The Ohio Beef Council (OBC), on behalf of the Beef Checkoff, has partnered with the Ohio Restaurant Association Education Foundation to sponsor the Annual ProStart® Burger Battle. The event was held on Wednesday, November 1st at the Delaware County Fair Grounds in Delaware, Ohio.
“The Ohio Beef Council has been a valued partner to the Ohio ProStart program for more than 6 years,” said Stephanie Mazzocco, Ohio Restaurant Association Education Foundation & Ohio ProStart® Program and Events Manager. “In the beginning, the Burger Battle was a small competition for students to get a taste of the competitive environment. Over the years it has grown into a large event that students can’t wait to be a part of. We are so appreciative of the OBC for supporting our students and bringing new ways for them to engage with Ohio’s beef industry.”
The competition brought together six (6) schools within the ProStart program with a record-breaking 19 entrees. Schools included Tolles Career & Technical Academy, Vanguard Sentinel Career & Technology Center (VSCTC), Lancaster High School, South-Western Career Academy, Wayne County Schools Career Center, and Ashland County West Holmes Career Center. Instructors and industry judges were also present.
JD May from VSCTC took home the coveted golden burger trophy with his MayDay burger that featured two smash patties, bacon jam, cream cheese jalapeno spread, pickled onions, crispy cheddar crisp, topped with cheddar and Monterey cheeses, tomatoes, lettuce and this is all sitting on a pretzel bun. “I have been to many competitions over the last 3 years, and the Burger Battle was perfect in every last detail,” said JD. “I just wish I could come back next year to compete in this amazing competition.”
Tracey Kardozke, JD’s instructor, said, “We are so proud of JD and his dedication to excellence and in putting in the time and practice for the Burger Battle. The Ohio Beef Council and ProStart put on a fantastic event, in a wonderful venue, and were generous with their time and efforts. Thank you so much for the opportunity to bring our students to compete and Congratulations to JD and all the teams!”
The Ohio Beef Council and Ohio’s beef farm families are proud to support these young chefs. If you would like to learn more about Ohio’s beef farm families visit www.ohiobeef.org
About The Ohio Beef Council
The Ohio Beef Council (OBC) was established in 1970 and engages with Ohio’s producers and consumers to strengthen the demand for beef with the goal of maintaining the profitability and growth of Ohio’s beef industry. OBC is part of a coordinated state/national marketing effort funded by beef producers through the beef checkoff program. These connections take place through programs that explore beef from pasture to plate and strengthen relationships and understanding among stakeholders. To learn more about OBC and Ohio’s beef farming communities, visit ohiobeef.org or call 614-873-6736.