CHEF News: January 2026
Sign up for CT's Annual ProStart Week: Raise Funds for the Future of Hospitality
ProStart Week is a fundraising initiative to support ProStart, a national high school culinary program that benefits over 3,000 students in 24 Connecticut high schools. Funds raised during ProStart Week go towards supporting culinary education in the state.
We’re looking for restaurants to join our fundraising efforts and make this a record breaking year!
How it works:
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Sign up for ProStart Week by Friday, February 13, 2026.
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Restaurants promote ProStart Week to their customers by asking them to donate $10. (You can also offer alternate means of donation including round-up)
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CHEF will provide printed promotional postcards for use in check presenters, at host stands, or on tables to support the promotion.
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Customers receive a $10 gift card or coupon to your restaurant to use on a return visit.
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Restaurant donates proceeds from the week to the Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation.
Benefits:
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You’ll get promoted throughout the fundraising period via Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation and Connecticut Restaurant Association socials, on a dedicated webpage, via email marketing and in press releases.
Join 2026 ProStart Week and feel good knowing you’re supporting the future of the hospitality industry!
Get Involved: Connecticut ProStart Invitational
Celebrating the 20th Annual Connecticut ProStart Invitational on Monday, March 2, 2026! This year, we are heading to Mohegan Sun for an inspiring day of showcasing the incredible skills of high school students across Connecticut, as they compete for scholarships and a chance to represent Connecticut at the National ProStart Invitational, this April in Baltimore.
ProStart is a nationwide two-year high school program that teaches students the knowledge and skills they need for careers in the restaurant and foodservice industry.
The Connecticut ProStart Invitational is made up of two competitions:
- Culinary Competition: High school culinary teams must prepare an exquisite three-course meal in just 60 minutes.
- Restaurant Management Competition: Teams present innovative restaurant concepts to a panel of industry experts, showcasing their business acumen and creativity.
NEW for 2026: Cake Decorating Competition!
This event is designed to highlight students’ creativity, technical ability, and passion for the culinary arts. Students have 60 minutes to decorate their own themed cake, using multiple decoration techniques and showcasing their skills!
Want to get involved? We’re looking for judges. Reach out to us here.
Be there! Show you support for the next generation of culinary and hospitality leaders, and witness the impressive skills and passion of these young professionals. Attend.
Interested in judging or volunteering at the Invitational? We are looking for judges for Culinary & Management competitions, and - NEW for 2026 - the Cake Decorating competition! Judge.
Increase your brand visibility within the culinary community by showcasing your brand. Support the future of the hospitality industry and demonstrate community commitment. Lots of sponsorship opportunities available! Sponsor.