What an extraordinary event it was as our very own Chef Jason Triail had the privilege of serving as a judge at the ProStart Cup! This exhilarating cooking competition, which we proudly sponsor, brings together talented high school students from ProStart® programs across California, showcasing their culinary prowess and innovation. These students are not just participants; they represent the future pillars of our state’s vibrant restaurant and foodservice industries.

The ProStart Cup is not just any competition; it’s a platform that nurtures aspiring chefs and managers, providing them with invaluable experience and opportunities for growth. As Chef Jason witnessed firsthand, the level of talent and dedication displayed by these young chefs and future leaders is truly inspiring.

The highlight of the event was undoubtedly the award ceremony, where winning teams were celebrated for their outstanding achievements. Thanks to the generous support of the California Restaurant Foundation, deserving students were honored with medals and scholarships, paving the way for their continued success in the culinary world.

But the excitement doesn’t end there! The victorious teams will now go on to represent California at the National ProStart Student Invitational in Baltimore, MD, this April—a testament to their hard work and culinary excellence.

Without further ado, let’s congratulate the winners of the ProStart Cup:

BJ’s Restaurants Culinary Cup:

• Bonita High School
• OCSA
• Pacifica High School

BJ’s Restaurants Management Cup:

• OCSA
• Fullerton Union High School
• Pacific Grove High School

Loaded Idaho Baked Potato Competition:

• San Dimas High School
• OCSA
• Glen A. Wilson High School

Wienerschnitzel Dress Your Dog Competition:

• San Dimas High School
• Sherman Indian High School
• San Dimas High School

As we applaud these talented students and their achievements, we also celebrate the spirit of innovation, camaraderie, and passion that defines the ProStart Cup. Here’s to the future of culinary excellence, led by these remarkable young chefs!

The Habit Burger Grill, a renowned California-based restaurant company known for its mouthwatering Charburgers grilled over an open flame, signature sandwiches, fresh salads, and more, was excited to announce its latest venture: The Habit Tours AZ. This exciting culinary journey featured The Habit Burger Truck, affectionately known as The Charmobile, as it embarked on a mission to spread joy and flavor across the Grand Canyon State while supporting Phoenix-based non-profit organizations, including the Phoenix Children’s Hospital.

The Charmobile: A Symbol of Flavor and Philanthropy

As The Charmobile traversed through the picturesque landscapes of Arizona, it brought with it the irresistible aroma and taste of California flame-fresh food. From classic Charburgers to crispy tempura green beans and savory veggie burger options, The Charmobile invited local communities to indulge in The Habit’s handcrafted menu items, all while supporting a worthy cause.

More Than Just Food: A Celebration of Community and Connection

But The Habit Tours AZ was about more than just serving delicious food. It was a celebration of joy, flavor, and a deep connection with the heart of Arizona. With 20 Habit Burger Grill restaurants already established in major cities across the state, The Charmobile’s journey served as a symbol of The Habit’s commitment to giving back to the communities it serves.

Supporting Phoenix Children’s Hospital

Throughout its tour, The Charmobile not only delighted taste buds but also raised awareness and funds for the Phoenix Children’s Hospital. By partnering with this esteemed non-profit organization, The Habit Burger Grill reaffirmed its dedication to making a positive impact on the lives of children and families in need.

Join Us on the Journey

As The Charmobile spread goodness and cheer across Arizona, one delicious meal at a time, communities came together to support a worthy cause. Together, they made a difference in the lives of those who need it most.

We’re thrilled to share the success of our recent partnership with The Surfrider Foundation‘s North Orange County chapter for our 3rd annual beach cleanup event! Our dedicated Habit Team Members rolled up their sleeves and hit the sand, collecting over 200 pounds of trash ranging from plastic bottles to cans and Styrofoam.

The Challenge: Plastic Pollution

Plastics have become ubiquitous in our daily lives, infiltrating even our bodies with the presence of microplastics in our lungs, bloodstreams, and throughout our systems. With an astonishing 11 million tons of plastic entering our oceans annually—equivalent to a full trash truck’s load dumped every minute—our marine ecosystems face a dire threat. At the current pace, plastic pollution in our oceans is doubling every six years, a trajectory that could lead to the shocking scenario of the total weight of plastic exceeding that of all fish in the ocean by 2050.

Surfrider chapters and clubs are at the forefront of combatting this crisis through hundreds of cleanups yearly, preventing thousands of pounds of trash from reaching our oceans. Furthermore, these efforts contribute invaluable data, guiding our advocacy for legislative changes necessary to hold plastic producers and polluters accountable. Additionally, the production of plastic, derived from fossil fuels, not only accelerates climate change but also poses significant risks to human health through both its raw materials and manufacturing processes.

At The Habit Burger Grill, we’re committed to making a positive impact on the environment beyond just cleanup efforts. Did you know that over 97% of our paper-based packaging is responsibly sourced or recycled? This small change is expected to make a significant impact, helping to eliminate close to 288,000 pounds of plastic waste in the U.S. annually.