Young Chefs Academy Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
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.
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Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a Young Chefs Academy franchise? It costs on average between $267,000 – $400,000 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 | $2,500 – $4,000 |
| Travel and living expenses for initial training (per person) | $2,000 – $3,000 |
| Lease | $10,000 – $30,000 |
| Real Estate Improvements | $109,000 – $148,000 |
| Millwork, furniture, fixtures, equipment, and signage | $48,000 – $65,000 |
| Architecture and Engineering | $5,000 – $10,000 |
| Project Management | $0 – $15,000 |
| Office Equipment | $2,900 – $2,900 |
| Supplies | $2,000 – $4,000 |
| Grand Opening Marketing and Advertising | $3,000 – $8,000 |
| Deposits, business licenses, permits, etc. | $3,000 – $5,000 |
| Insurance (For 1 year) | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Professional Fees | $1,000 – $3,000 |
| Additional Funds (for first 3 months) | $25,000 – $44,000 |
| Total | $267,400 – $399,900 |
Average Revenue (AUV)
How much revenue can you make with a Young Chefs Academy franchise? A Young Chefs Academy franchised business makes on average $287,000 in revenue (AUV) per year.
Here is the extract from the Franchise Disclosure Document:
This compares to $219,000 yearly revenue for similar arts/sports franchises. Below are a few Young Chefs Academy competitors as a comparison:
The most profitable franchises to own in 2025
We have compiled the list of the top 400 franchises across 9 industries. Download the report below.
Young Chefs Academy Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many Young Chefs Academy locations are there?
As of the latest data, Young Chefs Academy operates a total of 26 locations. This includes 24 franchised units and 2 company-owned units. The brand continues to expand, providing children with hands-on culinary experiences through its growing network of franchise locations.
What is the total investment required to open a Young Chefs Academy franchise?
The total investment required to open a Young Chefs Academy franchise ranges from $267,000 to $400,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a Young Chefs Academy franchise?
Young Chefs Academy franchisees pay a 6% royalty fee on gross revenue for brand support and curriculum updates. They also contribute 2% of gross revenue toward marketing efforts to promote the brand and attract students.
What are the financial requirements to become a Young Chefs Academy franchisee?
To become a Young Chefs Academy franchisee, applicants are required to have a minimum net worth of $200,000 and liquid capital of at least $75,000.
How much can a Young Chefs Academy franchise owner expect to earn?
The average gross sales for a Young Chefs Academy franchise are approximately $0.29 million per location. Assuming a 15% operating profit margin, $0.29 million yearly revenue can result in $44,000 EBITDA annually.
Who owns Young Chefs Academy?
Young Chefs Academy is owned by its founder and Chief Executive Officer, Julie Burleson.
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