On Tuesday, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) recognized its 2025 Hospitality Stars of the Industry Hall of Fame winners during a gala at Henderson Beach Resort in Destin. The event also included the swearing-in of the 2026 FRLA Board Executive Committee and Greg Cook, General Manager of The Ritz-Carlton, Amelia Island, as the new 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 from Suncoast Hospitality Partners in Sarasota. Rivera has worked in the restaurant industry for over five decades and is known for founding Suncoast Hospitality Partners LLC. His ventures include Vin Cella, TGI Friday’s, Marlow’s Tavern, Brick’s Smoked Meats, and Clasico Italian Chophouse. He also leads Rubicon Enterprises which operates restaurants nationwide. Rivera began his career with Steak and Ale Restaurants of America before holding executive roles at companies such as Darden Restaurants, Longhorn Steakhouse, TGI Friday’s Inc., Applebee’s, and El Chico Corp.
Rivera has received multiple honors throughout his career including Nation’s Restaurant News’ “Golden Chain” award and FIU’s Michael E. Hurst Hospitality Leadership Award. He serves on several boards including Golden Corral Corporation and Ringling College of Art and Design.
Jordan Beckner was named Supplier of the Year for his work with FiberBuilt Umbrellas in Pompano Beach. Beckner co-founded FiberBuilt Umbrellas in 2000 and has been involved with various industry organizations such as the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Educational Foundation.
Mike Quillen received Restaurateur of the Year recognition for leading Watershed Hospitality Concepts along with Gecko’s Hospitality Group and Micas Mountain Kitchen across Florida and North Carolina. Quillen manages 15 locations under different brands like Gecko’s Grill & Pub and Dry Dock Waterfront Grill.
Heiko Dobrikow was honored as Hotelier of the Year for his leadership at Riverside Hotel & The Las Olas Company in Fort Lauderdale. Dobrikow has held roles at several major resorts over a career spanning three decades.
The FRLA represents more than 10,000 members from across Florida’s hospitality sector—including independent hoteliers, restaurateurs, franchise operators, theme parks, and suppliers—supporting an industry that generates nearly $112 billion annually and employs two million people statewide. The association focuses on advocacy efforts on behalf of its members while offering training programs through Safe Staff and RCS Training subsidiaries; it also provides high school programs through its Educational Foundation.
