Invitationals
National ProStart Invitational
Two New Hampshire high schools proudly represented the Granite State at the 2025 National ProStart Invitational, held in Baltimore, where top high school culinary and restaurant management teams from across the country competed for national honors.
Culinary Team
White Mountains Regional High School of Whitefield, NH earned an impressive 10th place out of 48 teams in the Culinary Competition, wowing judges with a meticulously executed menu of:
-
Lightly Cured Pan-Roasted Atlantic Salmon (buttered pan vinaigrette, pomegranate apple “mostarda,” pea shoot salad, and salted crisp)
-
New York Strip Loin “Marchand de Vin” (red wine shallot veal jus, rosemary-scented baby gold potato cake, honey and garlic glazed mélange of Thumbelina carrot, spring asparagus, and red pearl onion)
-
Tart Cherry Mousse (petit cherry macarons, stewed cherries au jus, chocolate “soil,” and caramelized bananas)
This menu showcased advanced techniques, creativity, and professionalism.
Management Team
Pinkerton Academy of Derry, NH brought innovation to the Restaurant Management Competition with their unique concept, "Twisted Toast" — a modern twist on French toast favorites served in a cozy hideaway restaurant tucked behind a vibrant front-facing bakery.
The team placed 24th out of 48 teams, demonstrating strong business planning, a commitment to community, and teamwork.
.png)
2025 ProStart Invitational Winners
Culinary:
First Place - White Mountains Regional High School
Second Place - Pinkerton Academy
Third Place - Seacoast School of Technology
Communication - Seacoast School of Technology
Knife Skills - Seacoast School of Technology
Safety & Sanitation - White Mountains Regional High School
Team Manager - Maddie LeBlanc, Pinkerton Academy
Management:
First Place - Pinkerton Academy
Second Place - Milford Applied Technology Center
Third Place - Concord Regional Technical Center
Creativity - White Mountains Regional High School
Critical Thinking - White Mountains Regional High School
Presentation Skills - Addy Holzshu, Pinkerton Academy
Annual State Invitational
ProStart students are given the opportunity to put their skills to the ultimate test by participating in the NH ProStart State Invitational, which is held annually in the spring. During this intense culinary competition, participating teams demonstrate their creative abilities through the preparation of a three-course meal in 60 minutes, using only two butane burners, and all without access to running water or electricity. There is no room for error as the teams are evaluated on taste, skill, teamwork, safety and sanitation! During the Restaurant Management competition, students will design their own restaurant in ProStartville and present to a group of judges on their concept, menu and costing, marketing, critical thinking, and operations. At both the state and national level, students compete to win various scholarships, with the winning team moving forward to represent New Hampshire at the National ProStart Invitational.
New Hampshire ProStart State Invitational
March 3, 2026
National ProStart Invitational
April 24-26, 2026
ProStart® State Invitational Recap
The winners in the Culinary category are:
First Place - White Mountains Regional High School, Whitefield
Second Place - Pinkerton Academy, Derry
Third Place - Seacoast School of Technology, Exeter
Communication - Seacoast School of Technology
Knife Skills - Seacoast School of Technology
Safety & Sanitation - White Mountains Regional High School
Team Manager - Maddie LeBlanc, Pinkerton Academy
The winners in the Management category are:
First Place - Pinkerton Academy
Second Place - Milford Applied Technology Center, Milford
Third Place - Concord Regional Technical Center
Creativity - White Mountains Regional High School
Critical Thinking - White Mountains Regional High School
Presentation Skills - Addy Holzshu, Pinkerton Academy
Thank you to our generous Sponsors:
110 Grill, American Culinary Federation White Mountains Chapter, Café Services, Concord TV, Dexter, Duprey Hospitality, EcoLab, Flatbread Company, Granite Edvance, Great Bay Community College, Gordon Food Service, Heron Point Seafood, Performance Foodservice, Sysco Northeast, The Common Man Family, US Foods
Thank you to our Judges and Support Team:
110 Grill, Alvrine High School, Appalachian Mountain Club, Arcadia Financial, Autumn Nomad Cafe & Baker, BAM Hospitality, Barrio Tacos. Brian Coffey Catering, Chickadee, Copper Door, David’s Restaurant, Heron Point Seafood, Lakes Region Community College, Melan Group, Nashua Country Club, New England Sports Hub and Event Center, Pinkerton Academy, Red Arrow Diner Corporation, Rockywold Deephaven Camp, The Portland Regency Hotel, Three Chimneys Inn, Tinios Hospitality Group, Sysco NNE, University of New Hampshire, Vintage Bakery, Waumbek Golf
Our Sponsors and Supporters
