On Tuesday, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) recognized its 2025 Hospitality Stars of the Industry Hall of Fame winners at a gala held at Henderson Beach Resort in Destin. The event also included the swearing-in of the 2026 FRLA Board Executive Committee and Greg Cook of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, as the 2026 Chairman of the Board.
Carol Dover, President and CEO of FRLA, stated: “It is a privilege to honor those whose lifelong dedication has defined excellence in Florida’s hospitality industry. FRLA’s 2025 Hall of Fame inductees have shaped and strengthened our industry through decades of leadership, vision, and innovation. With more than 140 years of combined service, their legacy of excellence continues to inspire and set the standard for future generations of hospitality professionals. Congratulations to our outstanding Hall of Fame winners!”
The Lifetime Achievement Award was presented to Dick Rivera of Suncoast Hospitality Partners in Sarasota. Rivera has over five decades of experience in the restaurant sector. He founded Suncoast Hospitality Partners LLC and has been involved with brands such as Vin Cella, TGI Friday’s, Marlow’s Tavern, Brick’s Smoked Meats, and Clasico Italian Chophouse. His company Rubicon Enterprises operates 26 restaurants nationwide. Rivera has held executive roles with Darden Restaurants, Longhorn Steakhouse, TGI Friday’s Inc., Applebee’s, and El Chico Corp. He has received several honors including Nation’s Restaurant News’ “Golden Chain” award and the International Foodservice Manufacturers Association Silver Plate.
Jordan Beckner of FiberBuilt Umbrellas in Pompano Beach was named Supplier of the Year. Beckner co-founded FiberBuilt Umbrellas in 2000 and serves as its President of Sales. He has participated in various industry boards including the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Educational Foundation and the FRLA Marketing & Allied Member Council.
Mike Quillen was honored as Restaurateur of the Year for his leadership at Watershed Hospitality Concepts and Gecko’s Hospitality Group. Quillen oversees three restaurant groups with 15 locations across Florida and North Carolina. Since opening Gecko’s Grill & Pub in Sarasota in 1992, he has focused on community engagement and internal promotion within his teams. Quillen has served on boards such as FRLA and the Greater Sarasota Chamber of Commerce.
Heiko Dobrikow was recognized as Hotelier of the Year for his work with Riverside Hotel & The Las Olas Company in Fort Lauderdale. Dobrikow has more than three decades of experience in hospitality management and serves as Executive Vice President of The Las Olas Company as well as General Manager of Riverside Hotel.
FRLA is a non-profit trade association representing over 10,000 members from various sectors within Florida’s hospitality industry. Established in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association before merging with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006, FRLA works to protect and promote the state’s $112 billion hospitality sector that employs about two million people. The association offers legislative advocacy for its members and provides regulatory compliance training through Safe Staff and RCS Training. Its Educational Foundation supports career-building programs for high school students throughout Florida.
