CHEF News: April 2026
ProStart Week Raises Record-Breaking $44k!
We’re so excited to share that 2026 ProStart Week raised a record-breaking $44k for the Connecticut ProStart Program! These essential funds support student and educator education, inspiring and training the next generation of chefs, managers, and hospitality professionals.
A HUGE THANK YOU to the 65 participating restaurants across Connecticut!
Special thank you to top donations from DORO Restaurant Group - $17,500 - and Hartford Restaurant Group - $13,400.
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Learn About Grant-Funded Learning Site Opportunities
The HOPES GO5 program is creating real pathways into the restaurant and hospitality industry, connecting motivated young adults with the training, support, and hands-on experience they need to succeed.
Led by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation, this initiative focuses on justice-involved individuals ages 18–24, equipping them with industry-recognized credentials, personalized mentorship, and 200 hours of paid, on-the-job learning with local employers. Here in Connecticut, the program is active in the Bridgeport and surrounding areas through a partnership between the Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation (CHEF), Career Resources Inc., and the CT Department of Correction.
Get involved: We’re actively seeking Employer Partners to host participants for short-term, fully grant-funded learning experiences. Support your community and help shape the next generation of hospitality talent!
With work-readiness training, ServSafe certification, and dedicated job placement support, HOPES GO5 is helping develop a skilled workforce, while opening doors to opportunities across the hospitality industry.
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Next week, Culinary and Restaurant Management students from Connecticut will travel to Baltimore, MD to compete against 48 other states at the National ProStart Invitational!
The Culinary Team from Enfield High School placed first at the CT ProStart Invitational in March, impressing the judges with their work skills, taste, menu and presentation.
The streak continues! Restaurant Management Team from Wilbur Cross High School in New Haven will return to NPSI once more after retaining the crown in this year’s Management Competition. Wilbur Cross placed 2nd in 2024, 1st in 2023 & 2018, 4th in 2022 and 5th in 2017 at previous NPSI’s.
Wishing both teams the best of luck!
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Huge thank you to our National Team Sponsors for supporting the students at NPSI!
Support Team CT as they compete in Baltimore representing our state - donate to CT ProStart today! Donate here.
Enfield High School Getting Ready for NPSI!
Scott, Shannon and Ben Dubow, Chairman of CHEF Board, visited Enfield High School last week to support Connecticut’s ProStart Invitational Culinary Team champions as they prepare to compete at the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore, Maryland (April 24–26).
The students ran through their competition menu, before welcoming feedback and conversation. The team are excited for the national stage where they’ll compete in front of top industry professionals for scholarship opportunities.
It was an energizing and inspiring visit with Chef Ogrodowski and his talented culinary team, and we can’t wait to cheer them on in Baltimore!
Chef Scholarships: Applications are Open!
Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation (CHEF) scholarships are open for applications!
Seniors graduating and pursuing a degree in the Culinary Arts, Restaurant Management or a related field and continuing students currently enrolled in a Culinary Arts or related program are encouraged to apply.
CHEF offers three scholarships, all available to apply for using the same application:
- Joe DaCosta Memorial Scholarship: $2,000 nonrenewable
- CHEF Scholarship: Up to $1,000
- Chef Matt Balga Memorial Scholarship: Up to $2,000 nonrenewable
Deadline for application is May 1, 2026. Recipients of scholarships will be notified by May 15, 2026.
Join the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation for a multi-part webinar series, focused on building careers in our industry.
- Cultivating Opportunity: Foundation Scholarship Recipients Leading the Future of Restaurant & Hospitality Industry - Available on demand
- Strengthening the Industry: How Apprenticeships Empower Workers & Employers - April 29, 2PM
- Where Military Experience Meets Industry Opportunity - May 28, 2PM
- Maximizing Potential: Career Readiness Through the Restaurant Ready Program - June 25, 2PM
- From Classroom to Career: The Impact of ProStart on Future Industry Leaders - July 30, 2PM
Can’t make it live? The replay will be available on-demand so you can access the insights at your convenience.
Don't miss this opportunity to learn about the latest workforce trends and how the Foundation is changing lives and building careers through the power of the restaurant industry.
National Apprenticeship Week is coming up April 26 - May 2!
The Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation has partnered with the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation to bring the Restaurant & Hospitality Leadership Center to Connecticut with nationally recognized apprenticeships in Line Cook, Restaurant Manager, Assistant Restaurant Manager, Kitchen Manager and Assistant Kitchen Manager.
The Restaurant & Hospitality Leadership Center helps restaurant owners and managers across the U.S. provide the resources needed to help train and guide their best employees for a fulfilling career in food.
Apprenticeships are essential for building strong talent pipelines and equipping workers with the skills they need to succeed! This nationally recognized apprenticeship program gives you the tools you need to provide those employees with the opportunity they deserve.
