Competition Format
Event structure.
Preparation
10 minYou receive a printed scenario card describing a business situation. Read carefully, identify the core problem, and outline your recommended approach. No outside materials allowed.
Role-Play with Judge
Up to 10 minThe judge acts as a business professional (customer, manager, or owner). You present your analysis and recommendations, field questions, and demonstrate your grasp of relevant performance indicators.
Transition / Wrap-Up
Included in 10 minConclude with a clear summary of your recommendations. The judge may ask 1–2 follow-up questions before scoring your role-play.
Performance Indicators
What you'll be tested on.
QSR operations and throughput
Food safety and sanitation (ServSafe concepts)
Labor scheduling and cost of labor %
Drive-thru and service speed optimization
Menu engineering and pricing
Customer satisfaction and complaint resolution
Marketing and promotional offers
How to Prepare
Preparation framework.
01
Master the Performance Indicators
Download the PI list for your cluster and BA Core from deca.org. Learn the definition of each PI and be able to apply it in a business scenario.
02
Build a scenario framework
Use a consistent opening structure: re-state the situation, state your recommendation, explain the reasoning, address any concerns. Practice until it's automatic.
03
Practice with sample scenarios
DECA posts sample role-plays on deca.org. Time yourself. Film your practice. Review your vocabulary and professionalism.
04
Take practice exams
Use the Practice Exams on this hub. Focus on missed questions and trace each one back to a specific PI.
05
Compete in chapter/district competitions
Nothing replaces reps. Use every qualifier to refine your scenario approach and test comfort under pressure.
Sample Scenario Themes
Representative topics.
Not official DECA scenarios, representative themes based on past competitions.
Reducing drive-thru wait times without sacrificing quality
Addressing high employee turnover at a busy location
Launching a limited-time offer campaign
Handling a food safety incident
Improving crew training for consistent quality
Increasing average check through suggestive selling
Competition Tips
Notes from experienced competitors.
Know QSR-specific metrics: ticket time, throughput, COGS %, labor %.
Scenarios involving food safety are common, know FIFO, temperature logs, allergen protocols.
Show understanding of the franchise model: franchisor support, royalties, SOP compliance.
Ready to prep for QSRM?
Practice exams for Hospitality · Review Hospitality + BA Core performance indicators · Roleplay framework.