900+ Texas high school students to compete for $3 million in scholarships

900+ Texas high school to compete for $3 million in scholarships at 2026 Texas ProStart Invitational

The next generation of Texas restaurateurs takes the stage, competing for scholarships and a coveted spot at the National ProStart Invitational.

AUSTIN, TX (March 15, 2026) - More than 900 of Texas' top high school culinary and hospitality students will go head-to-head at the 2026 Texas ProStart Invitational, presented by Raising Cane's Chicken Fingers, kicking off Friday, March 20 at the Waco Convention Center.

As the state's premier workforce development competition, Texas ProStart prepares more than 34,000 students annually for careers in Texas' $138 billion restaurant and foodservice industry.

The high-energy, two-day event features team competitions in culinary and restaurant management, alongside individual challenges that test precision, creativity, and speed. From knife skills to fast-paced breakfast and dessert battles, students will showcase real-world skills in front of industry leaders and judges.

More than $3 million in scholarships will be awarded to participating and top-performing teams and individual competitors. First-place winners will earn the opportunity to represent Texas on the national stage at the National ProStart Invitational.

The event is free and open to the public.

Media are invited to attend, capture competition footage, and interview students, instructors, and event organizers. Advance registration is required. All media outlets must RSVP to [email protected] by Friday, March 20 at 10 a.m. to receive credentials and additional event details.

WHO: Texas Restaurant Foundation
Heather Pickett, executive director of the Texas Restaurant Foundation

WHEN: Friday, March 20 - Sunday, March 22
9:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.

WHERE: Waco Convention Center
100 Washington Ave
Waco, TX 76701


ABOUT THE TEXAS RESTAURANT FOUNDATION
Founded in 1995 as the charitable arm of the Texas Restaurant Association, the Texas Restaurant Foundation (TRF) is dedicated to building and strengthening the future of the restaurant industry through education, workforce development, and scholarships. TRF oversees Texas ProStart, a premier culinary and restaurant management training program reaching over 34,000 high school students in 260+ schools statewide. The foundation also leads industry-driven initiatives such as the TX Restaurant Relief Fund, which has provided millions in crisis support, and innovative workforce development programs that connect businesses with trained, job-ready talent. These include Second Chances, which helps justice-involved individuals reenter the workforce, and specialized training initiatives designed to meet the evolving needs of the industry. Since its founding, TRF has awarded over $3 million in scholarships to aspiring culinary and hospitality professionals.