Winners advance to National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore with scholarships and industry opportunities on the line

OKLAHOMA CITY (Feb. 11, 2026) – Oklahoma's most talented high school culinary arts and restaurant management students will compete for state supremacy at the annual Ben E. Keith Oklahoma ProStart® Invitational on Feb. 26, 2026, at Francis Tuttle Technology Center, 12777 N. Rockwell Ave., Oklahoma City.
More than 90 students from eight schools across the state will showcase their skills in front of industry judges, vying for the championship title and the opportunity to represent Oklahoma at the 2026 National ProStart Invitational in Baltimore, April 24-26.

The competition features two distinct challenges. In the management category, student teams will pitch innovative restaurant concepts to a panel of industry professionals. Culinary teams will face an even more demanding test: preparing a three-course meal in just 60 minutes using only two butane burners—without running water or electricity. Judges will evaluate presentations on taste, technical skill, teamwork, food safety and sanitation practices.

ProStart is a nationally recognized two-year career training program administered by the National Restaurant Association Educational Foundation. Operating in nearly 1,850 high schools across the United States and Guam, the program currently serves 165,000 students and has impacted more than 1 million young people over the past 24 years. Many program graduates have launched successful careers in the restaurant and hospitality industry.
The Oklahoma Restaurant Association hosts the state championship, with sponsorship from Ben E. Keith Co.
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About the Oklahoma Restaurant Association
Founded in 1933, the Oklahoma Restaurant Association is the trade association of restaurants and foodservice operations, the state's largest private industry employer. Representing more than 4,500 restaurants and members, the ORA actively monitors legislation and regulatory agencies; helps foodservice owners and management develop and strengthen business operations; and inspires membership to do together for the industry what cannot be done individually.

 
The Oklahoma Restaurant Association (ORA) announced its 2026 Elected & Advisory Directors at its annual meeting on Tuesday, February 10, 2026, at the Embassy Suites- Oklahoma City Northwest.
 
“On behalf of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association, we’re pleased to welcome these respected industry leaders and are grateful for their willingness to serve as directors,” said James Leewright, President & CEO of the Oklahoma Restaurant Association. “Their leadership and engagement are essential to advancing our mission and strengthening Oklahoma’s foodservice and hospitality industry.”
 
The ORA has elected the following Elected & Advisory Directors for 2026, who represent membership around the state.
 
Officers & Executive Committee Members:
Chair - J Mays, Café 7 Delicatessen & Pastaria, Oklahoma City
Vice Chair/Treasurer – Amy Moss, McGill’s, Tulsa
2nd Vice Chair – James Como, Urban Management, Norman
Chief Executive Officer – James Leewright, Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association
President – Patti Colley, Oklahoma Hotel & Lodging Association
 
ORA Elected & Advisory Directors include:
Scott Bainbridge, Boom-A-Rang Diner, Seminole
Joel Bein, The Meat and Cheese Show, Tulsa
Brian Bogert, The Jones Assembly, Oklahoma City
Steven Buck, Mentalitea & Coffee, Bethany
Michael Bujold, Downstream Casino, Quapaw
Ross Crain, The Crain, LLC, Oklahoma City
Mark Cochran, OSU School of Hospitality Management, Stillwater
Kim Danserau, Humankind Hospitality Services, Oklahoma City
Stephen DeGraffenreid, Boom-A-Rang Diner, Shawnee
Andrew Delaney, Chick-Fil-A, Claremore
Cortney Dennis, Oklahoma Natural Gas, Tulsa
Matt DuMond, Simple Simon’s Pizza, Yukon
Callie Emig, Republic National Distribution, Oklahoma City
Robert Founds, Lloyd’s Cuts, Tulsa
John Gaberino III, Topeca Coffee, Tulsa
Tyler Gillespie, Fuzzy's Taco Shop, Norman
Ryan Gray, Billy Sims BBQ, LLC, Tulsa
Kirk Greenwood, Auto-Chlor Services, LLC, Oklahoma City
Steve Griffin, Pearl’s Restaurant Group, Oklahoma City
Shay Hayes, Hatch Lawton/Brunch Bunch, LLC, Edmond
Jeffrey Holloway, Boulevard Steakhouse/Holloway Restaurant Group, Oklahoma City
Russ Johnson, R&J Lounge & Supper Club, Oklahoma City
Craig Johnson, Cattlemen’s Steakhouse, Oklahoma City
Brad Johnson, Allen Olliver Group, Oklahoma City
Darren Lister, Hideaway-2 Inc., Tulsa
William Lyle, Summit Club, Tulsa
Bill Leib, Francis Tuttle Technology Center, Oklahoma City
Jeff Marlow, Food Bank of Eastern Oklahoma, Tulsa
Joe Martin, Stillwater Hospitality/Hampton Inn & Suites, Stillwater
Heather McGregor, McGregor Insurance Group, Tulsa
Seth Nimmo, Rib Crib Corporation, Tulsa
Ashley Peterson, Wayne Hirst Center for Beverage Education, Stillwater
Dave Osborne, Symmetry, Oklahoma City
Marina Rabinovich, Big Truck Tacos, Oklahoma City
Randall Ray, Downstream Casino, Quapaw
Eric Renegar, DCW Investments, LLC, Ardmore
Bruce Rinehart, Rococo Restaurant, Oklahoma City
Josh Royal, Roosevelt’s, Tulsa
Nick Schaefer, Interurban Restaurants, Norman
Charles Stout, Bricktown Brewery, Edmond
Katie Walters, Pete's Place, Krebs
Michael Wehba, The Social Order, Edmond
Jamie Winteroth, Aurora, REV Mex & Social Catering, Oklahoma City

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Founded in 1933, the Oklahoma Restaurant Association is the trade association of restaurants and foodservice operations, the state's largest private industry employer. Representing more than 4,500 restaurants and members, the ORA actively monitors legislation and regulatory agencies; helps foodservice owners and management develop and strengthen business operations; and inspires membership to do together for the industry what cannot be done individually.