ProStart® Invitational

Home of the 2005 and 2008 National ProStart Invitational Culinary Champions!

High-energy competitions between teams of up-and-coming talent add excitement to the Expo, right on the show floor. The ProStart Invitational has both culinary and hospitality management components, where competitors show off their skills in an attempt to win scholarship dollars and a trip to the national competition.

Recognized widely in the foodservice industry, the ProStart Invitational draws media attention, provides young professionals with industry experience, brings in mentors from the business community, and increases foodservice's reputation as a hot career choice.

Culinary Competition

Tuesday, March 10

Teams of future professionals from across Wisconsin put their culinary knowledge and skills to the test. With one hour to prepare a three course meal, teams of four are judged on knife skills, team work, sanitation, menu presentation, and taste.

Winners receive scholarships from state and national hospitality schools, and the opportunity to represent Wisconsin at nationals. In 2008, the winners of the Wisconsin culinary title also won first place at the National ProStart Invitational, making Wisconsin the first state in the nation to achieve this accomplishment twice.

Management Competition

Tuesday, March 10

Participating teams of 2-4 individuals demonstrate their knowledge of the restaurant and foodservice industry by competing in three different events: the Case Study event, testing their communication skills and ability to apply knowledge of the hospitality industry to practical situations; the Quiz Bowl, a question and answer “game show” style event; and a fill-in the blank test.