The NRAEF’s Restaurant Neighbor Award honors restaurateurs for their philanthropic efforts and dedication to giving back to their community. 

The National Restaurant Association’s Educational Foundation is accepting nominations for its 2016 Restaurant Neighbor, Ambassador of Hospitality and Faces of Diversity American Dream awards. Applications and nomination forms are available online at NRAEF.org/Awards until Oct. 30, 2015.

“This distinguished national awards program is dedicated to acknowledging the quiet leaders and humanitarians creating impact in their organization or community every day,” said Rob Gifford, executive vice president, strategic operations and philanthropy for the National Restaurant Association and the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation.

The NRAEF’s Restaurant Neighbor Award honors restaurateurs for their philanthropic efforts and dedication to giving back to their community. The award identifies winners in three categories: small business, mid-size business and large business/national chain.

The Faces of Diversity American Dream Award shares the stories of individuals who have recognized and achieved the American Dream in the restaurant sector. The award credits three members of the restaurant industry who have realized the American Dream through hard work, determination and enterprise.

The Thad and Alice Eure Ambassador of Hospitality Award is presented to an individual who has shown extraordinary achievement and exemplary leadership in the restaurant and hospitality industry. Consideration will be given to a nominee who serves as a company Chairperson, CEO, President or Senior Executive for his or her lifetime achievement in the hospitality industry.

From the list of nominees, State Restaurant Associations select winners within their states to be chosen for the Restaurant Neighbor Award category. Those groups/individuals will then be eligible for the national awards.