Our Story
Founder and CEO Julie Burleson came up with the idea for Young Chefs Academy when her son asked to help her in the kitchen. She wanted to be involved with him, but was also trying to fill a catering order.
Burleson knew she wasn’t the only parent who struggled with work-life balance, especially as a business owner. She began to think about a business that could involve kids, and make a difference in their lives and the lives of their parents.
She soon opened the first location of Young Chefs Academy, and a new, fun and educational children’s franchise was born.
$515,898*
Highest Unit Gross Sales
$266,864*
Average Unit Gross Sales
*Based on total gross sales for Young Chefs Academy in the highest and average units for the 12-month period ending December 31, 2022 as per the 2023 FDD. See Item 19 of the Young Chefs Academy 2023 FDD.
A new franchisee's results may differ from the represented performance. There is no assurance that you will do as well and you must accept that risk. This offering is made by prospectus only.
Own a Young Chefs Academy Franchise.
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254-741-1045
What We Do
Children's Franchise
Young Chefs Academy is a children’s franchise where kids learn valuable skills — not only age-appropriate cooking skills and how to feel confident in the kitchen, but also about nutrition, knowledge of where food comes from and how to work in a team.
We offer a variety of classes for kids from kindergarten through high school: KinderCooks®, JuniorChefs™, and SeniorChefs™. At Young Chefs Academy, kids will find a safe environment where they can learn, be creative and grow.
Kids who are serious about broadening their culinary skills can enroll in a membership program. Beyond the membership program, Young Chefs Academy offers birthday parties, summer camps, holiday activities and even adult classes.
Opening more locations and offering more classes helps us achieve our goal of making a positive lasting impact on children and families through teaching the joy and value of cooking in a welcoming environment that encourages discovery and creativity.
Young Chefs Academy
A Magic Combination
When we talk about a “magic combination,” we’re not talking about the magical complementary flavors of cilantro and lime, or peanut butter and chocolate — we’re talking about how Young Chefs Academy checks all the boxes in not one, but two growing industries – children’s entertainment, and children’s education.
As schools cut back on music and art programs, Young Chefs Academy fills an important role by making a space for kids to be creative. At the same time, kids are receiving an important education in life skills beyond cooking — they’re learning about teamwork, nutrition, where food comes from and more.
Both these industries — children’s entertainment and children’s education — have demonstrated they are recession-resistant. Investing in kids is a priority for parents, and the last thing they want to sacrifice.
Not only does Young Chefs Academy represent two thriving industries, it also answers a need driven by the popularity of competitive cooking shows. Children are showing more interest in cooking than ever before and may even dream of competing on a junior edition of a cooking show one day. In fact, many academy graduates have gone on to compete on shows like MasterChef Junior and Chopped Junior, which in turn has driven demand for Young Chefs Academy locations in more places.
Support
One of the best parts of franchising is the support you receive. While establishing an independent business can be overwhelming and difficult to navigate, by joining the Young Chefs Academy children’s franchise, you’re becoming part of a team dedicated to your success.
Onboarding
It starts with an onboarding platform that is both informative and fun. The Young Chefs Academy corporate team will then help you find the perfect location, obtain needed permits and a business license, set up your business bank accounts and everything else you need to set up your business. You’ll also be trained in how to operate your business, so you feel comfortable and confident well before you open your doors.
Training
Worried about promoting your business? We’ve got you covered there too. Your training includes how to market the business, but the help is ongoing. We’re always developing new content and graphics for you to use in a variety of ways, and we’ll even work with you on an individual basis to create content specific to your area or programs you want to promote.
We Listen to You!
The support doesn’t end there. Perhaps the best part of joining the Young Chefs Academy franchise is that unlike other franchises, your voice and opinions are valued. If you spot trends in your community or elsewhere and want to make suggestions for curriculum, recipes, classes – we’ll listen to your ideas and work with you to implement them. After all, you’re the one working with the kids – you know them best!
Marketing and More
At any point after opening your business, whether you need marketing materials and information, help with operational systems, or anything else having to do with your franchise – help is just a phone call, email or text message away.
Buying a Franchise
Your Investment
Investing in a Young Chefs Academy franchise is a smart, affordable choice. Due to low operating costs, scalability and multiple revenue streams, it’s a business with a high potential profit margin.
You can affect your startup costs by choosing the size and location of your business. The Young Chefs Academy team will work with you to find the best real estate in your community. Each location accommodates two kitchens, but you can scale up at any point you wish, or even open multiple locations, both of which increase your profitability.
The initial franchise fee is $45,000 — a bargain compared to many franchises. From there, other costs include inventory, business licenses, rent, insurance and more. You can find a full breakdown of costs here.
Growing your two-kitchen facility to a multiple-kitchen facility or opening a second location will of course increase your profit margin, but other options to increase your revenue include: hosting workshops, special events or parties; summer camps, and even adult classes.
Next Steps
Whether you’re ready to dive in or looking to learn more about Young Chefs Academy, get started today by contacting us.
Need any questions answered or want to find out more about our onboarding process? We’ll set up a time to chat with you over the phone and answer any questions you have!
"This is the perfect recipe for showing children cooking is a lifelong skill that can be artistic, creative, and fun"
Julie Burleson
Young Chefs Academy Founder/CEO
Code of Values
Respect
We are committed to treating every person how they would want to be treated. We are committed to being incredibly kind in everything we do.
Empathy
We believe that every person is right from their own perspective and deserves empathy.
Children
Children are our focus. We are committed to making a positive lasting influence on the children we serve.
Integrity
We operate above the line. We do the right thing whether or not someone is watching and whether or not it is easy.
Passion-Driven
Every business action we take is driven by our enthusiasm and strong sense of purpose for the joy and value we are bringing to our customers' lives.
Extraordinary Experience
We strive to provide an extraordinary experience from every touchpoint.
Learn More about Franchising with Young Chefs Academy
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