IndUS Business Journal:
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.