National ProStart Invitational

Click Here for Guest Registration

About the National ProStart Invitational
The National ProStart Invitational, presented by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), attracts top high school students from around the country that are enrolled in the ProStart restaurant and foodservice management program. These students have proven their skill and commitment to the industry through vigorous coursework and on-the-job training.

Teams of students representing their state restaurant association's ProStart program compete in the individual state competitions. First place winning teams in the culinary and/or management competitions move on to compete at the National ProStart Invitational. In 2007, 34 states were represented at this competition.

Location and Agenda
The 7th Annual National ProStart Invitational will be held on April 24-26, 2008, in San Diego, California.

Click here to learn about our sponsorship opportunities.

What Occurs During the Competition?
The National ProStart Invitational is composed of two competitions, the culinary and management competitions. Winning teams from each of the two events will be awarded scholarships to pursue a career in the restaurant and foodservice industry and gold, silver, and bronze medals.

Teams participating in the culinary competition demonstrate their creative abilities through the preparation of at three-course meal in 60 minutes. Their performance during the practical session is observed and rated by judges from leading post-secondary colleges and universities and the restaurant and foodservice industry.

Teams participating in the management competition demonstrate their knowledge of the restaurant and foodservice industry by competing in two different events. In the case study, students will be tested on their communication skills and their ability to apply their knowledge of the restaurant and foodservice industry to practical situations. The second portion of the competition, the quiz bowl, is a question and answer event.

Competition Rules

Download the rules for the upcoming 2008 management and culinary competitions

Culinary Competition Frequently Asked Questions

Download the Frequently Asked Questions

2007 Post Secondary Scholarships were provided by:

• The Art Institutes
• The Coca-Cola Company
• Conrad N. Hilton College
• The Culinary Arts Academy
• The Culinary Institute of America
• Johnson & Wales University
• Le Cordon Bleu Schools
• National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation
• New England Culinary Institute
• Orlando Culinary Academy
• Paul Smith's College
• Professional Culinary Institute

2007 Participating States
Teams of ProStart student from state restaurant association programs that competed include: