The National Restaurant Association announced the winners of its 2009 Restaurant Neighbor Award, which recognizes restaurants for outstanding community service. Honored at an award ceremony in Washington, D.C., the winners each received a $5,000 donation to their respective causes. The winners were: BJ’s Restaurants, headquartered in Huntington Beach, California, in the large business category; Rod’s Steak & Seafood Grille in Morristown, New Jersey, in the mid-size business category; Madam’s Organ in Washington, D.C., in the small business category; and Alex Ray, owner of Common Man Family of Restaurants in Ashland, New Hampshire, in the Cornerstone Humanitarian category. American Express is the founding partner of the Restaurant Neighbor Award.

“We are proud to honor these exceptional restaurants and community leaders for their dedicated commitment to enhancing the quality of life for everyone in their communities,” says National Restaurant Association president and CEO Dawn Sweeney. “Our industry has a strong foundation and long history of philanthropy, and works to make a difference in local communities across the nation. This year’s Restaurant Neighbor Award winners were selected for their innovative approaches and enormous efforts.”

The National Restaurant Association and founding partner American Express developed the Restaurant Neighbor Award to raise awareness about the restaurant industry’s contributions in local communities across the country and to inspire other restaurant operators and owners to make even greater contributions in their communities.