The 2024 Suncoast ROSE Awards was a night of celebration, recognizing the best in hospitality, and Oysters Rock Hospitality couldn’t be prouder of its eight finalists. Held at the Palmetto Marriott and Spa, the night began with each nominee receiving a beautiful long-stemmed red rose and a congratulatory plaque, setting the tone for the evening.
The Parade of Roses
A highlight of the night was the Parade of Roses, where each finalist proudly marched with their roses before taking their seats. It was a stirring sight that perfectly captured the spirit of the event—recognizing those who go above and beyond in hospitality. Our team was part of this moment, representing Oysters Rock Hospitality with pride.
A Spectacular Dinner and Inspiring Speeches
After the parade, the evening continued with an incredible dinner featuring tender short ribs, a scallop and crab cake atop vibrant purple mashed potatoes. The meal was not only delicious but also a perfect reflection of the high standards of the night.
As the dinner concluded, the room was filled with stories of dedication, heroism, and kindness. From community leaders like the Executive Director of the Bradenton Area Convention and Visitors Bureau (BACVB) Elliott Falcione to our very own Eleni Sokos, heartwarming anecdotes highlighted the reasons why these nominees were so deserving. Many stories, including ones where nominees had gone above and beyond for their guests—even saving lives—showed the true impact of the hospitality industry.
One of the most powerful moments came from John Horne, Chairman of the FRLA and Oysters Rock Hospitality’s leader, who spoke passionately about the importance of the ROSE Awards. He shared how the hospitality industry is built on connection, empathy, and a commitment to making every guest’s experience special. John’s message resonated deeply, emphasizing how these finalists embody those values and serve as the backbone of the industry.
Recognizing Our Outstanding Finalists
Oysters Rock Hospitality is proud to celebrate the achievements of our eight finalists:
Linda Finnerty – Home Office: Linda’s unwavering dedication behind the scenes makes her a key player in ensuring seamless operations with her can-do attitude.
Nikki Thielen – Landside: With over 7 years of service, Nikki’s dedication and leadership have earned her a reputation as the most reliable team member.
Mareling Perez – Cortez: Mareling is a vital part of the kitchen, known for her willingness to assist front-of-house staff and for her culinary expertise.
Virginia Flores – Ellenton: Virginia’s positivity and meticulous attention to detail make her an indispensable part of the team.
Reyna Mania – Pier: Reyna’s leadership, especially in training new employees, has made her an invaluable member of the team since 2016.
Lauren Smith – UTC: Lauren’s infectious positivity and ability to bring the team together create a warm, family-like atmosphere at UTC.
Taylor Sparks – North Port: Taylor’s energy and leadership have made her a standout at North Port, ensuring both staff and guests feel valued and appreciated.
Marianna Stragepede – Café L’Europe: Marianna’s elegance, knowledge, and enthusiasm elevate the Café L’Europe experience, making every guest feel special.
Reflecting Our Core Values
These nominations are a reflection of Oysters Rock Hospitality’s core values:
- Integrity & Respect: Our team operates with transparency, honesty, and empathy, ensuring that every guest interaction is genuine.
- Community Engagement: We are committed to making the community better through our actions and presence.
- Best Food, Best Value, Cleanest Restaurant: Every finalist exemplifies our dedication to serving great food in a clean, friendly, and safe environment.
- Enthusiastic Hospitality: Our finalists embody our culture of warm, fun, and engaging service, making guests feel like family.
- Support & Accountability: We encourage our team to grow and develop leadership skills, and each of these nominees is a shining example of that.
- Personal Connection: We connect with our guests and team members alike, fostering loyalty and a culture of doing whatever it takes to ensure success.
The night was an incredible reflection of these values, and we couldn’t be prouder of our finalists for representing Oysters Rock Hospitality so well. Their hard work, dedication, and passion are the driving force behind our success, and we are honored to celebrate them.
