On Tuesday evening, the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association (FRLA) recognized the 2025 Hospitality Stars of the Industry Hall of Fame winners at a gala held at Henderson Beach Resort in Destin, Florida. 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.
“It is a privilege to honor those whose lifelong dedication has defined excellence in Florida’s hospitality industry,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “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, founder of Suncoast Hospitality Partners LLC based in Sarasota. Rivera has more than five decades of experience in restaurant development and management, including ventures such as Vin Cella, TGI Friday’s, Marlow’s Tavern, Brick’s Smoked Meats, and Clasico Italian Chophouse. His affiliated company Rubicon Enterprises operates 26 restaurants nationwide. Rivera began his career with Steak and Ale Restaurants of America and later held executive roles at Darden Restaurants, Longhorn Steakhouse, TGI Friday’s Inc., Applebee’s, and El Chico Corp. He has received several industry honors and serves on various boards including Golden Corral Corporation and Ringling College of Art and Design.
Jordan Beckner was named Supplier of the Year. Beckner is the founding partner and President of Sales at FiberBuilt Umbrellas and Cushions in Pompano Beach. Since co-founding FiberBuilt Umbrellas in 2000, he has participated actively in hospitality industry organizations such as the American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Educational Foundation and FRLA’s Marketing & Allied Member Council.
Mike Quillen received Restaurateur of the Year for his work as President of Watershed Hospitality Concepts, Gecko’s Hospitality Group, and Micas Mountain Kitchen, operating 15 locations across Florida and North Carolina. Quillen opened Gecko’s Grill & Pub in Sarasota in 1992 and now leads a group employing over 800 people. He has earned multiple guest awards for his restaurants as well as humanitarian recognition from both state and national restaurant associations.
Heiko Dobrikow was honored as Hotelier of the Year for his role as Executive Vice President at The Las Olas Company and General Manager at Riverside Hotel in Fort Lauderdale. With over three decades in hospitality management, Dobrikow has led teams at several prominent resorts and contributed to community organizations including the Broward Workforce Development Board and Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce.
The Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association represents more than 10,000 members from independent businesses to major franchises within Florida’s hospitality sector. Founded in 1946, FRLA merged with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006. Its mission includes advocacy for its members’ interests at legislative levels, regulatory compliance training through Safe Staff and RCS Training, and educational programs for high school students via its Educational Foundation.
