TALLAHASSEE, Fla. – Florida Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam announced today that the Florida Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services has partnered with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association to expand its “Fresh From Florida: On the Menu” program, which highlights restaurants that feature “Fresh From Florida” products on their menus. The partnership has already yielded 50 restaurants around the state that are in the process of becoming “Fresh From Florida: On the Menu” restaurants, bringing the total number of restaurants in the program to 75.
“Partnering with the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association is a natural fit for our ‘Fresh From Florida: On the Menu’ program, and we’ve already tripled the number of restaurants participating in the program,” stated Commissioner of Agriculture Adam H. Putnam. “I thank Carol Dover for her support, and we look forward to ensuring that every Floridian and visitor can enjoy fresh Florida cuisine.”
“We are thrilled to partner with the Department of Agriculture and Consumer Services to help showcase the Sunshine State’s unique flavors at venues that feature ‘Fresh from Florida’ ingredients,” said Carol Dover, President and CEO of the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association. “We applaud Commissioner Putnam’s efforts to promote local cuisine and are thrilled to help support this wonderful program that gives Floridians and visitors another opportunity to enjoy dining experiences at exceptional establishments.”
The following restaurants are becoming “Fresh From Florida: On the Menu” restaurants:
· Yardbird – Miami Beach
· Swine – Coral Gables
· Bodega Taqueria y Tequila – Miami Beach
· Blue Bamboo – Jacksonville
· Lexington Hotel & Conference Center – St. Johns Café – Jacksonville
· Beech Street Bar & Grill – Fernandina Beach
· Grinders American Diner – Jacksonville
· Terra & Acqua – St. Augustine
· 101 Restaurant – Tallahassee
· BurgerFi – 30 locations throughout Florida (from Tallahassee to Miami)
· Bistro – Jupiter
· BellaBrava – St. Petersburg
· Stillwaters Tavern – St. Petersburg
· Sergio’s – Miami (6 restaurants / 2 cafes)
· Captain’s Table – Punta Gorda
· Village Fish Market & Restaurant – Punta Gorda
FRLA is a non-profit hospitality industry trade association that represents more than 10,000 members across the state.
“Fresh From Florida: On The Menu” restaurants feature delicious, fresh ingredients from Florida, including produce grown by local farmers and seafood caught in Florida's waters. Restaurants must apply with the department and certify that they are sourcing products from Florida. Once part of the free program, members can use the iconic “Fresh From Florida” logo in promotional materials as well as their menu. For more information, visit FreshFromFlorida.com.
Source: Florida Department of Agriculture & Consumer Services