Imagine starting with nothing, but now it’s a landmark.

– Virginia Ali
Ben’s Chili Bowl
Washington, D.C.

Watch the Faces of Diversity Awards 2009 video

Pepsico Foodservice is the proud sponsor and founding partner of the NRA's Faces of Diversity Awards.

The restaurant industry is a cornerstone of the American economy, employing 9 percent of the U.S. workforce. The restaurant industry’s workforce is more diverse than any other sector. It consists of men and women come from around the world – and here in the United States – who work to achieve the American Dream in one of the nation’s 945,000 restaurants.

The National Restaurant Association and PepsiCo Foodservice honor those who have realized the American Dream in the restaurant industry. Our annual Faces of Diversity Awards recognize honors four winners and 12 finalists who have realized the American Dream through hard work and determination.

Through their hard work and perseverance, they inspire others that the American Dream is possible. And they show that it often starts in a restaurant.

Congratulations to the 2009 winners!

American Dream Awards

• Ben & Virginia Ali, Ben's Chili Bowl, Washington, D.C.
• Amy Matsuno, Amy's on the Bay, Port Orchard, Wash.
• Siraj Virani, Dunkin Donuts, Chicago

Inspiration Award

• McDonald's Corporation, Oakbrook Park, Ill.

American Dream Award Finalists

• View all finalists

See 2008 Award Winners »