Longtime Sarasota restaurateur Dick Rivera has been named the 2025 Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) Lifetime Achievement Award winner and inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame. The announcement was made during the Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala, which took place at Henderson Beach Resort in Destin.
Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA, commented on Rivera’s contributions to the industry: “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 professionals from across Florida for their work in hospitality. The Hall of Fame honor is reserved for individuals who have demonstrated years of service and dedication that have significantly influenced Florida’s hospitality sector.
During 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 and has more than 50 years’ experience in restaurant development and management. His company’s ventures include Vin Cella, TGI Friday’s, Marlow’s Tavern, Brick’s Smoked Meats, and Clasico Italian Chophouse. Through Rubicon Enterprises—an affiliated firm—he is involved with operating 26 restaurants nationwide.
His career began at Steak and Ale Restaurants of America before moving on to senior roles at major brands such as Darden Restaurants, Longhorn Steakhouse, Applebee’s, TGI Friday’s Inc., and El Chico Corp.
Rivera has received several national awards recognizing his leadership within foodservice including Nation’s Restaurant News’ “Golden Chain” award and IFMA’s Silver Plate award. He also serves on boards including Golden Corral Corporation and Ringling College of Art and Design.
The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association represents over 10,000 members statewide ranging from independent businesses to large franchises. Established through a merger in 2006 between two long-standing trade groups dating back to 1946, its mission includes advocacy for legislative interests as well as providing compliance training programs for hospitality workers throughout Florida.
