Washington, DC, March 28, 2019 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- Today, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) announced its national winners for the 2019 Restaurant Industry Awards, celebrating diversity and inclusion, community service and leadership in the restaurant industry.
The NRAEF honored the winners during a special VIP dinner in Washington, D.C., where each winner shared their story of overcoming personal challenges and giving back to the community.
“Every year we look forward to celebrating the people who make our industry inclusive, generous and exciting,” said Rob Gifford, Executive Vice President of the NRAEF. “The Foundation is thrilled and honored to recognize the people and businesses that truly embody these values.”
Restaurant Neighbor Award (RNA) Winners
The Restaurant Neighbor Award, developed in partnership with American Express, highlights outstanding local and national charitable service and philanthropy. RNA winners receive a $10,000 contribution in their name to support the charitable organization or program of their choice. This year’s winners include:
Faces of Diversity Award Winners
The Faces of Diversity award, sponsored by PepsiCo Foodservice, honors champions of diversity and inclusion and restaurateurs who have achieved the American Dream. This year’s winners include:
Thad and Alice Eure Ambassador of Hospitality Award
In honor of Thad and Alice Eure, the Ambassador of Hospitality Award, sponsored by Ecolab, is bestowed upon an industry leader who displays an unwavering commitment to elevating and advancing the restaurant and foodservice industry. This year’s winner is Roz Mallet, President and CEO, PhaseNext Hospitality.
Over her 40-year career, Mallet has worked in almost every area of the foodservice and hospitality industry. Her tremendous talent, high standards, values and strong focus on diversity and inclusion make her an outstanding advocate and inspiration for people from all backgrounds building a future in restaurants. Mallet was elected to the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation board in 2006, elected National Restaurant Association Treasurer in 2010, the Association’s Vice Chair in 2011 and Chair in 2012. She also serves on the boards of Northcutt Hospitality, Share Our Strength, TDn2K and Visit Dallas, and received the Trailblazer Award from the Women’s Foodservice Forum for her work to advance women leaders across the industry. Watch her video here.
For more information on each winner, including images and videos, visit ChooseRestaurants.org.
About the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation: As the philanthropic foundation of the National Restaurant Association, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation’s mission of service to the public is dedicated to enhancing the industry’s training and education, career development and community engagement efforts. The NRAEF and its programs work to Attract, Empower and Advance today’s and tomorrow’s restaurant and foodservice workforce. NRAEF programs include: ProStart® – a high-school career and technical education program; Restaurant Ready – partnering with community based organizations to provide “opportunity youth” with skills training and job opportunities; Military – helping military servicemen and women transition their skills to restaurant and foodservice careers; Scholarships – financial assistance for students pursuing restaurant, foodservice and hospitality degrees; and, the Hospitality Sector Registered Apprenticeship project – a partnership with the American Hotel & Lodging Association providing a hospitality apprenticeship program for the industry. For more information on the NRAEF, visit ChooseRestaurants.org.
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