Programs & Initiatives 

Texas ProStart

It’s a well-known fact that everything is bigger and better in Texas. Our approach to high school hospitality education is no exception to this rule. The Texas Restaurant Foundation (TRF) took the benefits of the National ProStart program and added a Texas twist:

• Outstanding Curriculum
• Educator Excellence & Professional Development
• Industry Support & State-of-the-Art Facilities
• Student Achievement

Texas ProStart prepares students for careers in the restaurant and food service industry. They gain valuable restaurant and food service skills through their academic and workplace experience.We take high school culinary and restaurant management to the next level by providing the full support of the Texas restaurant industry to over 250 high schools reaching 25,000 students each year. The program grows each year - adding more schools and reaching more students! Find a school near you and visit to see this program in action.

The connection between industry and schools ensures that teachers and students get the most from the Texas ProStart program. We provide extensive resources for educators and students, and the annual Texas ProStart Invitational competition showcases the amazing passion and dedication students have for our industry.

NEW! Oracle Food & Beverage recently released a detailed analysis on the innovative culinary and management concepts presented by 405 high school competitors at the 2018 National ProStart Invitational. The study captures the trends and standouts from the “next-gen” audience’s insights on innovation, cuisine, efficiency, and technology in foodservice.

Download the Report

Visit texasprostart.com for more information.

Classroom to Career

Schedule an in-class discussion with a Texas Restaurant Foundation Corporate Partner
This is an opportunity:

• For students to ask questions, get answers and gain knowledge on a variety of exciting industry careers
• Connect students with actual working industry professionals
• Build a mentoring program with Texas Restaurant Foundation Corporate Partners
• Create additional workforce development lesson plan ideas

Partners & Educators

For educators that would like more information on how to set up a Classroom to Career presentation, please contact Susan Petty, Director of Education/Texas ProStart Coordinator.

Culinary Educators Training Conference

Texas Restaurant Foundation’s annual train the trainer conference for all Texas ProStart educators and future Texas ProStart educators. Classes, demos, and presentations led by industry professionals, chefs and restaurateurs.

Visit the Foundation event's page for more information.