From Classroom to Competition: ProStart Week and the 2026 CT ProStart Invitational

The Connecticut Hospitality Educational Foundation is gearing up for exciting events that celebrate and support high school students pursuing careers in the culinary and hospitality industry. From ProStart Week to the 20th Annual Connecticut ProStart Invitational, now is the time to get involved, show your support, and champion the future of the industry!

What Is ProStart Week?

ProStart Week — taking place March 2–8, 2026 — is a statewide fundraising initiative designed to empower Connecticut’s high school students enrolled in the nationally recognized ProStart program, which reaches more than 3,000 students in 24 schools across the state. 

ProStart helps students develop real-world culinary and management skills that set them up for success whether they head straight into the workforce or continue their education. 

How Restaurants Can Participate

Restaurants of all sizes are invited to participate in ProStart Week! It’s a meaningful way to give back to the community while shining a spotlight on your brand’s commitment to workforce development. Here’s how it works: 

• Sign up by Friday, February 13, 2026 to join the campaign.

• During ProStart Week, restaurants ask customers to make a $10 donation to support ProStart.

• In appreciation, participating restaurants can offer diners a $10 gift card or coupon redeemable on a return visit.* This not only encourages repeat business but also makes giving back a win-win. 

_{*Gift card offerings are at the restaurant’s discretion.}

Participants will be featured in promotional materials across social media, the CHEF/CRA website, email campaigns, and press outreach. All amplifying your support of students and the industry! 

Connecticut ProStart Invitational — March 2, 2026

ProStart Week culminates with the 20th Annual Connecticut ProStart Invitational on Monday, March 2, 2026, at Mohegan Sun in Montville, CT. 

This exciting day brings together high school teams from across Connecticut to compete in multiple challenges that highlight their culinary creativity and business skills: 

• Culinary Competition: Students race against the clock to prepare an exquisite three-course meal in 60 minutes. 

• Restaurant Management Competition: Teams present innovative restaurant concepts to a panel of industry judges. 

• 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! 

Whether you love watching future chefs in action or want to support aspiring industry professionals, the CT ProStart Invitational is a must-attend experience.

Get Involved — Judges, Sponsors, Volunteers, and Attendees

Opportunities to make a difference:

• Volunteer as a judge for one or more competition categories. 

• Sponsor a competition or ProStart Week initiative, elevating your visibility and demonstrating your commitment to hospitality workforce development. 

• Attend and cheer on the next generation of culinary and management leaders.

Your involvement helps students gain confidence, real-world skills, and career pathways — all while strengthening our industry’s future.

Looking Ahead

ProStart Week and the CT ProStart Invitational are  are community-building moments that unite restaurants, educators, students, and hospitality professionals in a shared mission to nurture talent and open doors to lifelong careers. 

Stay tuned for more details, and be sure to sign up your restaurant for ProStart Week today! Any questions? Reach out to murphy@ctrestaurant.org for more information! Together, we can make 2026 the most impactful year yet for Connecticut’s ProStart students.