Connecticut ProStart Teams Shine on the National Stage in Baltimore
Connecticut ProStart Teams Shine on the National Stage in Baltimore
From April 24–27, Connecticut’s top ProStart students traveled to Baltimore, Maryland to represent the state at the 2026 National ProStart Invitational. After earning victories at the Connecticut ProStart Invitational earlier this year, students from Wilbur Cross High School and Enfield High School proudly showcased their talent, professionalism, and teamwork on the national stage alongside the best ProStart programs from across the country.
Representing Connecticut in the Restaurant Management competition, Wilbur Cross High School competed Saturday morning, presenting their innovative restaurant concept to industry judges. The team demonstrated exceptional creativity, professionalism, and poise throughout the competition weekend. Their outstanding performance earned them a Top 10 national finish for the 10th consecutive year, an incredible accomplishment that reflects the dedication of both the students and educators behind the program.
Saturday evening brought a memorable Baltimore experience for the students and chaperones. Scott and Shannon took both teams to the famous waterfront restaurant Nick's Fish House for an authentic Maryland crab feast. With steamed crabs piled directly onto the table, students learned firsthand how to properly crack and eat Maryland blue crabs as Scott gave everyone a lesson in true Baltimore crab house tradition. The dinner was filled with laughter, teamwork, and plenty of unforgettable memories along the waterfront.
Early Sunday morning, Enfield High School took to the kitchen for the Culinary competition. The team delivered an impressive three-course menu that highlighted both technical skill and creativity. Their menu featured a smoked salmon sushi roll appetizer, a pan-seared Japanese A5 Wagyu entrée, and an Ichigo Daifuku, or strawberry mochi, dessert. The students worked seamlessly under pressure, representing Connecticut with professionalism and passion from start to finish.
The weekend concluded with an incredible awards ceremony celebrating students from across the nation, followed by the always anticipated ProStart Prom, where competitors were able to relax, celebrate their accomplishments, and dance the night away after months of preparation and hard work.
The Connecticut Restaurant Association and Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation are incredibly proud of both teams for their dedication, sportsmanship, and commitment to excellence throughout the weekend. Experiences like the National ProStart Invitational provide students with invaluable opportunities to develop leadership skills, build industry connections, and create lifelong memories with their teammates and peers from around the country.
A special thank you goes out to the sponsors whose continued support helps make these experiences possible and keeps the ProStart program thriving across Connecticut: Sysco CT, Mohegan Sun, Performance Foodservice, Falvey Linen Supply, The SEALS CT, US Foods, Imperial Dade, Mill Restaurant Group, and Z Hospitality Group.