2012 Faces of Diversity Award Winners

2012 Faces of Diversity Award

To help the restaurant industry celebrate its successes and to inspire others, the National Restaurant Association and PepsiCo Foodservice created the Faces of Diversity award. This awards promotes the importance of diversity and inclusion by raising awareness about the important role restaurants in providing a ladder of opportunity for millions of Americans who, through hard work and determination, have realized the American dream.

Each year, three winners are selected for this prestigious award. Winners are flown to Washington, DC for an awards dinner during the National Restaurant Association Public Affairs Conference in April 2012. A $2,500 scholarship is also made in the name of each winner to a student pursuing a career in the hospitality industry.

Jorge Levy
Desperados Mexican Restaurant
Dallas, TX
Watch his story		 Leah Chase
Dooky Chase Restaurant
New Orleans, LA
Watch her story		 Bahjat Shariff
Howley Bread Group, d.b.a. Panera Bread
Cumberland, RI
Watch his story



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

The American Dream often begins in a restaurant. Whether born in the United States or abroad, raised in humble or affluent homes, restaurateurs embody drive and determination. Whatever challenges they face, they persevere to achieve their dream.

Each year, the National Restaurant Association and PepsiCo Foodservice celebrate those who achieve the American Dream in the restaurant industry. Our annual Faces of Diversity awards honor restaurateurs who show the enterprise and dedication to realize the American Dream and inspire others. The three American Dream awards are for individual restaurateurs. The Inspiration Award honors one company.

We also salute the diversity of the restaurant-industry workforce. It’s 12.7 million people strong and represents 9 percent of the U.S. workforce. Without them, the restaurant industry wouldn’t be the economic force it is and the means for achieving the American Dream.