Heiko Dobrikow, Executive Vice President of The Las Olas Company and General Manager of The Riverside Hotel in Fort Lauderdale, has been named the 2025 Hotelier of the Year by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA). The recognition was announced during the Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala at Henderson Beach Resort in Destin. With this honor, Dobrikow was also inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame.
Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA, commented on Dobrikow’s contributions to the industry. “Heiko Dobrikow represents the heart and spirit of Florida’s hospitality industry – a dedicated professional whose passion for people, pursuit of excellence, and commitment to service have left an enduring mark on our state,” said Dover. “For more than three decades, Heiko has led with purpose and humility, proving that true leadership is rooted in service to others. His commitment to excellence, mentorship, and community has not only elevated the Riverside Hotel and The Las Olas Company but has also strengthened Florida’s entire hospitality family. It is our great honor to welcome Heiko into the FRLA Hall of Fame and celebrate him as our 2025 Hotelier of the Year.”
The annual gala recognizes outstanding achievements by restaurant and lodging professionals throughout Florida. Induction into the Hall of Fame is reserved for leaders who have shown exceptional dedication over many years.
Dobrikow expressed gratitude for his selection: “I am deeply honored to be recognized as the 2025 Hall of Fame Hotelier of the Year by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association,” he said. “This recognition is not just a personal milestone, but a celebration of the incredible people who make Florida’s hospitality industry thrive every day. Servant leadership has always been my guiding principle — leading by lifting others, empowering teams, and creating meaningful experiences for our guests and communities. I remain fully committed to serving our industry with gratitude, integrity, and a shared vision for a stronger, more connected Florida hospitality family.”
Dobrikow brings over three decades’ experience in hotel management and business leadership. He is noted for his focus on team development, revenue optimization, and building organizational cultures centered around service.
His career includes senior roles at several major resorts across Florida such as Marriott’s Bay Point Resort; Fisher Island Hotel & Resort; Casa Marina Resort; Mayfair Hotel & Spa; Radisson Deauville Beach Resort; and Hilton Palm Beach Oceanfront Resort.
Beyond his work in hotels, Dobrikow has held leadership positions within civic organizations including chairing both Broward Workforce Development Board and Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. He also led FRLA’s Broward Chapter among other community involvements. His work has earned him distinctions such as being listed among Florida Trend’s Top 500 Most Influential Leaders as well as South Florida Business Leader of the Year from FAU.
Born in Germany before moving to the United States at age 17, Dobrikow holds a BA from University of Kansas.
FRLA serves as a key trade association representing more than 10,000 members involved in restaurants and lodging across Florida. Its mission includes advocacy efforts on behalf of its members’ interests along with regulatory compliance training programs statewide.
