ProStart Student Invitational to showcase culinary skills from 200+ students

The annual ProStart competition is back, which means hundreds of the First State’s youngest chefs get a chance to compete against one another and gain experience to help further their culinary careers.

The Delaware Restaurant Foundation (DRF) will host the 12th annual Delaware ProStart Student Invitational on Wednesday, March 12th, at the Chase Center on the Riverfront in Wilmington.

“The Delaware ProStart Invitational is more than just a competition—it’s a pivotal moment for our students, where classroom learning meets real-world application,” said Meghan Gardner, vice president of the DRF who oversees the ProStart Student Invitational as well as the ProStart Curriculum in the state’s high schools.

This event showcases the incredible talent, hard work, and dedication of Delaware’s future hospitality leaders,” she said.

ProStart highlights

This statewide high school competition will feature 13 teams from across Delaware competing in culinary and restaurant management events. The competition runs from 8:00 AM to 4:00 PM, with the awards ceremony set for 3:30 PM.

Students will showcase their skills in teamwork, culinary expertise, and management in front of more than 40 judges from local restaurants, colleges, and industry professionals.

“What makes it truly special is the opportunity for students to be evaluated by some of the best in the industry—renowned chefs, restaurateurs, and hospitality executives—who bring years of expertise and insight,” Gardner said. “Their feedback not only challenges students to refine their skills but also provides invaluable mentorship that can shape their careers.”

The top culinary and management teams will earn the chance to advance to the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore from May 2-4.

In addition to the ProStart competition, DRF has partnered with the Delaware Department of Education to host SkillsUSA Level 1 Knife Skills, Cake Decorating, and Restaurant Service competitions, offering students further opportunities to demonstrate their foundational skills in the culinary and hospitality fields.

The event will also feature a resource expo, with 31 exhibitors providing information about scholarships, career opportunities, and military service, as well as free student and team headshots.

Last year, the winning culinary team, Caesar Rodney High School, went on to win the 2024 National ProStart Invitational Championship.

RELATED: Caesar Rodney’s 5x state culinary winners win national title

The event is expected to draw over 200 students and a range of educational and career partners, making it a highlight for Delaware’s emerging culinary talent.

“Through ProStart, students gain industry-relevant skills, hands-on experience, and direct connections with professionals who can help launch their futures,” Gardner said. “We hope participants walk away not only with new skills but also with confidence, inspiration, and a clear path to success in the culinary and hospitality industry.”

Competing High Schools:

• Culinary Teams:

  • Polytech

  • Delcastle

  • Lake Forest

  • Cape Henlopen

  • Hodgson (2 teams)

  • William Penn

  • St Georges

  • Howard

  • Dover

  • Glasgow

  • Laurel (2 teams)

• Management Teams:

  • Appoquinimick

  • Odessa

  • Cape Henlopen

  • William Penn

  • Delcastle

  • Glasgow (2 Teams)

  • Dover

  • Laurel