Carl’s Seafood Restaurant owner receives Caribbean Chamber’s 2005 Small Business Person of the Year Award
LAUDERDALE LAKES – Carl Dixon, owner of Carl’s Seafood Restaurant, a landmark in the City of Lauderdale Lakes since 2000, was presented with the Greater Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce’s “2005 Small Business Person of the Year Award.”
The presentation was made at the Chamber’s 12th Annual Banquet and Installation of Officers Ceremony on Friday, March 4, 2006, at Diamante’s Banquet Hall, Tamarac, Florida.
Carl Dixon receiving his award from Caribbean Chamber President, Tanya Ragbeer
The 42-year-old restaurateur started out in the business over 25 years ago in his homeland of Jamaica. According to Tanya Ragbeer, President of the Greater Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce, “Mr. Dixon is very involved in the local community, has participated in many Chamber events and makes himself available at short notice on numerous occasions.”
Dixon is known for volunteering his time and resources for various events, including UNIFEST, an annual GCCAC event. He has contributed immensely to numerous church groups, the Fort Lauderdale Veterans Association and local school chapters. In 2005 he played a major financial role in the hosting of the first World Youth Netball Champions in the United States held at the Broward County Convention Center in Ft. Lauderdale. Dixon also came to the aid of several families affected by Hurricane Wilma last year, providing meals and assistance in other needed areas.
“Dixon is dedicated, hard working and loves what he does,” says Ragbeer and, at any given time, can be seen around the clock working at his grill in his flagship location at 3934 North State Road 7, Lauderdale Lakes. Patrons who flock to the restaurant and are used to waiting in long cues just to get their share of Carl’s famous Jamaican and Chinese cuisine will have the option of another location in a few weeks. Dixon proudly announced a second location for his restaurant popularly referred to as ‘Little Ochi’.
The second restaurant will be located at 7551 West Oakland Park Boulevard, Lauderhill, and is scheduled to open in April 2006.
The GCACC’s Small Business Person of the Year Award is based on several criteria. The recipient must:
a) Be a current member of the Greater Caribbean American Chamber of Commerce
b) Be in business at least two years and have fewer than 50 employees
c) Be an owner or partner of the business and actively involved in its day-to-day management
d) Show business growth or another measurable indicator of business success in the past twelve months.
To learn more about this award or to nominate a member for the coveted 2006 Small Business Person of the Year Award, contact the Chamber’s office at (954) 730-8885 or visit their website at www.gcacc.com.
