National Restaurant Association Announces Winners of 2009 Faces of Diversity Awards Social Media News Release

Social Media News Release

May 11, 2009
National Restaurant Association Announces Winners of 2009 Faces of Diversity Awards

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Faces of Diversity Awards

The Faces of Diversity awards program, created by the National Restaurant Association in partnership with PepsiCo Foodservice, celebrates diversity and inclusion in the restaurant-and-foodservice industry and among the industry's 13 million employees.

News Highlights

The National Restaurant Association today announced the winners of its third annual Faces of Diversity awards.
Recipients will receive their award at a ceremony held during the Association's 2009 Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show, May 16-19, at McCormick Place in Chicago.
Winners in two categories are recognized for inspirational success stories and exceptional efforts to embrace diversity. 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.
This year, there are three American Dream Award winners and one Inspiration Award winner.
The Faces of Diversity awards program, created by the National Restaurant Association in partnership with PepsiCo Foodservice, celebrates diversity and inclusion in the restaurant-and-foodservice industry and among the industry's 13 million employees.
Ben and Virginia Ali, founders of Washington, D.C., landmark Ben's Chili Bowl receives the American Dream Award.
Amy Igloi Matsuno, owner of Amy's on the Bay in Port Orchard, Wash., receives the American Dream Award
Siraj Virani, Dunkin' Donuts franchisee in Chicago receives the American Dream Award.
McDonald's Corporation, headquartered in Oak Brook, Ill., receives the Inspiration Award.
For more information about the Faces of Diversity program, the 2009 award winners and finalists, visit www.restaurant.org/diversity.
Read full news release.

Quote

"The restaurant and foodservice industry is one of the most diverse industries in America, and prides itself on representing and serving those from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. The Faces of Diversity awards are a great way to acknowledge the many incredible success stories of our industry, and the commitment of restaurant companies to embrace diversity and inclusion. We are proud to celebrate these accomplishments."

— Dawn Sweeney, National Restaurant Association President and CEO

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Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association is the leading business association for the restaurant industry, which is comprised of 945,000 restaurant and foodservice outlets and a work force of 13 million employees. Together with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the Association works to lead America’s restaurant industry into a new era of prosperity, prominence, and participation, enhancing the quality of life for all we serve. For more information, visit our Web site at www.restaurant.org.