The 2007 Restaurant Neighbor Award, created by the National Restaurant Association and founding partner, American Express, will be presented in September to four restaurants that have gone above and beyond in giving back to their communities. The four national winners – one for single-unit operator, large business, national chain, and cornerstone humanitarian – will receive an all-expense paid trip to Washington, DC, where they will be recognized and receive $5,000 to continue their community outreach efforts.

“So many restaurants make a difference in their communities, actively participating in significant ways,” says Curtis Wilson, vice president and general manager, restaurant industries, American Express Establishment Services. “American Express is delighted to be a part of recognizing some of these important and generous contributions.”

Last year’s winners were: Drago’s Seafood Restaurant, Metaire, LA; Mo’s Restaurants, Newport, OR; Firehouse Subs, Jacksonville, FL; and Mongolian Barbeque, Ferndale, MI.

State restaurant associations select a winner in each category to compete for the national awards. For more information and for an application (which may be submitted online or via mail), visit restaurant.org/community/rna. Applications are due by June 15.