To recognize the restaurant industry’s commitment to diversity and to celebrate individuals in the restaurant industry who are living the American dream, the National Restaurant Association and PepsiCo Foodservice created the annual Faces of Diversity awards program.

The American Dream Award honors individuals from a diverse background who, through hard work and determination, have realized the American dream.

The Inspiration Award recognizes a company that has exhibited leadership and vision as an advocate of diversity and inclusion and provided opportunity for others to pursue their dreams.

Please check back for winners to be announced soon.

See the winners! American Dream Awards Inspiration Awards

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

In the program’s inaugural year, the Association honored three individuals with the national American Dream Award:

• Koshy Chacko, president of the Fair Deal Cafe in White Plains, New York
• Atour Eyvazian, a Jack in the Box franchisee from Sacramento, California
• Bo Kline, chef/owner of Typhoon!, in Portland, Oregon

The national Inspiration Award went to two companies:

• Darden Restaurants, with locations nationwide
• Sushi Neko, in Oklahoma City, Oklahoma

Thanks to the perseverance and hard work of the companies and individuals honored by the Faces of Diversity Awards, restaurants across America are thriving. We hope you take inspiration from this up-close look at the dreams these winners aspired to, the obstacles they overcame and the live they built for themselves in America and in the restaurant business.