Restaurants Advance Leadership Awards
Learn about the 2024 award recipients
One of the key roles of the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF) is to help raise awareness of the positive impact restaurants have in their communities and the role the industry plays as champions of diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI).
Our Restaurants Advance Leadership Awards support this mission with the Inclusion Innovator Award, the Community Champion Award, the My Journey Award, and the Ambassador of Hospitality Award. The NRAEF will designate a special $2,500 scholarship to be awarded to a future restaurant leader in each winner’s name. These awards are described in detail, below.
Leadership in Inclusion Award
Recognizes an innovative individual who has demonstrated exceptional leadership in the use of cultural intelligence to improve his or her operation’s team or guest experience and to promote growth in their community and the overall industry.
Criteria
The Leadership in Inclusion Award will go to an individual who:
- Demonstrates the power of inclusion and innovation in building a strong culture and improving customer service.
- Promotes a work environment where people from all backgrounds thrive.
- Creates job and career opportunities for people from all backgrounds.
- Establishes a supportive workplace and sense of belonging for both employees and customers.
- Sets the standard with employees for inclusive leadership and drives memorable guest experience for patrons of all backgrounds.
Community Champion Leadership Award
presented by American Express
Honors restaurants for their significant and measurable contributions made to the communities and neighborhoods in which they do business. Honorees of this award make lasting, positive impacts in the community through charitable donations, fundraising, volunteerism and community support, and are expected to embrace qualities of professionalism, hospitality, civic-mindedness and the care for their community.
Criteria
The Community Champion Leadership Award will go to an individual who:
- Influences and addresses a community need(s)
- Enhances the quality of life for community residents
- Demonstrates acts of civic engagement through a commitment to the community and its well-being
- Embraces community service and volunteerism as an ongoing priority and commitment
My Journey Leadership Award
presented by PepsiCo
Recognizes an individual who has overcome adversity to excel both personally and professionally in the restaurant industry, made a positive impact, set high standards as a leader and mentor, and created opportunities for others.
Criteria
The My Journey Leadership Award will go to an individual who:
- Has found success through a career in the restaurant, foodservice and hospitality industry
- Is committed to uplifting and inspiring others as a leader and mentor
- Has overcome obstacles, adversities and/or challenges to achieve their dream and build a future in the industry
Thad and Alice Eure Ambassador of Hospitality Award
presented by Ecolab
Honors a person who shows extraordinary achievement and exemplary leadership in the industry. The recipient reflects the Foundation’s mission and uses his or her leadership to enhance the stature of the industry through community service and philanthropy.
Criteria
The Thad and Alice Eure Ambassador of Hospitality Award will go to an individual who:
- Is a strong supporter of the industry, the NRAEF, and the National Restaurant Association
- Shows leadership in the community and at the state, regional, and national levels
- Shows extraordinary leadership and is highly regarded across the industry
- Serves as a tireless champion for restaurant workers from all backgrounds
- Is a “best-in-class” role model for the next generation of industry leaders
- Has a track record of putting people and communities first and creates opportunity
Awards FAQs
What will the winners receive?
NRAEF will award a $2,500 scholarship to a future restaurant leader in each winner’s name. Winners will be invited to receive their awards in person in Washington, D.C.
Who is eligible for a Restaurants Advance Leadership Award?
Each award will recognize an individual for their positive impact. Please submit nominations accordingly. Employees of the National Restaurant Association, the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, their affiliates, award sponsors, and state restaurant associations and state restaurant association educational foundations are not eligible. Other restrictions on eligibility may apply and can be found in the award application.
Can I nominate someone in more than one category?
Yes! A single nominee may be submitted for multiple awards.
When can I nominate an individual for a Restaurants Advance Leadership Award?
Nominations will be open through July 6, 2025. Access to the nomination form on this page and at https://chooserestaurants.org/awards
When will winners be notified?
Winners will be notified on or before August 15, 2025.
How do I submit a nomination?
Submit a nomination form at ChooseRestaurants.org/Awards.
How are the award winners selected?
As more specifically detailed in the award application, our Restaurants Advance Leadership Award winners are chosen by a diverse industry panel representing a wide range of perspectives and expertise. This ensures that our recognition truly reflects the richness and variety of talent within our community.
Want more information? Email comms@nraef.org.
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