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). Dobrikow 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, commented on Dobrikow’s recognition: “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 reserved for leaders whose years of dedication have made a significant impact on the industry.
Dobrikow expressed his appreciation for being honored: “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.”
With over three decades in hospitality management—including roles 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—Dobrikow is known for building high-performing teams and fostering cultures focused on care and service.
His community involvement includes chairing organizations such as Broward Workforce Development Board and Greater Fort Lauderdale Chamber of Commerce. He also led FRLA’s Broward Chapter and contributed to several civic groups. His leadership has earned him honors including Florida Trend’s Top 500 Most Influential Leaders and FAU’s South Florida Business Leader of the Year.
Founded in 1946 as the Florida Restaurant Association before merging with the Florida Hotel and Motel Association in 2006, FRLA represents over 10,000 members from independent hoteliers to major franchises. Its mission focuses on advocacy for its members’ interests through legislative efforts while providing regulatory compliance training programs like Safe Staff via RCS Training. The association’s educational foundation supports career-building programs statewide for high school students interested in hospitality careers.
