CHEF News: May 2026
Connecticut ProStart Teams Shine on the National Stage in Baltimore
Last month, Connecticut’s ProStart champions traveled to Baltimore to compete at the 2026 National ProStart Invitational, representing the state on the national stage.
Wilbur Cross High School earned a Top 10 finish in Restaurant Management for the 10th consecutive year, while Enfield High School showcased an impressive three-course culinary menu featuring Japanese A5 Wagyu and strawberry mochi.
From competition day to a memorable Maryland crab feast at Nick's Fish House, and the annual ProStart Prom, the weekend was filled with teamwork, learning, and unforgettable experiences.
Huge thank you to our generous sponsors for their support of Team CT!
Student Opportunity: Work Alongside Top Chefs at Golf Dinner
CHEF is currently seeking student volunteers for the Chef Farm Dinner! This unique event gives students the opportunity to work alongside accomplished chefs and hospitality professionals while gaining valuable hands-on experience, leadership skills, and industry connections.
If you know a ProStart student who would be interested in participating, please share the volunteer interest survey with them and encourage them to apply for this unforgettable experience.
Donate: Contribute Items to Golf Classic Silent Auction & Raffle
The Silent Auction and Raffle benefiting CHEF returns to the upcoming CRHA Annual Golf Classic.
We are looking for businesses interested in donating items, gift cards, dining experiences, hotel stays, event tickets, and other unique packages to help support CHEF and its educational programs.
Funds raised from the auction and raffle directly support student scholarships, ProStart programming, workforce development initiatives, and educational opportunities across Connecticut’s hospitality industry.
Pi Consulting: Sell Your Business & Give Back!
Sell your business with Pi Restaurant Consulting, and give back! When your restaurant sells, Pi Restaurant Consulting donates 3.14% of their commission to the Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation, in turn supporting the future of Connecticut’s hospitality industry.
The Pi Restaurant Consulting team have industry-specific expertise in restaurant sales, with a targeted buyer network and seamless, guided transaction process.
Contact the Pi team today for a free business valuation.
Norwich Free Academy Served Up a Storm at Night at the Capitol
Norwich Free Academy represented the ProStart program at the CRHA Night at the Capitol on April 29th!
Accompanied by their instructor, Laura Szczygiel, students showcased their culinary talents with two incredible dishes: homemade cavatelli with braised beef, ricotta salata, and parsley gremolata, along with a delicious vanilla panna cotta topped with fresh berries.
Their professionalism, creativity, and skill left a lasting impression on all who attended. Thank you NFA!
Become a Worksite for Grant-Funded Short-Term Learning Experiences
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.
Support Team CT as they compete in Baltimore representing our state - donate to CT ProStart today! Donate here.
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.
