When the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association’s statewide leadership gathered for a board meeting last week in Key West, a major member was missing: Orlando-basedDarden Restaurants Inc.
The world’s largest casual-dining company is quietly ending its longtime affiliation with the trade group, which represents hotels and restaurants throughout the state. Industry experts say Darden’s departure will cost the association, which lobbies the Legislature and governor on hospitality issues, some of its political clout.
“Darden’s so big – FRLA needs them,” said H.G. Parsa, a restaurant professor at the University of Central Florida’s hospitality college. “It’s like a mall losing a Sears or a JCPenney – that’s the anchor.”