The Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA) announced the first 12 restaurants and hotels to achieve the FRLA Seal of Commitment on 07/24/2020, demonstrating their dedication to enhanced safety and sanitation practices. Anna Maria Oyster Bar was the first restaurant in the state of Florida to achieve the Seal of Commitment. This award is for demonstrating dedication to enhanced safety and sanitation practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We wanted to be the first restaurant to receive the FRLA Seal of Commitment as we feel it is so important to not only talk the talk but walk the walk in keeping our restaurants safe and secure for our guests and our staff during these crazy times,” said John Horne, Owner and President, Anna Maria Oyster Bar. “Having the FRLA’s Seal behind us lets our guests know loud and clear that we are committed to everyone’s healthy return to our – and all – restaurants in Florida.”
“FRLA is incredibly proud to designate these establishments with our Seal of Commitment for their dedication to sanitation excellence,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “Through this achievement, they are prioritizing the safety and health of their employees and guests. We applaud them for their extraordinary efforts to go above and beyond to ensure cleanliness and safety while building consumer confidence. We encourage all of our wonderful hotels and restaurants to pursue the Seal of Commitment.”
Awarded establishments have invested considerable resources to ensure the establishment, staff, and guests remain safe and healthy. In a post COVID-19 atmosphere, when guests see an FRLA Seal of Commitment sticker on an establishment’s door, they can be confident that the business is committed to sanitation excellence and protecting employees and guests.
To qualify for the FRLA Seal of Commitment, businesses must ensure that all managers have a current food manager certification, all employees have a current Florida food handler certificate, and all employees have completed the FRLA COVID-19 Sanitation & Safety Course. Additionally, establishments must meet specific sanitation standards outlined in the FRLA Seal of Commitment Guidelines. Once compliance with these guidelines is confirmed, FRLA will award the Seal of Commitment.
“We are honored to be the first in the state. We hope there will be many more,” Horne said.
To learn more about the FRLA Seal of Commitment or to apply for designation, visit www.frla.org/sealofcommitment.
