virtual competition
CA Prostart 2020
We’re Going Virtual
What do you do with the “Super Bowl” of high school culinary competitions in California when pandemic strikes? The travel bans, school closures, and restrictions due to COVID-19 prevent our usual in-person, spectacular event. So, we’re taking it virtual! That’s how we’ll still hold the CA ProStart Cup, which was scheduled for March 20+21 in Pomona.
The 250 student competitors have worked too hard to cancel this event, and with approximately $2 million in scholarships up for grabs for the winners, we had to find a safe solution for the show to go on.
Deciding to pivot to a virtual competition was not easy, but we need to prioritize safety. While we are very disappointed the students will not have the opportunity to showcase their exceptional talents and skills live, this is the only option for graduating seniors, in particular, to compete this year.
About ProStart Virtual
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 hundreds of people watch you as you put the finishing touches on a three-course meal.
Main Events
Student Competitors
Sponsors
Judges
Awards Ceremony
We give props to all the teams who participated in the virtual competition! The judges were impressed and wow ’ed by the concepts, menus and proposals. The competition was fierce!
Thank you for your continued support during this unprecedented time. We had a great time filming the awards video and we hope you enjoy it!
Special Guest
Rob DeLiema
President // BJ’S RESTAURANTS FOUNDATION
• First hospitality job: Flipping burgers and cooking hot dogs at a poolside snack bar at age 15
• “With hard work and dedication to learning, you will have endless opportunities to excel in an exciting and growing industry.”
Emcees
Marshall Scarborough
Vice President of Menu and Culinary Innovation
// BOJANGLES’ FAMOUS CHICKEN ‘N BISCUITS
- First hospitality job: Washing dishes at a restaurant
- “Building meaningful relationships and maintaining them is one of the best things you can do for your career and yourself.”
Matt Claborn
Retired
- First hospitality job: Dining room server at Claremont Retirement Village
- “Never stop learning.”
Our ProStart Participants
Check out our competitors below to learn more!
APPLIED TECHNOLOGY CENTER HIGH SCHOOL
Culinary
Iron Horses
Robert Torres ● Devin Morales ● Jorge Albanez ● Edgar Perez
Juan A. Lopez
ARCATA HIGH SCHOOL
Culinary
Culinary Tigers
Brianna Freeman, Captain ● Aiden Davis ● Max Haines ● Rolin Mitchell
Neil Kalson
BETECH CHARTER HIGH SCHOOL
Culinary
The Spice Girls and Two Guys
Maria Alcazar, Captain ● Michelle Navarro ● CJ Press ● Tait Hougen
Andrew Griggs
BONITA HIGH SCHOOL
Culinary
True Grit
Ryder Ortiz, Captain ● Sarah Borer ● Caterina Mangiafreno ● Shelby Howard
Management
That’s How We Roll
Shelby Howard, Captain ● Ryder Ortiz ● Nikita Pacheco, Mentor
Innovation # 1
Blue Wave Washers
Jasper Coronado, Captain ● Domanique Rosales ● Alexis Kessler, Mentor
Innovation # 2
Essentials
Ryder Ortiz
Laurie Brandler
CHINO HILLS HIGH SCHOOL
Management #1
Chino Hills #1
