Showcasing culinary and management talent under on-the-job pressures.

Congratulations Badger High School (WI) and Bend High School (OR), the 2008 Culinary and Management Champions. Click here for the full results.

The National ProStart Invitational is an exciting nationwide competition presented by National Restaurant Association Solutions and The Coca-Cola Company. But no matter which teams win, we all come out ahead because the National ProStart Invitational represents a real-world test for our future leaders.

The challenge begins when teams of students representing their state restaurant association's ProStart program compete in the individual state competitions. First place teams are invited to compete at the National ProStart Invitational. In 2008, 35 states, territories and districts were represented... more than 275 students made their state proud by showcasing their true talent. Vigorous coursework and on-the-job training are the key elements to success at the National ProStart Invitational.

The National ProStart Invitational is composed of two competitions, the culinary and management competitions. Winning teams from each of these two events are awarded scholarships to pursue a career in the restaurant and foodservice industry as well as gold, silver and bronze medals.

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

Teams participating in the management competition demonstrate their knowledge of the restaurant and foodservice industry by competing in two different events: the Case Study and Quiz Bowl. In the Case Study, students are tested on their communication skills and 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 where students are tested on their comprehension of ProStart coursework.

Thirty-five teams competed in the 2008 competition held April 24th-26th in San Diego, California. Interested in joining the excitement by becoming a National ProStart Invitational sponsor? Click here for details. Show these deserving the students your organization's support.


Scholarships provided by:

The Coca-Cola Company

Conrad N. Hilton College

The Culinary Arts Academy

The Culinary Institute of America

Indiana University of Pennsylvania

The International Culinary Schools at The Art Institutes

Johnson & Wales University

Kendall College

Le Cordon Bleu Schools

National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation

New England Culinary Institute

Professional Culinary Institute