At Habit Burger & Grill, we know that great food starts with great talent. That’s why we were proud to serve as a National Team sponsor at the 23rd annual CA ProStart Cup, where the next generation of culinary and restaurant leaders brought their A-game.

The competition was fierce, the flavors were bold, and the creativity? Off the charts.

Chef Jason Triail, Habit’s Head Chef, joined the judging panel, getting a front-row seat to the incredible skills these students showcased. From concept to execution, these rising stars proved they’re ready to take on the industry.

“Judging the CA ProStart Cup was an incredible experience—and a tasty one,” said Jason. “These students brought serious talent to the table… and I had to taste all of it. Let’s just say, by the end, I was one bite away from a food coma. But it was worth every forkful to see the passion and creativity these future chefs put into their dishes. Huge congrats to all the competitors!”

And the Winners Are…

Orange County School of the Arts – 1st Place, Restaurant Concept

• BondFire – A quick-casual restaurant where the spirit of the outdoors comes alive. Think campfire vibes, adventure-ready eats, and a warm, welcoming space to gather.

San Dimas High – 1st Place, Culinary Competition

• Appetizer: Chilean seabass in a coconut, ginger, and lemongrass broth.
• Entrée: Lamb strip loin with truffle pomme purée.
• Dessert: Coconut mousse encased in tempered chocolate, filled with mint-cherry compote.

Next Stop: Nationals

These champions are now headed to Baltimore, MD, for the National ProStart Student Invitational on May 2-4, 2025. We’ll be cheering them on as they showcase their skills on the national stage!

At Habit, we believe in fueling passion—whether it’s through chargrilled flavor or supporting the future of food. Huge congrats to all the students who competed, and a special shoutout to ProStart for shaping the next wave of culinary innovators.

And after all that hard work, appetites were in full force—well, at least for the competitors. Habit rolled in with our food truck, serving up chargrilled greatness to fuel the future of food. The judges? Let’s just say they tried to find room after countless bites of award-worthy dishes!

Keep cooking, keep creating, and keep the fire going!