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ProStart® Championships

Oregon ProStart Championships Event

The Oregon ProStart® Championships bring together talented high school culinary and management students from across the state to showcase their skills, compete for scholarships and prizes, and earn a chance to represent Oregon at the national competition. Hosted by the Oregon Hospitality Foundation (OHF), this exciting annual event celebrates the next generation of hospitality leaders.

Save the date: March 15, 2027! Come cheer on Oregon's future hospitality leaders, connect with industry professionals, and see firsthand the talent and potential of our next generation of industry leaders.

See Oregon's Future Hospitality Talent in Action!

As the capstone event for the ProStart career and technical education (CTE) program, the Championships give students an opportunity to put their classroom training to the test in two competitions:

  • Management Competition: Student teams develop and pitch an original restaurant concept to industry judges, covering branding, marketing, menus, food costs, and operations.
  • Culinary Competition: Teams have just 60 minutes and two butane burners to prepare a three-course meal, demonstrating their culinary skills, creativity, teamwork, and professionalism.

Industry Volunteers & Judges Needed!

Be part of an inspiring day that celebrates Oregon's future hospitality workforce! We welcome industry professionals to get involved as event volunteers and culinary or management judges. Your time and expertise help encourage students, recognize their achievements, and support the next generation of industry talent.

Interested in getting involved? Contact us to learn about volunteer and judging opportunities.

Thank You to Our 2027 Sponsors to Date:

PRESENTING SPONSOR:​

CHAMPION SPONSOR:

PROSTART SCHOOL SPONSORS:

HOSPITALITY SHOWCASE:

IN-KIND DONORS:

Looking to support the ProStart program? View our sponsorship opportunities or consider making a contribution.

Congratulations 2026 Winners!

Culinary Competition:

  • 1st Place: Salem CTEC
  • 2nd Place: Sam Barlow High School
  • 3rd Place: Crescent Valley High School

Management Competition:

  • 1st Place: Salem CTEC
  • 2nd Place: South Salem High School
  • 3rd Place: Glide High School

Additional Awards Presented:

  • Teacher of the Year: Patrick Clarke, Siletz Valley School
  • Student of the Year: Connor Wolfgram, South Salem High School

First-place teams from the statewide event travel to Baltimore, MD, to participate in the National ProStart Invitational®.

Empowering Students Through ProStart

"ProStart students learn skills - such as teamwork, communication, and decision making - that are important to success in any career they choose to pursue. They also gain a tremendous amount of self-confidence. This event is their capstone project, and it is as exciting to watch as any sports tournament."
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– Courtney Smith, ProStart Manager, Oregon Hospitality Foundation