Here are the teams that finished tops in the 50-state competitions, which includes a contest in both management, where the participants brainstorm a restaurant venture, and culinary skills.
Management
Teams develop a detailed business proposal for a new foodservice concept, looking at aspects such as points of differentiation, operational challenges, design, marketing strategies and staffing.
1st place: Ben Barber Innovation Academy (Texas)
2nd place: East Ridge High School (Florida)
3rd place: Provo High School (Utah)
4th place: Wilson Central High School (Tennessee)
5th place: Kalamazoo RESA North West (Michigan)
Culinary
Teams prepare a three-course meal (appetizer, entree and dessert) in 60 minutes using two butane burners and without access to running water or electricity. Food safety acumen and food costing are among the skills scored.
1st place: Dr. Gene Burton Colege and Career Academy (Texas)
2nd place: Hendon Career Center (Missouri)
3rd place: Anderson County Career & Technical Center (South Carolina)
4th place: Passaic County Technical Institute (New Jersey)
5th place: Leto High School (Florida)
The competition was presented by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation at the Omni Shoreham Hotel in Washington, D.C.
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