National ProStart® Invitational: The ultimate challenge

Congratulations

Congratulations to Herndon Career Center in Missouri and Bend High School in Oregon for winning the culinary and management competitions at the 2009 National ProStart Invitational!
View a complete list of winning teams.

ProStart students with proven skills and a commitment to the industry are given the chance to showcase their abilities in the National ProStart Invitational.

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 then move on to compete at the annual National ProStart Invitational. Vigorous coursework and on-the-job training are key elements to success.

Extensive participation.

The National ProStart Invitational is presented by the National Restaurant Association. In 2009, 39 states, territories and districts were represented and more than 300 students made their states proud by showcasing their true talent.

View a list of 2009 participating states, territories and districts.

Significant scholarships.

At the end of the 2009 competition, $1.1 million in scholarships were awarded to winning culinary and management teams by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (NRAEF), The Coca-Cola Company and many leading colleges and universities.

View a list of our scholarship sponsors.

Two challenging competitions.

The National ProStart Invitational is composed of two distinct competitions: the culinary and management competitions. First through fifth place winning teams from each of the two events are awarded medals and scholarships to pursue a career in the restaurant and foodservice industry.

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

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 are 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 “Jeopardy” style event.

Location and date.

The 9th Annual National ProStart Invitational will be held on April 30-May 2, 2010, in Overland Park, Kansas.