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Young Chefs Academy Franchise Opportunity Overview
Parent Company: YCA Franchising, Inc.
Corporate Office: 10412 China Spring Rd, Ste F #1157, Waco, TX 76708
Phone: (503) 327-3009
Website: franchise.youngchefsacademy.com
Franchise Since: 2014
Founded: 2003
Company Overview
Founded in 2003 and franchising since 2014, Young Chefs Academy® (YCA) is the nation’s premier cooking school franchise for children and families. The brand combines hands-on culinary education with creativity and fun, teaching essential kitchen skills, food science, and teamwork in an engaging environment. Each academy hosts weekly classes, workshops, camps, parties, and community events designed to make cooking accessible and exciting for all ages.
Franchisees operate under a well-structured curriculum and business model that emphasizes experiential learning and community connection. Locations serve as local hubs for culinary discovery—offering memberships, themed programs, birthday experiences, field trips, and special events that generate recurring and diversified revenue streams.
Business Model
Young Chefs Academy franchisees operate a children’s culinary education center offering structured cooking classes, workshops, camps, and special events. The business is primarily appointment-based, providing a flexible schedule focused on after-school and weekend hours.
Franchisees receive a complete turnkey system—including site development support, initial and on-site training, operational manuals, approved vendor programs, and national marketing resources. Multi-unit operators may commit to two or three units under a development schedule with discounted franchise fees.
Training & Support
- Initial Training: 56 hours of classroom and hands-on instruction at The Woodlands, TX, or another approved training site.
- On-Site Opening Support: 2–3 days of launch assistance included in the Opening Support Fee.
- Ongoing Support: Field coaching, operations updates, marketing tools, technology systems, and annual franchise conferences.
- Technology: Cloud-based POS and operational management system with centralized reporting and scheduling functions.
Investment Range
| Cost Category | Amount (USD) |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $50,000 (veterans & first responders receive $5,000 discount) |
| Total Estimated Investment | $247,301 – $397,436 |
| Royalty Fee | 6% of gross sales (minimum $400/month) |
| Marketing Fund | 2% of gross sales (minimum $100/month) + recommended 3% local marketing spend |
| Technology Fee | $250/month |
| Renewal Fee | $5,000 |
Multi-Unit Development:
$45,000 for second unit; $40,000 for third unit (paid at signing).
Financial Performance (FDD 2025 – 2024 Fiscal Year)
- Average Annual Gross Sales: $278,699
- Top Quartile Average Gross Sales: $463,253
- Average Net Profit Margin: ~20%
- Expense Profile: Rent 19%, Payroll 32%, COGS 10%, Advertising 3%, Royalties/Marketing 8%
As disclosed in Item 19 of the 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document (unaudited franchisee reports). Actual results vary per location.
Ideal Candidate
Young Chefs Academy seeks owner-operators or semi-absentee investors with strong community ties, leadership skills, and a passion for working with children and families. Education, hospitality, or event experience is helpful but not required.
Franchise Facts (as of 2025)
- Total Units: 29 (27 franchised, 2 company-owned)
- Expansion Markets: TX, FL, GA, PA, NJ, OH, NY, MD, VA, WA, LA, AR
- Projected Openings: 6 new franchise units in 2025
Key Advantages
- Established brand in children’s enrichment and culinary education
- Turnkey business with scalable, multi-revenue model
- Strong community and school partnerships
- Family-friendly hours and lifestyle flexibility
- Comprehensive franchisee training and marketing support
🗺 Learn More: Contact your Young Chefs Academy Franchise Consultant Specialist
