Anna Maria Oyster Bar first in Florida to earn award for enhanced COVID-19 safety
The Anna Maria Oyster Bar restaurant, 525 51st Ave. E., Ellenton, is the first restaurant in the state to achieve the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association’s Seal of Commitment.
The award is for demonstrating dedication to enhanced safety and sanitation practices during the COVID-19 pandemic.
“That’s fantastic. It shows that people are concerned and that’s something we all need to be doing,” said John Horne, owner of AMOB.
In June, an employee at the same restaurant tested positive for COVID-19. That worker recovered at home. Horne elected to keep the restaurant open, intensify cleaning and sanitation practices, and require customers to wear masks, rather than shutting down the operation.
“We wanted to be the first restaurant to receive the FRLA Seal of Commitment as we feel it is so important to not only talk the talk but walk the walk in keeping our restaurants safe and secure for our guests and our staff during these crazy times,” Horne said. “Having the FRLA’s Seal behind us lets our guests know loud and clear that we are committed to everyone’s healthy return to our – and all – restaurants in Florida.”
Michael’s on East, 1212 S. East Ave., Sarasota, is among 11 other businesses that also received the FRLA Seal. None of the other recipients are in the Bradenton-Sarasota or Tampa Bay area.
“We are honored to be the first in the state. We hope there will be many more,” Horne said.
To qualify for the seal, businesses must ensure that all managers have a current food manager certification, all employees have a current Florida food handler certificate, and all employees have completed the FRLA COVID-19 Sanitation & Safety Course. Additionally, establishments must meet specific sanitation standards outlined in the FRLA Seal of Commitment Guidelines. Once compliance with these guidelines is confirmed, FRLA will award the Seal of Commitment.
The Seal of Commitment recognizes businesses for their dedication to sanitation excellence, said Carol Dover, president and CEO of the FRLA.
“Through this achievement, they are prioritizing the safety and health of their employees and guests. We applaud them for their extraordinary efforts to go above and beyond to ensure cleanliness and safety while building consumer confidence. We encourage all of our wonderful hotels and restaurants to pursue the Seal of Commitment,” Dover said.
The award recognizes the business’ investment to ensure the establishment, staff, and guests remain safe and healthy. In a post COVID-19 atmosphere, when guests see an FRLA Seal of Commitment sticker on an establishment’s door, they can be confident that the business is committed to sanitation excellence and protecting employees and guests, the association said in a press release.
To learn more about the FRLA Seal of Commitment or to apply for designation, visit www.frla.org/sealofcommitment.
This story was originally published July 23, 2020 at 2:07 PM.
