Invitational History

Students will compete in Culinary, Management and Burger Battle competitions for scholarships, prizes and a trip to the National ProStart Invitational.

Date: February 23 & 24, 2019

Time: 9:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. (times subject to change) 

Location: Crowne Plaza North

6500 Doubletree Ave

Columbus, Ohio 43229

Schedule for the Weekend:

9:00 a.m. - 2:00 p.m.- Culinary and Management Competitions

2:30 p.m. - Burger Battle (Saturday only) 

2:00 p.m. – Awards Program (Sunday only) 

Sponsored by Gordon Food Service, Sysco & the Ohio Beef Council. 

Over $500,000 in scholarships will be awarded!

Cost of admission: $20 per person for the entire weekend

Age 12 and under receive free admission (cash and credit cards are accepted)

The first Ohio ProStart®​ Invitational competition was held in 2003. The Invitational has evolved over the years and the rules are reviewed annually to keep current with ever-changing industry dynamics for excellence.

The Invitational is divided into two competitions: culinary skills/techniques, and restaurant management. The culinary competition requires student teams to prepare a three-course meal in 60 minutes, using only butane burners with no access to running water or electricity. The management competition requires students to develop a business proposal for an original restaurant concept and present to a panel of industry experts.

Listed below are winners from previous years.