Alana Trplett, Captain ● Emliy Alvarado ● Cheyenne Ball-Jones
Management #2
Chino Hills #2
Krystle Caradang, Captain ● Miah Dixon ● Riya Patel ● Ashley Mayes
Jennell Acker
EDEN AREA ROP
Culinary
Felix Romero, Captain & Alternate ● Natalie Epich ● Johnny Contreras ● Alexia Cortes ● Makayla Rangel
Terri Penn
ENTERPRISE HIGH SCHOOL
Culinary
Brook Stipp, Captain ● Isaiah Danielson ● Sarah West ● Madison Day ● Louis De La Torre, Alternate ● Deborah Leedy, Mentor
James Leedy
FORTUNA HIGH SCHOOL
Culinary
Joey Quen, Captain ● Joey Diaz ● Adrian Olea ● Samantha St. Clair ● Brian Mendez, Alternate ● Josh Wiley, Mentor
Stacy Chatfield
FULLERTON UNION HIGH SCHOOL
Innovation
Andrew Mendez ● Bryan Navarro ● Jasmine Torres
Mario Schwarz-Cole
GLEN A. WILSON HIGH SCHOOL
Culinary #1
Anthony Chavez, Captain ● Carla Salcido-Islas ● Stephaney Myint ● Jenniferr Chan
Anika Estes
GREENVILLE HIGH SCHOOL
Culinary
Solai Pomtong, Captain ● Aubrey Page ● Rosemary Balbiani ● Stella Balbiani
Judy Dolphin
JOHN O’CONNELL HIGH SCHOOL
Management #1
Team Apple
E’shaun Grays, Captain ● Chloe Johnson ● Jasmin Jones
Management #2
Team Orange
Caleb Parker, Captain ● Kiara Lampkins ● Mark Larreynaga
Alexandria Brooks
JOHN A. ROWLAND HIGH SCHOOL
Management
Marissa Garcia ● Esmeralda Martinez ● Joshua Tse ● Sophia Htay ● Diane Chen ● Scott Brokaw, Mentor
Innovation
Miles Martinez, Captain ● Lucas Martinez ● Valerie De La Fuente ● Stevie De La Fuente ● Sharon Kim, Alternate ● Scott Brokaw, Mentor
Katherine Stella
LEUZINGER HIGH SCHOOL
Management
Cesia Duran, Captain ● Francisco Camparan ● Erika Panchi ● Khadija Khan ● Brian Cramer, Mentor ● Alex Zamudio, Mentor
Culinary
Jeisler Ku, Captain ● Emily Mendoza ● Richard Morales ● Ronnie Guerra ● Carolina Rios, Alternate ● Brian Cramer, Mentor ● Alex Zamudio, Mentor
Innovation
Steve Loez ● Alexsis Rodriguez ● Citaly Anaya ● Brian Cramer, Mentor ● Alex Zamudio, Mentor
Valerie Meyer
LYNWOOD HIGH SCHOOL
Culinary
Royal Chefs
Conrad Galvez, Captain ● Shaunae Simon ● Miguel Rojo ● Kaylah Tautuaa ● Matteo Pergrina, Alternate
Innovation
Innovative Knights
Diego Pina, Captain ● Diego Nunez ● Joshua Angeles-Sanabia
Joe Powell
MADISON HIGH SCHOOL
Culinary
Mad Hatters
Cassandra Monterrosa, Captain ● George Giang ● Yuritzy Garcia Huerta ● Mike Porter ● Carson Smith, Alternate
Management
MadMen
Carson Smith, Captain ● Roman Granados
Kim Coelho
MISSION HILLS HIGH SCHOOL
Culinary
Mission Hills Grizzlies
Justin Vong, Captain and Alternate ● Emma Wong ● Armando Trujillo ● Braeden Sundelius ● Eathan Cooley
David Keith
NEWPORT HARBOR HIGH SCHOOL
Culinary
Dafne Calderon, Captain ● Aritzel Hernandez ● Jesus Ortiz ● Stephanie Baltazar ● Frania Alonso, Alternate ● Chef Allan Aguiñaga, Mentor
Management
Pacific Press
Ryan Monahan, Captain ● Alexa Armbruster ● Noah Houk ● Austin Osborn ● Emily McKinney, Mentor
Sarah Pilon
NORTH TAHOE HIGH SCHOOL
Culinary
Amalia Ven Peborgh, Captain ● Ashlyn M. McPherson ● Michelle Salas ● Jackson G. Morse ● Anna Wright, Alternate
Laura Hartung
ORANGE COUNTY SCHOOL OF THE ARTS
Management
The Mix
