2018 NC ProStart Invitational Presented by Golden Corral

The North Carolina ProStart Invitational is a two-day secondary school competition focused on restaurant management and culinary arts. Student competitors put their skills to the test in front of industry leaders, family and friends, all with hopes of earning a coveted scholarship from one of the nation’s premier culinary and restaurant management programs.

The competition is composed of two distinct competitions: management and culinary. Management teams develop a proposal for the next promising restaurant concept and present it to the panel of industry judges in a trade show rotational format. Students must communicate their entrepreneurial ideas clearly and use their problem solving skills to solve challenges faced by managers daily. The culinary competition highlights each team’s creative abilities through the preparation of a three-course meal in 60 minutes, using only two butane burners, and without access to running water or electricity. There is no room for error as they are evaluated on taste, skill, teamwork, safety and sanitation.

 (Day 1) Monday, February 26 (9am-4pm) Culinary and Management Competitions

*Competition location:  Wildcat Center, JWU campus.

*Attending the competitions is free and open to the public.

*Parking is available in many locations on campus.

*There are multiple eating venues near to the JWU campus for snack and meals during the day.

(Day 2) Tuesday, February 27 7:30am-11am) Awards Brunch and Ceremony: 

Ticket required! Includes Guest Chef workshop, Exhibitor Showcase, Awards Brunch Reception, and Awards Ceremony Seating. Cost is $30 per person. Tickets are available for purchase online only HERE.

*Location:  JWU Special Events Center and Hance Auditorium.

*Tickets must be purchased online by February 17.

*Tickets will not be available for purchase at the door.

(Note:  All competitors and educators meals are included in their team registration costs and do not need to purchase separate meal tickets. If you have questions about tickets, please contact Mandy Hines at mhines@ncrla.org or 919-277-8582.)