Andrea Frager
Andrea Frager is the General Manager of Lah De Dah Beach Bar & Grill at the Margaritaville Fort Myers Beach Resort in Fort Myers, Florida. Born into the restaurant business, as her mother owned a restaurant during her childhood, and with a father who ran an electrical contracting company, Andrea developed a unique blend of hospitality and technical expertise early on. She earned a degree in Electrical Automation from the University of Missouri St. Louis and holds nationwide electrical certifications, but her career path ultimately led her to Florida’s vibrant food and beverage industry. Over the past 11 years, Andrea has progressed from server and bartender at Pinschers to assistant event manager, and later to country club management, honing her skills in guest relations, operations, and event coordination before joining Margaritaville.
Andrea began at Margaritaville as an assistant manager and quickly rose to manager, and shortly after returning from maternity leave, she was promoted to General Manager, a role she has held for the past year. In her current position, she oversees the full operations of an $8 million-a-year restaurant, managing everything from front-of-house service to back-of-house operations. Her expertise spans restaurant management, employee relations, training, and team development. Andrea is deeply committed to mentoring her staff, cross-training team members across venues, creating engaging contests to drive sales, and fostering a supportive, fun, and growth-oriented environment.
Passionate about delivering memorable guest experiences, Andrea is hands-on in every aspect of her work, from checking tables and ensuring smooth service to adding personalized touches such as commemorative gifts for celebrations. Known for her exceptional memory and attention to detail, she remembers guests’ preferences, stories, and personal touches from years past, building lasting relationships that define the Margaritaville experience. Andrea’s dedication, leadership, and personal touch make her a respected and influential figure in the hospitality community, combining operational excellence with genuine care for her team and guests alike.
• Certified in Electrical Contracting
• University of Missouri–St. Louis - BS, Electrical Automation
• Most Reviews in a Single Month for Any Margaritaville-Associated Restaurant Worldwide
What do you attribute your success to?
I would honestly say I'm most proud of the reviews, because to be nominated number one and it wasn't just in the country, it was Margaritaville's Worldwide, that's probably my biggest accolade as a general manager. They sent the president of Margaritaville down, the head himself, to congratulate me on the good deeds, so I think that's why that one means so much to me, because it was so heartfelt and the recognition came straight from the top. But I would say my favorite is when I'm grooming my management team, and all of my team underneath me has been promoted, and they do quite well once they're out of my care, so I'd say that's probably what I'm the most proud of. It's just what it's all about.
What are the biggest challenges or opportunities in your field right now?
The rising influence of online reviews (Google) on business; the importance of guest experience and reputation management; staffing realities that make cross-training and internal development valuable. Andrea also noted the financial opportunity in Florida's food & beverage market compared with other locations.
What values are most important to you in your work and personal life?
Mentorship, employee development, attention to detail, and putting guest experience first.