Leadership awards spotlight opportunity, community impact

Honoring industry leaders who help open doors, strengthen neighborhoods, and assist restaurant workers trying to build successful careers, was the focus of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s 2026 Restaurants Advance Leadership Awards, Oct. 27 at Union Station in Washington, D.C.

The celebration highlighted four signature honors: Inclusion Innovator, Community Champion, My Journey Leadership, and the Thad and Alice Eure Ambassador of Hospitality awards.

“Restaurants are where people come together to experience connection with others, and we know that the story of personal connection is especially true for the people who work in restaurants,” said National Restaurant Association and NRAEF President & CEO Michelle Korsmo. “The leaders we recognize tonight show that personal connection is very much about the personal and professional growth our industry offers – whether it’s in a first job or a career that shapes a lifetime. They’re focused on bettering the lives of everyone around them and show that leadership is more about who you bring along with you.”

Made in restaurants

The program emphasized what restaurant leadership makes possible for others: first chances, new skills, and a stronger path to advancement. American Express, PepsiCo, and Ecolab sponsored the event.

Susannah Ryan, Foundation Board Vice Chair and Head of Sales for National Restaurants at PepsiCo Away from Home, served as emcee of the event, and framed the evening around a shared idea: that restaurant careers and opportunities are “Made in Restaurants.” She emphasized the importance of mentorship, teamwork, and the ability to grow from a first job into a future leadership role. That theme connected the evening’s different award categories.

The Inclusion Innovator, which honors leadership that makes the industry more welcoming and creates opportunities for employees to contribute, advance and lead, was presented by the Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance, to Southern California-based restaurateur Kwini Reed, co-owner of Poppy & Rose, Poppy & Seed, and Root of All Food in Los Angeles.

The Community Champion award was presented by American Express to Charley Shin, Founder and CEO of the Charleys Cheesesteaks chain. The award recognized Shin’s charitable-giving efforts, dedication to serving others, and support for the community—work that extends hospitality beyond his restaurants’ front doors.

The My Journey Leadership award, celebrating perseverance and personal growth, with an emphasis on turning obstacles into opportunities, was presented to Alex Habeeb, a Lebanese immigrant who found success in the United States as a Taco John’s and Subway franchisee. The award, sponsored by PepsiCo, recognized Habeeb’s efforts to help others through mentorship, coaching, and encouragement.

The Thad and Alice Eure Ambassador of Hospitality award, sponsored by Ecolab, was presented to Scott Redler of Redler Hospitality. He was honored for his lifetime of service and leadership to the industry. Redler was recognized for his commitment to people, philanthropy, and efforts to strengthen and grow the restaurant industry.

“I’m very humbled by this award,” Redler said. “I’ve been very fortunate. I’ve worked hard, made good decisions, and had a lot of luck, and I wanted to leave the industry better than I found it at the beginning of my career. It’s an amazing thing to be able to help change a life, make it better, and give someone the opportunity of their lifetime.”

The ceremony also featured a special recognition for Gerry Fernandez, co-founder and former president of the Multicultural Foodservice & Hospitality Alliance. MFHA Leader Erika Cospy Carr accepted the award for Fernandez, who was unable to attend the event. She credited him with helping to build a stronger, more inclusive, restaurant community and expanding the industry’s commitment to its employees and customers.

Learn more about the Restaurant Advance Leadership Awards