Ximena (Lizzy) Garcia Sanchez ● Summer Rahim ● Isabella (Bella) Vegh ● Paige Comire ● Alex Aviles, Mentor
Culinary
Vincenzo (Cenzo) Spina, Captain and Alternate ● Madison (Star) Lu ● Isabella (Bella) Bailey ● Paige Kim ● Nirvan (Chime) Pradhan
Daniel Mattos
PACIFICA HIGH SCHOOL
Culinary
The Tritons
Juan Ochoa, Captain ● Nicolas Gutierrez ● Stephanie Velazquez ● Ikawaiolamailani Bachmeier ● Gabriel Valenzuela, Alternate ● Anthony Haros, Mentor
Kristen Ofeldt Collins
PLEASANT VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
Culinary
πέντε
Ayden McAllister, Captain ● Brandon Kertz ● David Abbott ● Jesika Kendall ● Chris Daneau, Alternate ● Travis Anderson, Mentor
Priscilla Burns
RANCHO ALAMITOS HIGH SCHOOL
Culinary
Adriana Barajas, Captain ● Eric Bautista ● Miguel Escarraman ● Chris Ross ● Jahaziel Herrera, Mentor
Innovation
Kiara Arevelo ● Adriana Barajas
Scott Kim
SAN DIMAS HIGH SCHOOL
Management #1
Frequent Flyers
Nathan Rudy, Captain ● Ali Yassine ● Sophia Leon, Alternate ● Shyanne Morrison, Mentor ● Sara Siu, Mentor
Management #2
Taco Spot
Aaron Smith, Captain ● Alyssa Duarte ● Paul Pignotti ● Shyanne Morrison, Mentor ● Sara Siu, Mentor
Culinary
Vibin’ Like Jeff
Brigette Cruz, Captain ● Erika Barragan ● Travis Swailes ● Jeremy Carillo ● Kiley Shaffer, Alternate ● Christian Kavak, Mentor
Innovation #1
Split Pot
Laura Siu, Captain ● Sara Siu, Mentor
Innovation #2
Latch Can
Nathan Rudy, Captain ● Yousef Saleh
Nick Brandler
SAN JUAN HIGH SCHOOL
Management
Braxton Anderson, Captain ● James Leete ● Rihannon Bloom ● Ruth Kent
Culinary #1
Ruth Kent, Captain ● James Leete ● Braxton Anderson ● Sheridan Analco ● Justin Ferguson ● Emariae Rosa-Belton, Alternate
Culinary #2
Damien Kent, Captain ● Justin Ferguson ● Rihannon Bloom
Innovation
James Leete ● Braxton Anderson ● Rihannon Bloom
Brent Boultinghouse
VALLEY HIGH SCHOOL
Culinary #1
Italian Falcons
Andrea Manzano, Captain ● Anthony Arcos ● Valeria Cruz ● Jazmina Gonzalez ● Melody Baeza, Alternate
Culinary #2
California Dreamin’
Juan Hernandez, Captain ● Laura Delatorre ● Mike Gutierrez ● Jeremy Reyes ● Jessica Salazar, Alternate
Kristin Sepulveda
Terry Kim
VISTA HIGH SCHOOL
Culinary
Parker McIlmoil, Captain ● Casie Esparza ● Carlos Perez II ● Kai Siebert ● Eve Carpenter, Alternate ● David Keith, Mentor
Kim Plunkett
WHEATLAND HIGH SCHOOL
Culinary
Mighty Pirates
Makenzie Garder, Captain ● Delilah Harrison ● Edward Sanchez ● Allison Brinkly ● Conner Dennis, Alternate
Kuulei Moreno
WHITNEY HIGH SCHOOL
Culinary
Gabriella Gonzalez ● Jordan Oja ● Jordan Manzitto ● Luke Martin ● Jacob Kendrick, Mentor
Carissa McCrory
Our Sponsors
Thank you to our generous sponsors, we couldn’t do it without you!
Management and Culinary Cup Sponsor
Innovation Cup Sponsor
CA National Team Sponsor
Safety + Sani Sponsor
Travel Sponsor
Venue Sponsor + Host
Spirit Sponsor
Student Lounge Sponsor
Photo Sponsor
College + Career Expo Sponsor
Lanyard Sponsor
Goodie Bag Sponsor
Friends of CRAF
Meal Sponsors
In-Kind Sponsors
Executive Insights Title Sponsor
VIP Reception Sponsors
Our Judges
Thank you to our judges for working with us on Virtual ProStart 2020!
