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!
NEW for 2025: Individual Competitions
We are excited to roll out three, brand new events for the 2025 Virginia ProStart Invitational! This year, we will be hosting individual student competitions for Napkin Folding, Cake Decorating, and Chicken Fabrication (with product provided by the Virginia Poultry Federation). Individual entries are $25, and registration will close at 5:00 PM on Friday, January 17, 2025. Participation in the individual competitions is limited, so please sign up 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.
