The 2025 Massachusetts ProStart Invitational is taking place on February 10-11 at Gillette Stadium in Foxborough. This annual event, organized by the Massachusetts Restaurant Association Educational Foundation (MRAEF), brings together high school students from across the state to compete in culinary and management challenges.
Event Overview
The Invitational featured two main competitions:
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Culinary Competition: Teams showcased their culinary skills by preparing a three-course meal within 60 minutes, using only two butane burners and without access to running water or electricity. They were evaluated on taste, skill, teamwork, safety, and sanitation.
- Management Competition: Teams developed a proposal for a new restaurant concept, including a defined concept, menu development, and a marketing plan. They presented their proposals through written submissions, verbal presentations, and visual displays.
Notable Achievements
Old Colony Regional Vocational Technical High School achieved remarkable success:
Management Team: Secured first place for the fourth consecutive year. The team will represent Massachusetts at the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore this May.
Cake Decorating: Students Lilah Barros and Abigail Dawicki placed first and second, respectively, in the cake decorating division.
Additionally, Cambridge Rindge and Latin School's RSTA Culinary Team earned second place in the culinary competition, demonstrating exceptional teamwork and culinary expertise.
Looking Ahead
The top teams from the Massachusetts Invitational will advance to the National ProStart Invitational, scheduled for May 2-4, 2025, at the Marriott Baltimore Waterfront in Baltimore, Maryland. This prestigious event will host over 400 student competitors from across the country, all vying for scholarships and national recognition.
The Massachusetts ProStart Invitational continues to be a pivotal platform for aspiring culinary and hospitality professionals, offering students invaluable experience and opportunities to showcase their talents on both state and national stages.
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