People Report, the leading provider of human capital metrics for the foodservice industry, presented the Heart of the Workplace Award to Eat 'n Park Restaurants in recognition of the company's commitment to community involvement. TGI Friday's received the Catalyst Award, honoring the organization's significant advances and sustained results in people management.

The 2005 Best People Practices Awards were bestowed upon Pizza Properties dba Peter Piper Pizza (Segment A-Limited Service/Fast Casual/Family Dining), California Pizza Kitchen (Segment B--Full Service Casual Dining), Rare Hospitality/The Capital Grille (Segment C-Casual Dining Plus/Fine Dining) and Donato's Pizza (Segment Q-Quick Service). The 2005 award is the third Best People Practices Award for California Pizza Kitchen. The Best Practices Award is given in recognition of an organization's achievements in management retention, employee retention and composite diversity, which is a measure of the presence of women and diverse individuals in management.

The inaugural Workplace Legacy Award was given to Joe Lee, chairman of Darden Restaurants, whose active support and implementation of innovations and best practices in recruiting, retention, employee development and diversity initiatives have yielded not only positive results in human resource metrics but contributed to the company's overall performance. In presenting the award, Joni Thomas Doolin, CEO and founder of People Report told the executive audience, "Selecting Joe as the initial recipient of this award was the obvious decision. He has led his organization and the industry for more than a decade in his emphasis on creating and sustaining an inclusive workplace of excellence."

Other highlights of the confab included Doolin's annual projections on the evolving labor market, the factors influencing it and the strategies necessary to compete effectively in the tightening market ahead. People Report president Teresa Siriani provided insights on current human resource metrics for the industry.

Keynote speakers such as author and consultant Brian Biro and chairman and CEO of Carlson Companies International Marilyn Carlson Nelson delivered engaging presentations on effective leadership in today's challenging environment. Various panels and presenters also shared best people practices from inside and outside the restaurant industry.

"This conference was a wonderful reunion of these leading companies, who are celebrating 10 years of working together to redefine the workplace of the hospitality industry," said Doolin. "While there is clearly a challenging road ahead for the service sector, this consortium is definitely better informed and therefore poised to push the performance envelope once again."

For more information about the awards, the conference or People Report, contact Kacy Oden at 972-733-6822 or .

Thank You to Our 2005 Sponsors.