The ProStart Cup
"Putting Students to the Ultimate Test"
Each year, more than 150 students from California ProStart high schools convene for the California ProStart Cup, an exhilarating two-day competition with demanding culinary and management components. California winners advance to the National ProStart Invitational with a chance to compete for scholarships.
EVENT DETAILS:
EVENT DETAILS:
- The two-day competition is divided into two events: the Boyd's Coffee Culinary Cup and the BJ’s Restaurants Management Cup.
- Culinary competition contestants prepare three courses in one hour using only two butane burners.
- Management teams develop and pitch a business proposal for a new restaurant concept, including a supporting menu, a marketing plan and a detailed design.
- In 2012, the event drew more than 150 talented high school students from 22 ProStart high schools across California who represent the future of the state’s restaurant and foodservice industry.
- Participants in both events engage in a battle of skill and knowledge, with points awarded on specific criteria, such as proper cooking procedures, safety and sanitation, presentation, product taste and teamwork.
- More than 40 industry professionals serve as judges.
- First-, second- and third-place teams also qualify for scholarships to various culinary and hospitality post-secondary programs.
- Winning teams will represent California at the 2013 National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore.
PROSTART INVITATIONAL
The National ProStart Invitational, held each spring in late April / early May, showcases the talent of the top ProStart students as they compete in culinary & management events.
- Culinary teams have 60 minutes to prepare a three-course meal using only two butane burners, while also competing in knife skills and poultry fabrication.
- Management teams develop an original restaurant concept and apply critical thinking skills to challenges managers face in day-to-day operations.