LoRusso Award: Scholarship Opportunity for Culinary and Hospitality Students

March 04, 2026

Posted by in Paying for College 

Students and restaurant families in the St. Louis region have a valuable opportunity to receive financial support through the LoRusso Hospitality Award. This scholarship helps both aspiring culinary students and local restaurant employees with demonstrated financial need.

Who Can Apply

The award is open to two types of applicants in the St. Louis metropolitan area:

1. High school seniors pursuing culinary or hospitality careers

Eligible students must:

• Reside in the St. Louis metropolitan area.
• Plan to enroll in an ACF-accredited culinary arts program.
• Demonstrate interest in foodservice or hospitality.
• Show focus in cooking, baking or food and beverage.

OR

2. Employees of locally owned restaurants

Eligible employees must:

• Work for a family-owned and operated restaurant headquartered in the St. Louis metro area.
• Have minor children with documented financial need.

Funds may help cover:

• Tuition assistance.
• Medical expenses.
• Day care expenses.
• Other approved needs.

Application Requirements

To be considered, applicants must submit a complete application packet, including:

• Completed application with signatures.
• Personal statement.
• At least one letter of recommendation.
• Transcript (required for high school applicants).
• Letter explaining need (required for restaurant employees).

Incomplete applications will not be reviewed.

Selection and Award Process

The LoRusso Hospitality Award Committee reviews all applications and may interview top candidates. Recipients are notified by email and honored at the Italian Open annual dinner.

Award funds are paid directly to the recipient’s accredited culinary program or approved provider. Immediate relatives of Italian Open board members are not eligible.

Application Deadline

The deadline to apply for the LoRusso Hospitality Award is June 15. 

Apply for Scholarship