CT ProStart Invitational

19th Annual CT ProStart Invitational - March 4, 2025

The 2025 Connecticut ProStart Invitational was held on Tuesday, March 4th, at the Hartford Yard Goats Stadium (Dunkin' Park) in Hartford, CT. The event brought together talented high school culinary and management students from across CT, showcasing their skills and passion for the restaurant and hospitality industry.

High schools that competed this year included Windsor, Simsbury, Norwich Free Academy, Wilbur Cross, and Enfield. The competition was fierce, with impressive dishes and management pitches, but two teams emerged victorious, earning the honor of representing Connecticut at the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore, MD in May!

Culinary Competition Results

1st Place: Enfield High School
2nd Place: Wilbur Cross High School
3rd Place: Norwich Free Academy

Management Competition Results

1st Place: Wilbur Cross High School
2nd Place: Enfield High School

Enfield High School and Wilbur Cross High School will proudly represent Connecticut at the National ProStart Invitational, and we wish them the best of luck!

We would like to extend our gratitude and thanks to everyone who made this event possible. To the dedicated teachers and mentors who guided their students throughout months of preparation, to the parents and families who supported their students’ ambitions and passion, and to the volunteers and judges who devoted their time and expertise to ensure the event ran smoothly—thank you.

Another special thank you goes out to our sponsors and supporters, whose generous contributions made this event a success. Your commitment to nurturing the next generation of culinary and management professionals in the restaurant and hospitality industry is truly appreciated.

Congratulations to all the students who participated! Your hard work, creativity, and passion were incredibly inspiring. We look forward to cheering on Enfield High School and Wilbur Cross High School as they showcase their talents on the national stage. Best of luck!

Stay tuned for more updates and highlights from the National ProStart Invitational in May!

What is the CT ProStart Invitational?

Culinary Competition

The culinary competition highlights each team’s creative abilities through the preparation of a three-course meal in 60 minutes, using only two butane burners, and without access to running water or electricity. Students are evaluated on taste, skill, teamwork, safety and sanitation.

Management Competition

Management teams develop a proposal for the next promising restaurant concept and present it to a panel of industry judges. Their problem solving skills are tested as they quickly solve challenges faced by managers daily.

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