Benefits of Membership ..........................................................................................................................................................................

I feel strongly that I have benefited a great deal in many areas by my membership with the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association. If we, the restaurateurs, are not active and, even worse uninformed, we are doing a tremendous disservice to our businesses and our industry. The Association is a vibrant one with many talented people who are focused on protecting and improving the industry. It is also a wonderful place to network with individuals who have common interests, concerns and even potential business opportunities.”
– Chris Swartz, Ultimate Franchise Systems, Inc.

"As President of the FRLA Tallahassee Chapter, I think it is great that Carol Dover and the FRLA has been so far in front of this oil spill disaster.  The FRLA seems way more interested in protecting Florida business than our political leaders.  Politicians are too busy seeing who they can blame instead of helping figure out how we can stop the leak, contain the oil, and protect our beaches.   I commend the FRLA for getting on the media, and doing interviews to figure out how we can market Florida, and let vacationers know that it is safe to visit Florida for the summer.

I am very proud to be part of this great organization, and I look forward to seeing everyone at the Summer Board Meeting.  I trust it will be one of the most important meetings in years.
- Bill Schack, Applebee's

"The FRLA has brought me closer to new business contacts, new friends and leaders whom I can utilize in growing my independent restaurant."
- Rhett Fischer, Rusty’s Seafood & Oyster Bar

"When I was having trouble getting answers about a DBPR issue, all it took was a phone call to Tallahassee and within days I had answers.  The state headquarters offices also afford me the opportunity to know that my voice is heard and counts in Tallahassee Wow what an experience."
- Jim Harris, Jacksonville Kennel Club

"Serving for the FRLA is rewarding and a true give back to the Hospitality Industry; knowing you are doing what you believe in, seeing the results to support the industry and education makes me proud."
- David Hadelman, Hooters of America

Power of Government Relations
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"Thank You for my wonderful experience yesterday thanks to Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association.  I enjoyed seeing democracy in action and more importantly; I enjoyed being a part of it with the Association's help.  The entire day was one great moment after another.. Thank you!  Your group was so focused, so prepared, so nice and so professional. Thank you!”
- Rollin Ryan, Rising Sun Promotions LLC

"You know that your Association has a lot of power to mobilze the lawmakers when you arrive in Tallahassee and you are introduced to tens of representatives of the House and Senate in just a few hours.  It was another amazing experience for me and other Board Members from our Chapter to attend Tourism Day in our state capital in visiting Representatives and Senators to discuss our position on the most important issues that affect us.  We should all be very proud to have the strong representation we do in our state capital."
- Andreas A. Ioannou, Hilton Fort Lauderdale Beach Resort

“FRLA is the state’s united industry voice in Tallahassee for all key issues related to the restaurant and hotel business.  FRLA has done an incredible job repealing and/or preventing legislation harmful to our industry.”
- Juan C. Garcia, President, Benihana Inc.