Student-created Crispy Burrito launched today at Cheyenne Taco John's

Cheyenne , Wyo. – Cheyenne area Taco John's stores began selling the Crispy Burrito today, a menu item created by students Kassie Brinkerhoff and Kelly McDonald of Rock River, Wyo.

The pair won the 2006 West-Mex® Competition – a culinary contest sponsored by the Wyoming Lodging and Restaurant Association (WLRA) and Taco John's – encouraging students to pursue careers in the food service industry.

Offered for a limited time in the Cheyenne stores, proceeds from the sale of the Crispy Burrito will go to the WLRA Education Foundation.

“[The contest] was a great experience,” McDonald said. “It was so much fun to see how much creativity goes into creating fast food. I expected a bunch of guys in suits around the table and it wasn't like that at all.”

Brinkerhoff also found the experience enlightening. “I had a great time with the whole thing.” Brinkerhoff is a senior at Rock River this year, and McDonald attends college in Seattle .

In the final competition, the pair faced another team in an Iron Chef-style challenge, complete with mystery ingredient and judges. The Rock River winners each received $500 general scholarships as well as an optional scholarship to Kendall College , a culinary institute in Chicago .

“Last year was the first time we'd held this type of competition with the WLRA and it was great fun to see the energy and excitement the students brought to the table,” said Brian Dixon, vice president of marketing for Taco John's. “We are thrilled to be able to bring a hands-on learning opportunity like this to the students of Wyoming .”

The 2007 competition kicked off on January 19, 2007 , with 42 teams from 13 high schools. The 2007 semifinalists will be announced later this week.

For more information on Taco John's visit www.tacojohns.com. To learn more about the WLRA and the West-Mex® Culinary Competition go to www.wlra.org.