Young Chefs Academy Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs
Young Chefs Academy (YCA) is a premier children’s cooking school franchise that offers interactive culinary experiences for youth. Founded in 2003 by Julie Burleson, YCA began as a single store and has since expanded into a nationwide franchise, continually striving to provide unique, educational, and fun culinary experiences to the communities it serves.
Headquartered in Waco, Texas, YCA began franchising in 2005, quickly establishing itself as a leader in children’s culinary education. The academy offers a variety of programs, including weekly classes, workshops, camps, and special events, all designed to teach children the joy and value of cooking.
The curriculum immerses young chefs in a world of culinary creativity and discovery, with each class building upon the last to master complex food preparation and presentation.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Young Chefs Academy franchise? It costs on average between $239,000 - $563,000 to start a Young Chefs Academy franchised facility.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property.
| Type of expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $50,000 – $50,000 |
| Opening Support Fee | $3,000 – $3,000 |
| Grand Opening Inventory | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Travel and living expenses for initial training (per person) | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Lease | $4,000 – $18,000 |
| Real Estate Improvements & Millwork | $98,220 – $348,084 |
| Furniture, fixtures, equipment, and signage | $22,515 – $40,080 |
| Architecture and Engineering | $4,000 – $17,000 |
| Project management | $19,000 – $19,000 |
| Office Equipment | $1,000 – $2,500 |
| Supplies | $500 – $3,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing and Advertising | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Deposits, business licenses, permits, etc. | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Insurance (For 1 year) | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Professional fees | $3,500 – $7,500 |
| Additional Funds (for first 3 months) | $24,000 – $36,000 |
| Total Estimated Initial Investment | $238,735 – $563,164 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Young Chefs Academy franchise? A Young Chefs Academyfranchised facility makes on average $203,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Young Chefs Academy Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
What funding options are available for a Young Chefs Academy franchise?
Most franchise buyers in Young Chefs Academy’s investment range finance their unit through an SBA 7(a) loan, with some multi-unit operators using SBA 504 loans. Buyers with rollable retirement funds sometimes use a ROBS structure. See SharpSheets financial model hub for guidance.
How long does it take to pay back a Young Chefs Academy franchise investment?
Payback periods typically run 3-7 years depending on investment level, location performance, and financing structure. Actual payback varies significantly by unit performance and debt service obligations.
Who owns Young Chefs Academy?
Young Chefs Academy is owned by its founder and Chief Executive Officer, Julie Burleson.
SharpSheets Editorial Team | sharpsheets.io | Last Updated: September 2026
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