At the 2024 Hospitality Stars of the Industry Gala, held by the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA), Horace Dawson was awarded the Restaurateur of the Year title and inducted into the FRLA Hall of Fame. The event took place at Sunseeker Resort in Charlotte Harbor after being postponed due to Hurricane Milton.
Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA, praised Dawson's impact on Florida’s restaurant landscape. "Horace Dawson’s decades of leadership in the hospitality industry, paired with his extensive legal background and contributions, have left an indelible mark on Florida’s restaurant landscape," said Dover. She further acknowledged his role in stabilizing iconic brands like Red Lobster during transitional periods.
The gala honors individuals from across Florida for their significant contributions to hospitality. The Hall of Fame recognition is reserved for those who have significantly impacted Florida's hospitality sector through service and leadership.
Dawson recently retired as CEO of Red Lobster, which operates over 700 locations globally. His career includes roles such as Executive Vice President and General Counsel at Red Lobster and Vice President and Division General Counsel for Darden Restaurants. He also worked at Akerman LLP and held a senior position at Hard Rock Café International during its expansion phase. Dawson holds degrees from Harvard University and has served on several boards including FRLA and the National Restaurant Association.
Reflecting on his recognition, Dawson stated, “Receiving this recognition is a tremendous honor, reflecting the dedication and passion of the great teams I’ve worked with.”
The FRLA is a non-profit trade association representing Florida's hospitality industry. It offers advocacy, regulatory compliance training, and educational programs to support its members.