Congratulations to our #VPSI2025 Winners!
Culinary Competition Winners:
1st Place: Isle of Wight County High Schools Team II
2nd Place: Northern Neck Technical Center
3rd Place: Arlington Career Center
Management Competition Winners:
1st Place: Arlington Career Center
2nd Place: New Horizons Regional Education Center
3rd Place: Kempsville High School
Virginia ProStart Invitational: A Tale of Two Competitions
The Virginia ProStart Invitational is composed of two distinct competitions, that showcase the most important skills needed on both sides of the restaurant and foodservice industry: front-of-the-house (Management Competition) and behind the scenes in the kitchen (Culinary Competition).
The Culinary Competition highlights the creative abilities of teams through the preparation of a three-course meal in just 60 minutes, using only two butane burners with no access to running water or electricity. There’s no room for error as they’re evaluated on taste, skill, teamwork, safety, and sanitation.
The Management Competition asks teams to develop a proposal for the next hot restaurant concept and present it to a panel of industry judges. The team's ability to think on their feet is also tested as they quickly solve challenges managers face on a daily basis.
2026 Competition Details:
Date: Friday, February 20, 2026
DoubleTree by Hilton Hotel Williamsburg
Williamsburg, VA
2026 VPSI Competition Rules still to come!
Book Your Hotel
We've partnered with the DoubleTree by Hilton Williamsburg to offer a discounted room rate for the 2025 Virginia ProStart Invitational. Please use the link below to secue your spot today!
The block will close on Tuesday, January 20th at 5:00 PM. If you have any issues making a reservation, please reach out to the hotel directly at (757) 220-2500.
Returning in 2026: Individual Competitions
We’re thrilled to announce three exciting events returning for the 2026 Virginia ProStart Invitational! Students can showcase their skills in Napkin Folding, Cake Decorating, and Chicken Fabrication. Individual competition entries are $45 per competitor, and space is limited—once spots are filled, registration will close. The final deadline to register is 5:00 PM on Monday, December 1, 2025 (or when available spaces are filled). Don’t miss your chance to compete—secure your spot today!
Become a Sponsor or Participate in the Career Fair
Sponsor a Competition that shapes the future of hospitality! Whether you want to show off your school through a booth, judge a competition, sponsor the team as they compete at nationals, or support them in other ways…Please step up to the plate with your contribution – monetary or otherwise to help pay for the future of hospitality leadership. Your involvement helps support these young men and women as they compete at the Virginia and National ProStart Invitationals.
