Amy Igloi-Matsuno, owner, with husband, Grant, of Amy’s on the Bay, was recognized in May with the American Dream Award by the National Restaurant Association. The association gives the award as part of its Faces of Diversity program to restaurateurs around the country every year, honoring those who have realized the American dream through hard work and determination, and who come from diverse backgrounds.

She was one of three entrepreneurs nationwide to be recognized with the American Dream award out of about 10 finalists. The other two recipients were from Washington, D.C., and Chicago. The winners were featured in the online QSR magazine and in the Nation’s Restaurant News industry publications.

“The Faces of Diversity awards are a great way to acknowledge the many incredible success stories of our industry, and the commitment of restaurant companies to embrace diversity and inclusion,” says Dawn Sweeney, president and CEO of the association.

Igloi-Matsuno and her husband, Grant, traveled to Chicago recently to receive the award. At the awards ceremony, Igloi-Matsuno had the opportunity to address those in attendance. A video by the NRA highlighted her achievements.

“I had a great time in Chicago,” she said. “It was very humbling to be there.”

Amy Igloi-Matsuno addressing the National Restaurant Association annual conference in Chicago in late May, after being presented with the group’s American Dream Award as part of its Faces of Diversity Program. While in Chicago, Igloi-Matsuno met various VIPs, including the vice president of PepsiCola, the CEOs of the Buffalo Wing and Chipotle chains, and renowned chef Ming Tsai. She attended the National Food Show, which is the largest in the country.

Amy’s on the Bay, located on the Port Orchard waterfront, turned three years old at the end of April. Igloi-Matsuno was 25 when she and her husband became owners of the former JJ’s on the Bay, closing the business deal in just 30 days after visiting it. Grant, an experienced chef, can be seen in the kitchen as often as six days a week while Amy runs the front of the house.

The story behind Igloi-Matsuno’s success is inspiring. Born in Korea, she faced serious adversity at a young age, losing both parents, and suffering a major hearing loss. Yet she has learned the secrets of overcoming obstacles, and creating her own triumphs. Opening her business at the age of 25, it is her entrepreneurial spirit and determination to succeed that has made Amy’s on the Bay the thriving business that it is today.

Igloi-Matsuno has been recognized with several achievements since moving to Port Orchard and becoming involved in the community. She was one of the recipients of the 40 Under Forty recognition sponsored by the Kitsap Peninsula Business Journal, and the business received the Cornerstone Humanitarian designation last year from the Washington Restaurant Association for all its contributions.

In the video shown at the awards ceremony, she says, “It makes me feel good that the community seems me as a resource for them. We all have an obligation here in America…and we all should be giving back.”

Igloi-Matsuno says the best part of her job is making a difference in her employees’ life and helping them grow as individuals and professionals. She makes time to listen to them and encourages them to pursue their dreams. “Sometimes when I sit down to eat, the chair next to me is like a revolving door,” she says. “The biggest payoff for me is someone saying, ‘I made this choice because of you.’”

Amy’s on the Bay quickly became a popular downtown destination, and as busy as the couple’s schedule is, they’re not stopping. Igloi-Matsuno recently went back to school to finish her business degree and is graduating from University of Washington on June 12. She was just accepted to serve on the board of directors of Association of Washington Business, with her term commencing in September. She is also vying for a seat on the Port Orchard City Council, hoping to channel her civic activities into helping better the city.

The Matsunos are also looking ahead at expanding their business. They hope to open a second location in the near future. “If you’re not looking at other opportunities, you’re at a standstill and I can’t do that,” she says with a smile. “I like challenges.”