ProStart Program

This year's ProStart JumpStart grant winners experienced an unforgettable weekend at the 2026 National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show — gaining hands-on industry insight, making meaningful connections, and getting inspired by the endless possibilities ahead. 👨‍🍳🍽️

Big thanks to our partners including Nestlé Professional, Ecolab, The Coca-Cola Company, RATIONAL AG, Testo North America, Sterno Products, and PepsiCo.

Big flavors, live music, and even bigger talent at this year’s Bites & Beats. 🎶

Congratulations to the incredible ProStart students from HospitalityMaine and California Restaurant Association, who brought their winning food truck concepts to life at The Salt Shed in Chicago during the National Restaurant Association Restaurant, Hotel-Motel Show — showcasing the creativity, innovation, and entrepreneurial spirit that ProStart helps inspire.

Thank you to Ecolab for continuing to support this amazing event each year, and to Max McNown and Elizabeth Nichols for an unforgettable performance. 👏