ERHS ProStart team headed to nationals with ‘Urban Bubble’

The Elk River High School ProStart Management Team is headed to nationals.

The team — composed of Harrison Brandt, Lukas Larson, Sawyer Hahn, Cassius VanAvery Esquire and Kaila Swart — will represent Minnesota as teams from across the nation battle it out in Baltimore, Maryland, at the end of April. The ProStart Management competition is similar to a “Shark Tank” concept in which the team will pitch a restaurant concept to a panel of judges. The team has prepared an in-depth business plan and presentation that includes concept, marketing, operations, menu, interior design and floor plan and critical thinking.

The team’s concept, “Urban Bubble,” a bubble waffle food truck, was created after team members Harrison Brandt and Sawyer Hahn took a school trip to the British Isles last year and had their very first bubble waffle. They enjoyed it so much they knew they had a great concept to build upon.

The team consulted with former Elk River High School culinary star Josh Walbolt to further explore the flavor profiles of the menu. In addition, the program’s mentor Rick Guntzel (HSC Business Brokers) advised the team on food truck floor plans and restaurant operations. The team is excited to bring their concept to the “big stage” after receiving rave reviews at the state competition.

The ProStart Culinary Team had a successful season as well. The team was honored for the “Safety and Sanitation Award” at the ProStart State Competition.

Beck Fluguear was individually recognized for top honor in knife cuts and received his own knife set. The Culinary Team composed of Lukas Larson, Harrison Brandt, Beck Fluguear, Sophia Tritabaugh and Jaelyn Mogren was mentored by Gilles Stassart, senior corporate chef for General Mills.

The only returning member of the team, Jaelyn Mogren, is looking forward to next season in hopes of ensuring that the Elk River Culinary Team will return to nationals in 2025.