SALEM — The Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association put the spotlight on the state’s next wave of hospitality workers Monday at the Salem Convention Center, where high school teams cooked against the clock, pitched restaurant concepts to industry judges, and walked away with scholarships, medals and bragging rights.
The 2026 Oregon ProStart Championships, hosted by the Oregon Hospitality Foundation, brought together student teams from programs across the state for a day split between two main events: a culinary competition and a restaurant management competition. ProStart is a career and technical education program that combines kitchen skills with the business side of running a restaurant, and the state championships are the annual capstone event.
The awards ceremony opened with remarks from Jason Brandt, president and CEO of the Oregon Restaurant & Lodging Association. The event is part of ORLA’s broader workforce development push, with the Oregon Hospitality Foundation supporting training and career pathways for students entering the industry.
By the end of the night, Salem-Keizer’s Career Technical Education Center, commonly known as CTEC, had captured both top titles.
CTEC’s management team took first place in the restaurant management competition, beating out South Salem High School, which placed second, and Glide High School, which placed third, according to awards announced from the stage. Jeff Sittisuphachoke, food and beverage director at Spirit Mountain Casino, presented the management awards and told students it takes “tremendous courage” to stand in front of professionals and present their ideas.
In the culinary competition, Crescent Valley High School placed third and Sam Barlow High School placed second, with CTEC earning the top culinary finish, awards announcements said. The first-place teams will represent Oregon at the National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore this spring, organizers said.
South Salem culinary instructor Laura Hofer said the event stands out because it gives students a real-world setting to learn and compete.
“What a fantastic day of competition for the kids. Just the right mix of learning, competition and fun,” Hofer said. “This is my favorite competition every year because the kids remember it forever and the learning that happens is organic in a setting like the convention center. I am really proud of my student Connor for winning student of the year. And to all the teams for showing up to compete today.”
Organizers named Connor Wolfgram of South Salem High School as Student of the Year, recognizing him for stepping up to form and lead his team, and for the communication and teamwork he modeled throughout the season, according to the awards narration.
Teacher of the Year went to Patrick Clarke from Siletz Valley School, who organizers credited with building a culinary program from the ground up and connecting classroom learning to culture, career pathways and community partnerships.
The event also added a hospitality-focused component this year, with students learning and demonstrating front-of-house skills such as table settings and napkin folding. Salem Convention Center Director of Operations Robert Maple told students that hospitality is built on small moments, describing it as “eye contact and a smile” and an emotional experience that can shape how people feel when they walk into a restaurant or event space.
Attendees also voted on “People’s Choice” awards. Crook County High School won for best culinary meal, and CTEC won for best restaurant concept, organizers announced.
Salem Mayor Julie Hoy, who attended the event, said the day was a reminder of how much talent is already being developed in local classrooms.
“Our hospitality and culinary students at ProStart didn’t just bring the heat in the kitchen — they brought home a state championship!” Hoy said. “Watching their talent, teamwork, and creativity shine reminds all of us that the future of our community is in very capable hands. Nationals better get ready — they’re serving excellence!”
