More than 330 students from almost 40 high schools across Florida took part in the 25th annual ProStart Culinary Team Competition, organized by the Florida Restaurant and Lodging Association Educational Foundation (FRLAEF). The event, held last weekend in Orlando, included contests in culinary arts, management, edible centerpiece design, and waiter’s relay.
At the Salute to Excellence Award ceremony, participants were offered over $2.1 million in scholarships from several institutions including the Culinary Institute of America, Culinary Institute of Virginia, Florida International University, Keiser University, Nicholls State University, and UCF’s Rosen College of Hospitality. First place teams in both culinary and management will go on to represent Florida at the national ProStart Invitational in Washington, D.C., scheduled for April.
Laura Rumer, Director of the FRLA Educational Foundation said: “For more than 25 years, this competition has taken students beyond the classroom and into the real-world process of creating a restaurant concept from start to finish. From market research and branding to financials, menu development, and marketing strategy, these teams demonstrate the kind of creativity, discipline, and professionalism our industry depends on. Each year, we are inspired by the depth of talent and the educators who help guide these students toward meaningful careers in hospitality.”
Carol Dover, President & CEO of FRLA added: “These competitions are more than an event; they are an investment in the future of Florida’s hospitality industry. By connecting students with real-world business challenges and industry mentors, we are building the next generation of culinary innovators, restaurant operators, and hospitality leaders. As our state’s economy continues to rely on a strong tourism and hospitality industry, programs like ProStart ensure that passionate, well-trained talent is ready to lead it forward. Florida is proud to host the largest ProStart program in the nation, and we look forward to cheering on these top winners at the national competition this spring.”
Strawberry Crest High School was named first place overall winner under instructor Paul Bonanno. Other top finishers included St. Lucie West Centennial High School (second), Martin County High School (third), Lyman High School (third), Wekiva High School (fourth), and George Jenkins High School (fifth).
In specific competitions:
– Strawberry Crest also won first place in both Keiser University Culinary Competition and UCF Rosen College Management Competition.
– Denisse Sarria Tuero from St. Lucie West Centennial won first place in Universal Orlando Edible Centerpiece.
– George Jenkins High School secured first place in Waiters Relay.
The event was supported by global sponsors such as Keiser University; National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation; UCF’s Rosen College; Universal Orlando; St. Thomas University; World Equestrian Center; Fresh From Florida; as well as event sponsors including Ecolab; Florida Atlantic University; Zwilling J.A. Henckels; and FSU Dedman College.
ProStart is a nationwide career program for high school students focusing on culinary arts and restaurant management skills. In Florida alone—home to approximately 30,000 enrolled annually—it is recognized as having the largest ProStart program nationally.
The FRLA represents more than 10,000 members from various sectors within hospitality across Florida. Founded originally as separate organizations representing restaurants and hotels before merging in 2006,[the association supports legislative advocacy](https://frla.org/advocacy/) for its members’ interests while offering training through SafeStaff and RCS Training subsidiaries.
For additional information about ProStart or FRLAEF programs visit their official website or contact Director Laura Rumer.
