May 12, 2009
Contact: Annika Stensson (202) 973-3677, Maureen Ryan (202) 331-5939

(Washington, D.C.) The National Restaurant Association is honoring McDonald's Corporation, headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., as the recipient of its Faces of Diversity Award in the Inspiration category at a ceremony to be held during the Association's upcoming 2009 Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show in Chicago. The National Restaurant Association's Faces of Diversity awards celebrate diversity and inclusion in the restaurant-and-foodservice industry and among the industry's 13 million employees. Four winners in two categories—the American Dream Award for individuals and the Inspiration Award for restaurant companies—are being recognized for inspirational success stories and exceptional efforts to embrace diversity.

"McDonald's sets the standard for embracing a culture of diversity and inclusion among its employees on all levels," said Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO of the Association. "By putting their employees first, McDonald's has created an employee friendly environment and has a long track-record of being recognized for its efforts.We are proud to present McDonald's with the Faces of Diversity Inspiration Award for their outstanding commitment to diversity."

McDonald's has been recognized by several organizations and publications as a “Best Place to Work” for African Americans, Hispanics, Asians and people with disabilities. The McDonald’s system supports five employee business networks for African Americans, Hispanics, Asians, women and gay/lesbian/allies. The networks host networking symposiums every two years.

McDonald’s also offers a diversity education curriculum with classes such as “Winning with Inclusion and Diversity,” as well as career development coursework for women and minorities. Its online mentoring program allows employees to find mentors according to their needs and preferences.

Diversity is apparent at all levels of the organization. More than half of McDonald’s leaders, directors/senior directors, managers and restaurant managers are women and people of color and 43 percent of franchisees are women and minorities.

McDonald’s also is committed to a diverse supply system. In the United States, it buys more than $5 billion annually in goods and services from minority and women-owned suppliers. That represents more than half the company’s spending on food and paper.

The Faces of Diversity awards program, created by the Association in partnership with PepsiCo Foodservice, celebrates the restaurant industry's successes and inspires restaurateurs to embrace inclusion and expand diversity efforts. The American Dream Award honors individuals from diverse backgrounds who, through hard work and determination, have realized the American dream. The Inspiration Award honors restaurant companies that have exhibited leadership and vision as an advocate of diversity and inclusion.

The winners of the Faces of Diversity American Dream Award are Siraj Virani, Dunkin' Donuts franchisee, Chicago; Ben and Virginia Ali, Ben's Chili Bowl, Washington, D.C., and Amy Matsuno, Amy's on the Bay, Port Orchard, Washington. For more information about the Faces of Diversity awards program, visit www.restaurant.org/diversity.

The Faces of Diversity Awards ceremony will be held at the 2009 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show® in Chicago on Sunday, May 17 at 2 p.m. during the General Session & Keynote Executive Panel.

Celebrating its 90th year, the annual National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show is the largest single gathering of restaurant, foodservice and lodging professionals. NRA Show 2009 will be held May 16-19, at McCormick Place in Chicago. The event attracts attendees and visitors from all 50 states and 100+ countries, and showcases more products, services, innovative ideas and other growth opportunities than any other industry event. For more information, visit the Show Web site at www.restaurant.org/show.