Young Chefs and Young Chefs Academy
Young Chefs Academy offers cooking schools for children, families, and adults. Known for hands-on culinary education, it operates in the educational and experiential food service franchise sector.
Young Chefs and Young Chefs Academy franchise FAQ
How much does it cost to open one — the total initial investment?
The total initial investment to begin operation of a single Young Chefs Academy® franchised business ranges from $238,735 to $563,164. This includes a mandatory payment of $53,000 to the franchisor or affiliate [p.1].
What is the initial franchise fee?
The initial franchise fee is $50,000, but it is reduced by $5,000 for honorably discharged veterans of the United States military and community first responders. [p.10, p.16]
What are the ongoing royalty and advertising fees?
The ongoing royalty fee is 6% of Gross Sales [p.66], with a minimum monthly amount of $400 [p.66]. The advertising fee is 2% of Gross Sales [p.43, p.49, p.40, p.52, p.46].
How long is the initial franchise agreement, and can I renew it?
This isn't specified in the excerpts.
Can I sell or transfer my franchise, and what does that require?
To sell or transfer your franchise, you must provide Young Chefs with an executed contract detailing the terms, conditions, and price of the assignment, transfer, or sale. Young Chefs has 15 business days to object; failure to do so doesn't constitute approval [p.88]. Additionally, Young Chefs can refuse a transfer for good cause, which includes if the proposed transferee fails to meet qualifications, is a competitor, or refuses to agree in writing [p.5(g)].
On what grounds can the franchisor terminate the agreement?
The franchisor can terminate the agreement if the franchisee fails to comply with any lawful provision of the franchise agreement and does not cure such failure within a reasonable time, which cannot exceed 30 days [p.5]. Additionally, the franchisor may terminate the agreement for other grounds available by law [p.143].
What financial requirements — net worth and liquid capital — do I need to qualify?
This isn't specified in the excerpts. The FDD does not provide specific details on net worth or liquid capital requirements for franchisees. However, it mentions that potential franchisees must have sufficient equity capital to operate the Young Chefs Franchise [p.132], and there is a financial statement requirement annually which may indicate some level of financial capability [p.80].
Do I get an exclusive or protected territory?
No, you do not receive an exclusive territory. Customers from your Franchised Territory may purchase services and products from other affiliates or directly from the company and its affiliates through various channels, including the Internet [p.28]. Additionally, the franchisor reserves the right to use alternative distribution channels for marketing their products without granting you any rights thereto [p.64].
What training and ongoing support does the franchisor provide?
The franchisor provides mandatory onsite training and support over approximately 2-3 days at the franchise site location during opening [p.71]. Initial training generally lasts 4 days, with up to four sessions offered annually [p.23]. Ongoing, the franchisor may require refresher or follow-up training for managers and employees as needed [p.76], though specific details on frequency are not provided in these excerpts.
How many franchised outlets are there, and how many have closed or been terminated?
As of December 31, 2025, there were a total of 30 franchised outlets. However, only 26 of these outlets were in operation for the entire fiscal year of 2025 [p.37]. This implies that 4 outlets either closed or were terminated during the year, though specific details on closures or terminations are not provided in the excerpts.
Does the franchisor share any financial performance or earnings information?
The franchisor may provide financial performance information based on actual records of existing outlets you are considering buying. However, other than this, the franchisor does not make any financial performance representations and does not authorize its employees or representatives to do so [p.52].
What am I restricted to selling, and where must I buy supplies?
You are not restricted in the customers to whom you may sell approved services or products or the prices at which these services are rendered or products are sold, but all sales must occur at or from your premises. Additionally, you must purchase all required items for operating the franchise solely from suppliers approved by the franchisor, as specified on [p.79].