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 skills 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 onto compete at the National ProStart Invitational.  In 2009, 34 states were represented at this competition.

2011 National Winners:

North Pulaski High School will travel April 28-May 2, to the 10th Annual National ProStart Invitational in Overland Park, Kansas at the Overland Park Convention Center.  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.   

What occurs during the Competition?

The State and National ProStart Invitational is composed of two competitions, the culinary and management competitions.  Winning teams from each of these two events will be 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 meal consisting of a: starter (such as a soup, salad, or appetizer); protein (such as a meat, fish, or fowl), vegetable, and starch; and dessert.  Also included are the product check-in, knife skills, mise en place, and poultry fabrication.

Teams participating in the management competition demonstrate their knowledge of the restaurant and foodservice industry by developing a business proposal for a new restaurant concept.  The business proposal will consist of a defined restaurant concept, supporting menu, and supporting marketing plan.  Teams have to prepare a comprehensive written proposal, verbal presentation and visual display.  Teams are tested on their critical thinking and teamwork skills by reacting to potential management challenges related to their concepts.

The ProStart State Invitational is held every year during spring semester at a host hotel in Little Rock.  Teams compete from all over the state of Arkansas, and industry professionals help to judge the event.  Scholarships and medals are awarded at the Awards Luncheon that concludes the two-day event.

2011 ProStart State Invitational Winners

Culinary Event

First Place: North Pulaski High School, Jacksonville

Second Place: Gravette High School, Gravette

Third Place: Northwest Arkansas Community College-Regional Technology Center, Rogers

Restaurant Management Competition:

First Place: North Pulaski High School, Jacksonville

Second Place: Flippin High School, Flippin

Third Place: Conway Area Career Center, Conway

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