THE MANAGEMENT JUDGES
Michael Santos
CEO // TAILORED FOOD + BEVERAGE
Theodore Balestreri II
VP Hospitality Operations
+ Community Relations
CANNERY ROW MANAGEMENT CO. // SARDINE FACTORY
Shaun M. Beard
Senior Vice President, Food and Beverage // SAVOR
Michael Brennan
Vice President of Operations // SPECIALTY RESTAURANTS CORPORATION
Camille Chavez
Vice President of Training and Development //
BLACK BEAR DINER
Kathie Griley
Vice President of Membership // CALIFORNIA RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION
Nicole Haug
Learning and Development Manager // URBAN PLATES
Michael Hawkins
Principal // GREEN STREET RESTAURANT
Steve Henige
National Academic Sales Manager // NATIONAL RESTAURANT ASSOCIATION // SERVSAFE
Krista Hoskins
Director of Training // NORMS RESTAURANTS
Alice C. Juarez
Region Bank President // WELLS FARGO BANK
Teresa Keogh
Director of Operations Strategy // LEMONADE
Michele Lange
Director of Training // DEL TACO
Belinda de Villa – Lopez / Belle Lopez
University Lecturer // THE COLLINS COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT, CALIFORNIA POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY, POMONA
Jericho Lopez
Director, Marketing, Communications & Business Development //
UNIVERSITY CALIFORNIA SAN DIEGO
Steven Mary
Culinary Consultant // SYSCO LOS ANGELES
Paul Miramontes
Corporate Field Trainer // GALARDI GROUP INC. –WIENERSCHNITZEL
Carolyn Olsen
Ambassador & Sales Executive // COCA-COLA NORTH AMERICA
Scott Ponchetti
Director of Restaurant and Retail Operations // FIRESTONE
WALKER BREWING COMPANY
Moises Reyes
Executive Kitchen Market Manager // BJ’S RESTAURANTS
Pia Tinsley
Principal/Creative Director // THE LOFTE CREATIVE
THE CULINARY JUDGES
Sheree Mooney, BS, MA, CRM
Chef Lecturer // COLLINS COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY
Diana Delonis
Office / HR manager // SMOKE OPEN FIRE COOKING
Charles Brettner
Director of Food and Beverage at The Greek Theatre // ASM GLOBAL
Kyung Soo Carroll
Executive Chef // FASHION ISLAND HOTEL
Dr. Jerald Chesser
Professor Emeritus // COLLINS COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT, CALIFORNIA STATE POLYTECHNIC UNIVERSITY POMONA
Marla Chesser
Boss // CHESSER INC.
Peter Coenen
Executive Chef // MARINA DEL REY HOTEL
David Cox
Executive Chef // NORMS RESTAURANTS
Donna Dannan
“Former” Student Services Coordinator // COLLINS COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT CAL POLY POMONA
Kenneth Dokko
Lecturer // CAL POLY POMONA, COLLINS COLLEGE OF HOSPITALITY MANAGEMENT
Shelly Doonan
Professor of Culinary Arts and Hospitality Management //
MOUNT SAN ANTONIO COLLEGE (MT. SAC)
Christina Fava
Sales Representative // FRESHPOINT PRODUCE
Tyler Glick
General Manager // PHIL’S BBQ
Brian Knirk, EdD
Director, Culinary Arts // AMERICAN RIVER COLLEGE
Justin Lewis
Corporate Executive Chef // FIRESTONE WALKER BREWERY
Jay Marshall, CEC, AAC
Executive Chef // SYSCO SAN FRANCISCO INC.
Francois Behuet
Pastry Chef // BOTTEGA LOUIE
Debi Min
Chef // SUSHI PRIVATE CATERING
Shawn Mohler
Director of Operations // BJ’S RESTAURANTS, INC.
Brandon L. Mooney
Mechanic // WALNUT VALLEY SCHOOL DISTRICT
Colleen Nanno
Culinary Arts Program Director // PASADENA CITY COLLEGE
Gary Prell
President // EXCELLENCE IN FOODSERVICE NETWORK
Dan Proctor
Associate Manager Global Product Development // TACO BELL
Andrew Reyes
Chef de Cuisine // TIDAL RESTAURANT AT PARADISE POINT
Kent Roberts
Distributor Sales Development Manager // ECOLAB
Paul Silvio
Director of Revenue Management // SYSCO LOS ANGELES
Dominique Valenzuela
Executive Pastry Chef // JW MARRIOTT DESERT SPRINGS RESORT & SPA
Pamela Wnuck
Culinary Arts Supervisor // OC FAIR & EVENT CENTER
Ram Wymore
District Manager // ECOLAB
THE INNOVATION JUDGES
David Bliven
Manager, International Technology // TACO BELL: YUM! BRANDS
Matt Bussak
Instructional Design Manager // URBAN PLATES
Will Godoy
Director of Team Member Development // BJ’S RESTAURANTS, INC.
Joseph Pitruzzelli
Co-Founder // WURSTKÜCHE RESTAURANT
Glenda Vaquerano
Public Relations Manager // THE GALARDI GROUP, INC., WIENERSCHNITZEL
A Special Thank You to All!
Special thank yous to our generous sponsors for standing by the Foundation during this challenging time. To our judges, volunteers, food + beverage donors, college partners, and the Sheraton Fairplex, we are grateful for your support! We salute the ProStart teachers. You are incredibly giving of your time and personal resources to provide life-changing experiences for your students; thank you for rolling with the punches.