More than 330 students from nearly 40 Florida high schools took part in the 25th annual ProStart Culinary Team Competition, organized by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF) in Orlando. The event included competitions in culinary arts, management, edible centerpiece design, and a waiter’s relay.
At the Salute to Excellence Award ceremony, participating students were awarded more than $2.1 million in scholarships from several institutions, including the Culinary Institute of America, Culinary Institute of Virginia, Florida International University, Keiser University, Nicholls State University, and UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality. First place teams in both culinary and management categories will represent Florida at the national ProStart Invitational this April in Washington, D.C.
“For more than 25 years, this competition has taken students beyond the classroom and into the real-world process of creating a restaurant concept from start to finish,” said Laura Rumer, Director of the FRLA Educational Foundation. “From market research and branding to financials, menu development, and marketing strategy, these teams demonstrate the kind of creativity, discipline, and professionalism our industry depends on. Each year, we are inspired by the depth of talent and the educators who help guide these students toward meaningful careers in hospitality.”
“These competitions are more than an event; they are an investment in the future of Florida’s hospitality industry,” said Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA. “By connecting students with real-world business challenges and industry mentors, we are building the next generation of culinary innovators, restaurant operators, and hospitality leaders. As our state’s economy continues to rely on a strong tourism and hospitality industry, programs like ProStart ensure that passionate, well-trained talent is ready to lead it forward. Florida is proud to host the largest ProStart program in the nation, and we look forward to cheering on these top winners at the national competition this spring.”
The overall first place winner was Strawberry Crest High School from Dover under instructor Paul Bonanno. Other schools recognized included St. Lucie West Centennial High School (second place), Martin County High School (third place), Lyman High School (third place), Wekiva High School (fourth place), and George Jenkins High School (fifth place). Individual team members were also honored for their achievements across various events.
ProStart is a career program reaching almost 222,000 high school students nationwide with training in culinary arts and restaurant management skills. The Florida ProStart program enrolls about 30,000 students annually—making it the largest such program nationally—and aims to prepare participants for careers within Florida’s significant hospitality sector.
Sponsors supporting this year’s event included Keiser University; National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation; UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality Management; Universal Orlando; St. Thomas University; World Equestrian Center; Fresh From Florida; Ecolab; Florida Atlantic University; Zwilling J.A. Henckels; and Florida State University’s Dedman College of Hospitality.
The FRLA represents over 10,000 members ranging from independent restaurants to large franchises as well as hotels and suppliers throughout Florida’s $111.7 billion hospitality industry.
For additional information about ProStart or FRLA’s Educational Foundation programs visit their website or contact Director Laura Rumer.
