern, Brick’s Smoked Meats, and Clasico Italian Chophouse. Rubicon Enterprises—an affiliated firm—owns or operates 26 restaurants nationwide.
His career began at Steak and Ale Restaurants of America before moving into executive roles at Darden Restaurants, Longhorn Steakhouse, TGI Friday’s Inc., Applebee’s, and El Chico Corp.
Rivera’s professional achievements include recognition from Nation’s Restaurant News with its “Golden Chain” award and honors such as Restaurant Business Leadership Award and Silver Plate from International Foodservice Manufacturers Association. He also received FIU’s Michael E. Hurst Hospitality Leadership Award.
He serves on boards including Golden Corral Corporation and Ringling College of Art and Design. He previously chaired both National Restaurant Association and Florida Citrus Sports Association.
Rivera holds degrees from Washington and Lee University as well as an honorary doctorate from Johnson & Wales University; he is also a U.S. Army veteran.
The FRLA represents over 10,000 members statewide across hotels, restaurants—including franchises—and theme parks. Founded in 1946 (and merged with Florida Hotel & Motel Association in 2006), its mission includes advocacy on behalf of Florida’s $112 billion hospitality industry workforce.
