Eddie Nickell, co-owner of Funky Monkey Wine Company and Bananas Diner, is now the first openly gay president of the Central Florida chapter of the Florida Restaurant & Lodging Association (FRLA). Nickell was installed at a banquet Jan. 12, which featured a number of dishes from his restaurant kitchen and a drag show, with performers who frequently entertain at Funky Monkey and Bananas.
“I am thrilled to hold this position as a local restaurateur and the hospitality industry is very near and dear to me,” said Nickell. “The FRLA is also active in Tallahassee we fight for restaurant issues, we fight for our industry and a huge part of our mission is tourism in Florida and Orlando.”
The Central Florida FLRA has nearly 1,000 members, making it the largest in the state.
Photo courtesy Scott Joseph’s Orlando Restaurant Guide at ScottJosephOrlando.com.
