CA ProStart Cup

March 7 + 8, 2023 | Long Beach Convention Center

The CA ProStart Cup is more than a cooking competition – it’s a life-changing experience! Imagine being 16 years old and pitching a new restaurant concept to a panel of restaurateurs. Or having a crowd of people watch you as you put the finishing touches on a three-course meal. This is a life-changing event!

The 2023 CA ProStart Cup was hosted at the Long Beach Convention Center on March 7 +8. Check back for our 2024 dates!

Thank You to Our Amazing Sponsors!

Media Coverage

NBC4

ABC7

Los Angeles Times – Orange County

Long Beach Press Telegram

2023 Highlights!

  • Imogen Erickson from Pacific Grove High School was named the ProStart Educator of the Year 
  • Over 300 students attended the College + Career Expo
  • Leuzinger High School won the Team Spirit Award presented by Coca-Cola and snagged theme park tickets
  • Students competed in the Wienerschnitzel’s Dress Your Dog hotdog topping competition and the Loaded Idaho Baked Potato competition! They had just 10 minutes to prepare their creations. The entries were judged by executives from Wienerschnitzel and the Idaho Potato Commission.
  • Derrick Chiu from Glen A. Wilson High School was announced as the winner of the NORMS Hotcake Topper Competition that was hosted in October. His topper may be featured on the NORMS menu!

BJ’s Restaurants Culinary Cup

  1. Orange County School of the Arts (Orange County)
  2. Pacifica High School (Ventura County)
  3. San Dimas High School (Los Angeles County)

BJ’s Restaurants Management Cup

  1. San Dimas High School (Los Angeles County)
  2. Orange County School of the Arts (Orange County)
  3. Fullerton Union High School (Orange County)

Taco Bell Crashes the CA ProStart Cup!