A total of 25 teams comprised of hospitality and culinary students competed this week at the Alabama ProStart Student Invitational. The annual competition is hosted by the Alabama Restaurant and Hospitality Association Foundation (ARHAF). A huge thank you to Perdido Beach Resort in Orange Beach for hosting the event.

ProStart is a high school program that gives students interested in foodservice and hospitality careers a head start by teaching culinary techniques and management skills through an industry-driven curriculum. Upon successful completion of the ProStart Program, students receive an industry-recognized certificate – and employers get well-prepared, enthusiastic employees. 

This exciting competition showcases the talents and classroom skills of ProStart students from high schools across the state. The teams compete in culinary and management events, which are judged by industry professionals and experts. The top three teams receive scholarships, and the first place culinary and management teams will represent Alabama at the national competition in Washington, D.C.

The winners of the 2023 Alabama ProStart Student Invitational are:

Culinary Competition:

1st Place - Albertville High School

2nd Place - South Baldwin Center for Technology

3rd Place - Huntsville Center for Technology

Management Competition:

1st Place - Gulf Shores High School

2nd Place - Eden Career Tech

3rd Place - Gardendale High School

Best Beef Entree (sponsored by Alabama Cattlemen’s Association):

Albertville High School

Best Knife Skills: South Baldwin Center for Technology

Spirit & Teamwork Award–Culinary: Pelham High School

Spirit & Teamwork Award–Management: Eden Career Tech

“ProStart students represent the future of the restaurant and hospitality industry,” said Mindy Hanan, Alabama Restaurant & Hospitality Association President and CEO. “This competition is an incredible opportunity for those students to showcase the skills learned in the classroom through the ProStart program and their passion for this industry.”