Longtime Sarasota restaurateur Dick Rivera has been named the 2025 Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) Lifetime Achievement Award winner. With this honor, Rivera was inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame at the Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala, which took place at Henderson Beach Resort in Destin.
Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA, said, “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 as well as suppliers from around Florida for their contributions to hospitality. The Hall of Fame distinction is reserved for leaders who have made significant impacts on Florida’s hospitality sector over many years. Other awards given at the event included Hotelier, Restaurateur, and Supplier of the Year.
In his acceptance speech 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 in Sarasota—a development and management company whose ventures include Vin Cella, TGI Friday’s, Marlow’s Tavern, Brick’s Smoked Meats, and Clasico Italian Chophouse. He also operates Rubicon Enterprises which owns or manages 26 restaurants nationwide.
He began his career with Steak and Ale Restaurants of America before taking senior executive roles at major brands such as Darden Restaurants, Longhorn Steakhouse, TGI Friday’s Inc., Applebee’s and El Chico Corp.
Rivera’s achievements include receiving Nation’s Restaurant News’ “Golden Chain” award; Restaurant Business Leadership Award; Silver Plate from International Foodservice Manufacturers Association; and FIU’s Michael E. Hurst Hospitality Leadership Award. He serves on boards including Golden Corral Corporation; Ringling College of Art and Design; Sarasota Orchestra; is past Chairman for both National Restaurant Association and Florida Citrus Sports Association; and belongs to Young Presidents’ Organization.
He holds degrees from Washington and Lee University (bachelor’s), an Honorary Doctorate from Johnson & Wales University in Business Administration, and served in the U.S Army.
The FRLA represents more than 10,000 members statewide—including independent hoteliers/restaurateurs along with large franchises—aiming to support Florida’s $112 billion hospitality industry through advocacy efforts as well as regulatory compliance training programs like Safe Staff.
