National Restaurant Association Announces Winners of Second Annual Faces of Diversity Award (Press Release)

-- Chain Leader, 5/18/2008

(Washington, D.C.)  The National Restaurant Association today announced the winners of its Faces of Diversity awards at a ceremony held during the Association's 2008 Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show. The restaurant and foodservice industry is one of the most diverse industries in America, and prides itself on including individuals from a wide range of backgrounds and cultures. Winners in two award categories-the American Dream Award and the Inspiration Award-were recognized for inspirational success stories and exceptional efforts to embrace diversity.

"Diversity and inclusion is vital to running a successful business, and there are no better examples of this than the individuals and companies we are honoring with our Faces of Diversity awards," said Dawn Sweeney, President and CEO of the Association. "This year's winners of the Inspiration Award and American Dream Award represent the many incredible success stories of our industry and the commitment of companies in the restaurant industry to embrace diversity and inclusion. We are proud to celebrate their accomplishments."

The winners of the American Dream award are:

Eddie Flores, owner and operator, L&L Hawaiian Barbecue: One of seven children born in Hong Kong to a Filipino father and Chinese mother, Flores and his family struggled to make ends meet while he faced serious learning challenges. Eventually immigrating to Hawaii, Eddie persevered and earned a degree from the University of Hawaii and purchased a restaurant - L&L Hawaiian Barbecue. Today, he has more than 185 locations in 10 states. Flores is the author of two acclaimed business books and holds a master's degree in business.

Henry Garcia, first Hispanic owner/operator, McDonald's: Growing up during the Great Depression, Garcia joined the United States Army and was honored with the Purple Heart in the Korean War. After returning to civilian life, he was inspired by an article in the Wall Street Journal in the late 1960's saying that franchise companies were looking for minorities and approached McDonalds. He graduated from Hamburger University and opened a store - becoming McDonald's first Hispanic owner/operator. In 1977, Garcia formed the McDonald's Hispanic Owner/Operator Association, now with 261 members operating 851 restaurants in 35 states.

Nicole Jackson, Director of Training, Whataburger: Jackson grew up poor and believed that the American dream didn't apply to her. After dropping out of vocational school, Jackson applied for a job at a local McDonald's and ninety days later, was promoted to shift leader. Soon she began to take basic operations and management classes, working long and moving up rapidly. She went on to become a general manager at Krystal's - eventually overseeing seven stores - before accepting her current position at Whataburger.

The Inspiration Award winners are:

Carlson Restaurants Worldwide: Diversity is an integral part to Carlson's management, organization, business strategy and culture. Carlson created a mentoring program for women and minorities to help new managers with advice and encouragement on moving up in the organization. The company also formed training programs to ensure that all staff learns the Carlson culture of inclusion.

Kimpton Hotels & Restaurants: Kimpton has established a culture in which employees are celebrated and embraced as individuals, as well as recognized for their unique contributions and diversity of thought based on background and perspective. In 2002, Kimpton formally created a Diversity Initiative. Every senior leader at Kimpton participates in diversity training.
Faces of Diversity, created by the Association in partnership with PepsiCo Foodservice, aims to celebrate the restaurant industry's successes and inspire restaurateurs to embrace inclusion and expand their 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.

For more information about the Faces of Diversity program, the 2008 award winners and finalists, visit www.restaurant.org/diversity<http://www.restaurant.org/diversity>.