Congratulations to our #VPSI2024 Winners!
Management Competition Winners:
1st Place: New Horizons Regional Education Center I
2nd Place: Arlington Career Center
3rd Place: Kempsville High School II
Culinary Competition Winners:
1st Place: Marshall Academy
2nd Place: New Horizons Regional Education Center
3rd Place: Bridging Communities Regional Career & Technical Center
Virginia ProStart Invitational: A Tale of Two Competitions
The Virginia ProStart Invitational is composed of two distinct competitions, that showcase the most important skills needed on both sides of the restaurant and foodservice industry: front-of-the-house (Management Competition) and behind the scenes in the kitchen (Culinary Competition).
The Culinary Competition highlights the creative abilities of teams through the preparation of a three-course meal in just 60 minutes, using only two butane burners with no access to running water or electricity. There’s no room for error as they’re evaluated on taste, skill, teamwork, safety, and sanitation.
The Management Competition asks teams to develop a proposal for the next hot restaurant concept and present it to a panel of industry judges. The team's ability to think on their feet is also tested as they quickly solve challenges managers face on a daily basis.
2025 Competition Details:
Date: Friday, February 28, 2025
James Madison University | Harrisonburg, VA
For rules and more information, download the 2025 VPSI Rules.
NEW for 2025: Individual Competitions
We are excited to roll out three, brand new events for the 2025 Virginia ProStart Invitational! This year, we will be hosting individual student competitions for Napkin Folding, Cake Decorating, and Chicken Fabrication (with product provided by the Virginia Poultry Federation). Individual entries are $25, and registration will close at 5:00 PM on Friday, January 17, 2025. Participation in the individual competitions is limited, so please sign up today!
Become a Sponsor or Participate in the Career Fair
Sponsor a Competition that shapes the future of hospitality! Whether you want to show off your school through a booth, judge a competition, sponsor the team as they compete at nationals, or support them in other ways…Please step up to the plate with your contribution – monetary or otherwise to help pay for the future of hospitality leadership. Your involvement helps support these young men and women as they compete at the Virginia and National ProStart Invitationals.
