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). He was also inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame during the Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala held at Henderson Beach Resort in Destin.
Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA, said, “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. 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 restaurant and lodging operators as well as suppliers from across Florida for their contributions to hospitality. The Hall of Fame distinction is given to leaders who have made significant impacts on Florida’s hospitality sector over many years.
Dobrikow commented on his recognition: “I am deeply honored to be recognized as the 2025 Hall of Fame Hotelier of the Year by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. 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 of experience in hotel management and business leadership. He is known for building strong teams focused on service excellence. His previous roles include positions at 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.
He has also served in various community roles such as chairing both the Broward Workforce Development Board and Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. Additionally, he led FRLA’s Broward Chapter and participated in several civic organizations. Dobrikow’s work has earned him honors including being named one of Florida Trend’s Top 500 Most Influential Leaders.
The FRLA represents more than 10,000 members statewide including independent hoteliers and restaurateurs along with major franchises. Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association before merging with its hotel counterpart in 2006, it aims to protect and promote Florida’s $112 billion hospitality industry through advocacy efforts as well as regulatory compliance training programs.
