WASHINGTON – The National Restaurant Association has honored Siraj Virani, owner of 13 Dunkin' Donuts franchises in the Chicago area, as a recipient of its Faces of Diversity American Dream Awards.

The Faces of Diversity Awards celebrate diversity and inclusion in the restaurant-and-foodservice industry and among the industry's 13 million employees, according to the association. Four winners in two categories — the American Dream Award for individuals and the Inspiration Award for restaurant companies — are recognized for inspirational success stories and exceptional efforts to embrace diversity.

“Siraj Virani has an amazing story to tell,” said Dawn Sweeney, president and chief executive officer of the National Restaurant Association. "It's one of hope, hardship, perseverance and triumph. His story truly embodies the American Dream and the opportunities within the restaurant industry. We are so pleased to present Mr. Virani with the Faces of Diversity American Dream Award."

In 1971, Virani lived in Bengal, now known as Bangladesh, when the Indo-Pakistani War broke out. Virani and his father stayed in Bengal while his mother and four siblings went to Pakistan. Several months later, Virani and his father embarked on a five month journey by boat, camel and foot across a war zone, to join the rest of their family in Karachi, Pakistan.

While working as a typist and bookkeeper in Karachi, Virani won a scholarship to the United States, where he studied to be an accountant. He worked as a server at a restaurant to earn extra money. After obtaining an associate's degree from the Central YMCA College in Chicago, he studied accounting and finance at Roosevelt University. When he was laid off from a pharmaceutical company, Virani began to consider franchising opportunities.

The Dunkin' Donuts franchise system enabled Virani to grow quickly rather than have to start from scratch, he said. Today, he owns 13 Dunkin' Donuts restaurants and supplies baked goods to 18 other stores in the Chicago area. Virani's family is involved in the business as well. One of his daughters handles the finances for some of the stores, and his son-in-law-to-be is a partner in four stores.

The Faces of Diversity awards program, created by the National Restaurant Association in partnership with PepsiCo Foodservice, celebrates the restaurant industry’s successes and inspires restaurateurs to embrace inclusion and expand 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.

Joining Virani in receiving the Faces of Diversity American Dream Award are Ben and Virginia Ali, franchisees of Ben's Chili Bowl in Washington, D.C. and Amy Matsuno, of Amy's on the Bay in Port Orchard, Wash. McDonald's Corp. is receiving the Faces of Diversity Inspiration Award.

The Faces of Diversity Awards ceremony was held at the 2009 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show in Chicago on Sunday May 17 during the event’s general session and keynote executive panel. The show attracted visitors from all 50 states and over 100 countries. It showcases industry products, services and innovative ideas.

Founded in 1919, the National Restaurant Association is the main business association for the restaurant industry, which is comprised of 945,000 restaurant and foodservice outlets and a workforce of 13 million employees. Together with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, the association works to lead America’s restaurant industry into a new era of prosperity, prominence and participation, enhancing the quality of life for all the industry serves, according to the association.