DURHAM, NC (March 14, 2024) – Earlier this month, 12 teams of high-schoolers from nine high schools in North Carolina put their culinary and management skills to the test at the North Carolina Restaurant & Lodging Association Foundation’s (NCRLAF) annual North Carolina ProStart Invitational (NCPI) on March 13-14 at North Carolina Central University’s Student Center in Durham.
Team members from Asheville High School won the management competition, and Cary High School students won the culinary competition. Aiesha Truesdale from CE Jordan High School in Durham was named North Carolina’s Educator of Excellence. Asheville High School was the culinary competition runner-up, and Clyde A. Erwin High School in Buncombe County took second place in management.
“As North Carolina’s hospitality industry continues to develop, investing in the next generation of culinary and hospitality professionals is more important than ever,” said Lynn Minges, President and CEO of NCRLA and the NCRLA Foundation. “This year’s ProStart Competition showcased remarkable talent, creativity, and innovation. We are excited to support our winning teams as they advance to the National ProStart Invitational, proudly representing our state on a national stage.”
Students competed at North Carolina Central University’s Student Union on March 13-14, in front of hospitality and management industry leaders, family, and friends with the hopes of moving on to the national ProStart competition hosted by the National Restaurant Association May 2-4 in Baltimore, MD.
In addition to moving on to the national competition, first, second, and third place team members also can choose from more than $360,000 in scholarships from universities and culinary institutes in the state and across the country.
The event was made possible in partnership with Presenting Sponsor Golden Corral Corporation, which is headquartered in Raleigh, NC with over 350 restaurants operating in 39 states and Puerto Rico.
“Golden Corral recognizes the importance of giving high school students opportunities to explore their passions and gain hands-on experience in the hospitality industry,” said Lance Trenary, President and CEO of Golden Corral Corporation. “The ProStart competition bridges the gap between the classroom and the industry, allowing students to build valuable skills and meaningful connections that will benefit them throughout their careers. It’s truly inspiring to see the lasting impact ProStart has on the future leaders of our industry.”
Other Sustaining Industry Partners of NCPI include Aramark, Ecolab, and US Foods.
The following teams competed in the management and culinary divisions of the competition:
2025 NCPI Winning Culinary Teams
- First Place: Cary High School (Cary)
- Second Place: Asheville High School (Asheville)
- Third Place: Garinger High School (Charlotte)
Other Competing Culinary Teams
- Ashe County High School, West Jefferson
- CE Jordan High School, Durham
- East Mecklenburg High School, Charlotte
- Southeast Raleigh Magnet High School, Raleigh
2025 NCPI Winning Management Teams
- First Place: Asheville High School (Asheville)
- Second Place: Clyde A. Erwin High School (Asheville)
- Third Place: Cary High School (Cary)
Other Competing Management Teams
- CE Jordan High School, Durham
- Chatham Central High School, Bear Creek
NCPI’s 2025 Educator of Excellence Award (EEA)
In addition to student recognition this year, NCRLA nominated Aiesha Truesdale from CE Jordan High School in Durham for ProStart’s National Educator of Excellence Award. The National Restaurant Association Education Foundation ProStart National Educator of Excellence Awards (EEA) recognize educators who demonstrate excellence in the classroom and passion, commitment, and creativity in all aspects of the ProStart program to help their students make the most of the opportunities that ProStart offers. Ms. Truesdale will be recognized alongside her peers from other participating states at the national competition in Baltimore, MD, where one of them will be named the EEA James H. Maynard Teacher of the Year. Established over a decade ago as a tribute to Golden Corral’s founder, James Maynard, the award honors one EEA winner for their tireless dedication to providing remarkable experiences for their ProStart students. The annual honoree receives a gift of $10,000.
About the Competition
Students in the culinary competition had to design, prepare, and serve a three-course meal (starter, an entrée with a vegetable or starch, and dessert) using only two butane burners in 60 minutes. Judged by a panel of certified chefs using industry standards, the teams prepared a gourmet meal without electricity, running water, or outside assistance. Cary High School’s winning menu consisted of curry shrimp and grits, grilled chicken with balsamic tomato sauce, and tiramisu panna cotta.
Students in the management competition had to prepare and present a restaurant concept, menu, and marketing plan to an exclusive panel of judges. Students presented their ideas and participated in an intense question-and-answer segment. Asheville High School took first place in this competition with their winning concept, Tempest.
This event was made possible thanks to the generous support of industry partners.
Presenting Sponsor: Golden Corral
Platinum Sponsor: Aramark
Gold Sponsors: Ecolab, US Foods
Silver Sponsors: DoorDash, International Culinary Institute, Sysco, Employers
Bronze Sponsors: Bojangles, Biscuitville, Hilton Garden Inn Outer Banks, Zwilling, Pinehurst Resort
Friends of ProStart: Pepsi Bottling Ventures, Salsarita’s
View photos of the winning teams here.
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About NCPI
NCPI is a high-stakes culinary arts and restaurant management competition organized by the association’s philanthropic arm, North Carolina Restaurant and Lodging Association Education Foundation.
About ProStart
ProStart is a nationwide, two-year program for high school students that develops the best and brightest talent into tomorrow’s industry leaders. It happens through a curriculum that teaches all facets of the restaurant and foodservice industry, inspires students to succeed, and sets a high standard of excellence for students and the industry.
The ProStart program is used in more than 1,800 high schools in 50 states, Guam and on US military bases, reaching nearly 165,000 secondary students annually. Many post-secondary schools in the nation recognize ProStart’s Certificate of Achievement, which is awarded to students who complete both levels of the program and at least 400 hours of work experience and reward them with credit toward their degree programs.
