Longtime Sarasota restaurateur Dick Rivera has been named the 2025 Lifetime Achievement Award winner by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA). Rivera was formally inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame at the Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala, held at Henderson Beach Resort in Destin.
Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA, praised Rivera’s impact on 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,” Dover said. “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 gala honors operators and suppliers from across Florida for their work in hospitality. The Hall of Fame recognizes individuals whose careers have made significant contributions to Florida’s hospitality sector.
Rivera expressed gratitude upon receiving his award. “I’m so humbled to receive this award; it’s an incredible honor for a lifetime of work,” he said during his acceptance speech. “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 is founder of Suncoast Hospitality Partners LLC based in Sarasota. His ventures include Vin Cella, TGI Friday’s, Marlow’s Tavern, Brick’s Smoked Meats, and Clasico Italian Chophouse. Rubicon Enterprises—an affiliated company—owns or operates 26 restaurants nationwide.
Over his career spanning more than 50 years, Rivera started at Steak and Ale Restaurants before taking executive roles at Darden Restaurants, Longhorn Steakhouse, TGI Friday’s Inc., Applebee’s and El Chico Corp.
He has received multiple recognitions such as Nation’s Restaurant News’ Golden Chain award and Restaurant Business Leadership Award; he also holds accolades like International Foodservice Manufacturers Association Silver Plate and FIU’s Michael E. Hurst Hospitality Leadership Award.
Rivera serves on boards including Golden Corral Corporation and Ringling College of Art and Design; he previously chaired both National Restaurant Association and Florida Citrus Sports Association.
He holds degrees from Washington and Lee University (bachelor) as well as an honorary doctorate from Johnson & Wales University; he is also a U.S Army veteran.
The FRLA represents over 10,000 members throughout Florida—including hotels, restaurants franchises—and provides advocacy along with training programs for regulatory compliance and food safety through its subsidiaries Safe Staff and RCS Training; its Educational Foundation supports high school career-building programs statewide.
