Burt Rapoport

Owner

Burt Rapoport is an award-winning restaurateur, hospitality leader, and third-generation restaurant operator who has helped shape South Florida's dining scene for more than three decades. As the founder and owner of Rapoport's Restaurant Group, he has built a reputation for delivering exceptional cuisine, genuine hospitality, and memorable guest experiences while creating some of the region's most recognized dining destinations.

Rapoport began his restaurant career in New York City, where his family owned and operated a successful kosher dairy restaurant for more than fifty years. Drawing on those early experiences, he developed a hospitality philosophy centered on quality, value, service, and creating a welcoming atmosphere for every guest.

Throughout his career, Rapoport has been recognized as an industry leader for his progressive vision, management style, and hospitality expertise. He previously served on the board of the South Florida Chapter of the American Institute of Wine and Food (AIWF) and spent more than a decade on the advisory board of Johnson & Wales University, one of the nation's leading culinary institutions.

His leadership and entrepreneurial achievements have earned numerous honors, including being named a 2017 Power Leader in Hospitality and a 2016 South Florida Ultimate CEO by the South Florida Business Journal, 2008 Business Leader of the Year by the Boca Raton Chamber of Commerce, and 2007 Restaurateur of the Year by Gold Life Boca, Gold Coast, and Palm Beacher magazines. His restaurant concepts have also received numerous Readers' Choice Awards from Boca Raton Magazine and Boca Observer Magazine, including recognition for Favorite Restaurant, Best Service, Best Business Lunch, Best Burger, Best Outdoor Dining, Best Bar/Pub and more.

Rapoport's commitment to excellence has earned recognition on both the local and national levels. In 2013, Rapoport's Restaurant Group received the Southeast DREAM BIG Small Business of the Year Award and the national Community Excellence Award from the United States Chamber of Commerce. He was also honored by his alma mater, Arizona State University, when he was inducted into the Sun Devil 100 program, recognizing successful alumni business leaders and entrepreneurs.

His dedication to fostering a positive workplace culture has also been recognized. Rapoport's Restaurant Group was named the number one medium-sized workplace in the South Florida Sun Sentinel's Top Workplaces 2020 rankings and later earned recognition as a Top Workplaces USA winner.

Today, Rapoport continues his hospitality legacy as the owner of Deck 84, one of South Florida's premier waterfront dining destinations. Known for his commitment to innovation, employee development, community involvement, and exceptional guest experiences, he remains one of the region's most respected and influential restaurateurs.