2026 Maine ProStart State Invitational

The Maine ProStart State Invitational provides an exciting opportunity for students to demonstrate their culinary and management expertise. Here’s a rephrased overview of the event:

Overview of the Maine ProStart State Invitational

Culinary Competition Highlights:

• Teams must prepare a three-course meal in 60 minutes, utilizing only two butane burners without access to running water or electricity.
• Judging Criteria: Teams are assessed on: 

• • Taste
  • Skill
  • Teamwork
  • Safety
  • Sanitation

Restaurant Management Competition Highlights:

• Participants create a restaurant concept in a fictional town called ProStartville and present their ideas to a panel of judges.
• Key Focus Areas: 

• • Menu creation and pricing
  • Marketing approaches
  • Operational strategies
  • Critical thinking skills

Student Opportunities:

• Competing teams have the chance to win scholarships at both the state and national levels.
• Opportunity to meet chefs, managers, and other industry professionals 
• The team that wins the state competition will advance to represent Maine at the National ProStart Invitational.

This competition not only sharpens culinary skills but also fosters teamwork, creativity, and practical business acumen within the hospitality industry.

2025 Competing Schools: