2025 Texas ProStart Invitational Details
Thank you to our Title Sponsor!
2025 TEXAS PROSTART INVITATIONAL
presented by Raising Cane's
March 28-30th, 2025
Waco Convention Center
100 Washington Ave, Waco, TX 76701
The Texas ProStart Invitational, presented by Raising Cane's, is an event that brings together high school students from all across the Lone Star State. It's an opportunity for students from across the great state of Texas to showcase their skills in a real-world setting. With competitions in Culinary Arts, Restaurant Management, and Hospitality Services, participants will be tested on their abilities to create innovative dishes, craft business plans, and present their ideas in front of a panel of expert judges. The top teams will earn scholarships and the chance to compete at the national level, providing them with an opportunity for even greater success and recognition.
This competition is more than just a way to win awards and receive recognition; it's also a great learning experience. Participants gain valuable industry knowledge as they work together to create their dishes and business plans, as well as the opportunity to network with chefs and industry professionals. With these skills, participants can go on to pursue successful careers in hospitality and culinary arts.
Registration for 2025 will open in Fall 2024.
TEAM COMPETITIONS
The 2025 Culinary Competition Tracks: Upon registration, educators will have the opportunity to select their preferred track, with only the ProStart coordinator being aware of the chosen track for each participating school. It is important to note that the rules, judging criteria, and timing will remain consistent across both tracks. We believe these enhancements will further elevate the overall experience and ensure a fair competition for all participants.
- The Nationals Track offers an exhilarating and prestigious pathway tailored for aspiring culinary students to become professional chefs. This track serves as a platform to showcase their culinary talents, leadership abilities, and capacity to thrive under pressure, while simultaneously preparing them for a promising career in the culinary industry. The top three (3) placing teams will be awarded scholarships and prizes, with the winner of this division moving on to compete at the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore, MD.
- The Lone Star State Track offers an inclusive and competitive experience designed for culinary students who are eager to explore their passion for cooking. This track fosters creativity, learning, and camaraderie. The top three (3) teams in this division will also be awarded scholarships and prizes as recognition for their outstanding performance.
The 2025 Management Competition will continue with a single track, culminating in the winning team advancing to the National ProStart Invitational.
INDIVIDUAL COMPETITIONS
In addition to the team competitions, the Texas ProStart Invitational offers individual students the opportunity to compete and show-off their culinary skills in a variety of disciplines. Texas ProStart Individual Competitions are open to students not competing on either culinary or management teams at the competition. 2025 individual competition rules are forthcoming and will be made available in the coming months.
WACO HOTEL INFORMATION
Hotel rooms for the competition can be booked now at the Hilton Waco. Keep in mind that the discounted room block is limited and on a first-reserved, first-available basis.
Book Your Hotel
Where to Dine in Waco
Things To-Do in Waco
Waco Convention Center Parking Information
Attendees are asked to park in Heritage Square, a city block of surface parking located at 3rd and Austin, and bounded by 4th St. and Washington Ave. Trailers and buses should be parked on this lot as well. Trailers, buses, and vehicles taking more than one parking spot are not allowed in the parking lot facing Franklin Avenue. Download Waco Downtown Parking Map
Watch the 2023 TPSI Recap Video