California Restaurant Foundation and Arizona Restaurant Association recently hosted two of the region’s most exciting student culinary events, and at Habit, we were proud to help power the next generation of restaurant leaders.
This spring, Habit supported both the CA ProStart Cup and the Arizona ProStart Invitational, two flagship events within the national ProStart program. These competitions give high school students the opportunity to showcase their culinary and restaurant management skills in front of industry professionals while competing for scholarships and national recognition.
Spotlight: The Fresh Burger Battle
One of the most exciting moments at the CA ProStart Cup was the Fresh Burger Battle, a solo quick-fire competition sponsored by us at Habit.
The challenge brought together student chefs who had to think fast, cook creatively, and deliver a standout burger under pressure.
This year’s winner was Jenna Barada of Bonita High School, who impressed judges with her culinary skills and creativity. Jenna took home a medal, Habit swag and gift card, a chef’s knife, and an unforgettable opportunity to spend a day inside Chef Jason Triail’s Innovation Kitchen, where fresh new menu ideas come to life.
Supporting Students Beyond the Competition
Our involvement went beyond a single challenge. We also served as:
- National Team Sponsor for the California teams
- Title Sponsor of the Arizona ProStart Invitational
These partnerships help ensure students receive real-world exposure to the restaurant industry while building the skills that will shape their careers.
On the Road to Nationals
The competitions also determined which teams will advance to the national stage at the National ProStart Student Invitational, taking place April 24–26, 2026 in Baltimore, Maryland.
Representing their states will be four outstanding schools:
California
- Orange County School of the Arts
- San Dimas High School
Arizona
- Apollo High School
- Kingman High School
These top culinary and restaurant management teams have already earned college scholarships and will compete for additional awards at Nationals.
Investing in the Future of the Industry
For Habit, supporting programs like ProStart is about more than sponsorship, it’s about mentorship moments under our own Chef Jason Triail and investing in the future of the restaurant industry.
By connecting students with real chefs, real challenges, and real opportunities, programs like ProStart help build the pipeline of talented cooks, entrepreneurs, and restaurant leaders who will shape the industry for years to come.
And who knows… the next great burger innovator may already be sharpening their knives.
