More than 330 students from nearly 40 high schools across Florida participated in the 25th annual ProStart Culinary Team Competition, organized by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF). The event featured contests in culinary arts, management, edible centerpiece creation, and waiter’s relay.
At the Salute to Excellence Award ceremony, participating students were awarded over $2.1 million in scholarships. These scholarships came 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. The first place teams in both culinary and management will go on to represent Florida at the national ProStart Invitational in Washington, D.C., scheduled for April.
“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 competition was supported by sponsors such as 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 Dedman College of Hospitality.
Strawberry Crest High School (Dover) emerged as overall winner under instructor Paul Bonanno. Other top-placing schools included St. Lucie West Centennial High School (Port St. Lucie), Martin County High School (Stuart), Lyman High School (Longwood), Wekiva High School (Apopka), George Jenkins High School (Lakeland), Ridgeview High School (Orange Park), JP Taravella High School (Coral Springs), Durant High School (Plant City), South Lake High School (Groveland), Horizon High School (Winter Garden), MAST Academy (Key Biscayne), Winter Park High School (Winter Park).
ProStart is a nationwide career program that educates nearly 222,000 high school students annually in culinary arts and restaurant management skills across the United States. With about 30,000 participants each year,Florida hosts more enrolled students than any other state. The curriculum is designed with input from industry professionals to prepare students for careers through practical learning experiences.
The FRLA represents over 10,000 members statewide—including independent hotels and restaurants as well as major franchises—and advocates for their interests within a $111.7 billion hospitality sector employing nearly two million people.Founded originally as separate associations before merging in 2006, FRLA also provides training resources focused on food safety compliance through SafeStaff programs.
For further details about ProStart or educational opportunities offered by FRLAEF individuals can visit their website or contact Director Laura Rumer.
