Taste Buds Kitchen Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$396,200 - $516,800
Franchise Fee
$44,500
Total US Locations
12
Business Summary
Taste Buds Kitchen International LLC offers a culinary entertainment and educational experience for kids and families under the brand name Taste Buds Kitchen. These kitchens provide a clean and safe environment where children aged two to teen, and adults aged 18 and up, can learn, laugh, and cook. Taste Buds Kitchen hosts various events including cooking birthday parties, children's and adult classes, private events, and corporate events. The franchise may also sell approved children's cooking merchandise such as apparel, baking kits, and utensils.
Corporate History
Taste Buds Kitchen International LLC was formed as a Maryland limited liability company in November 2013 and began offering Taste Buds Kitchen franchises in the same month. It has not engaged in any other business activities or offered franchises in other lines of business. The brand's concept originated from an affiliated company, Taste Buds Kitchen, LLC, a New York limited liability company. This affiliate began operating as Cupcake Kids! LLC in September 2007, changed its d/b/a name to Taste Buds Kitchen in 2010, and formally became Taste Buds Kitchen LLC on September 6, 2013. Taste Buds Kitchen LLC operates the corporate-owned locations and owns the proprietary trademarks, which it licenses to Taste Buds Kitchen International LLC for sublicensing to franchisees.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$396,200 - $516,800
Franchise Fee (Low)
$44,500
Franchise Fee (High)
$49,500
Royalty %
8%
Marketing %
1.5%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$265,500
Equipment Costs (High)
$338,000
Working Capital
$32,500
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Unqualified opinion
Financial Health Notes
The financial statements for Taste Buds Kitchen International LLC show strong cash reserves, with cash balances exceeding $885,000 in 2024. The company's total assets exceed its liabilities, with members' equity growing to over $330,000. While Taste Buds Kitchen International LLC reported a net loss of approximately $261,000 in 2024, it maintained a positive cash flow from operating activities, which contributed to a substantial increase in its cash balance. The auditors issued a clean opinion on the financial statements, indicating no significant concerns about the company's ability to continue operating. The increase in contract liabilities suggests a growth in franchise sales.
Financing Details
Taste Buds Kitchen International LLC does not offer any direct or indirect financing to its franchisees. The franchisor also does not guarantee any loans, leases, or other financial obligations for franchisees.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
12
Franchised Units
10
Corporate Units
2
Avg Square Footage
2,000
Franchising Since
2013
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Taste Buds Kitchen International LLC has no litigation to disclose in Item 3 of its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Bankruptcy History
Taste Buds Kitchen International LLC has no bankruptcy history to report in Item 4 of its Franchise Disclosure Document.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their Taste Buds Kitchen franchise agreement, franchisees must notify Taste Buds Kitchen International LLC in writing at least 6 to 13 months before the current term ends. Franchisees must also have the right to lease their current location for an additional 5 years or secure an approved substitute location. They need to complete all required maintenance, refurbishing, and remodeling of their premises to match Taste Buds Kitchen International LLC's current brand image. Franchisees must be in good standing, not be in default of any agreements, and have paid all monetary obligations to Taste Buds Kitchen International LLC or its affiliates. Additionally, they must sign Taste Buds Kitchen International LLC's then-current franchise agreement and a renewal addendum, satisfy any updated training requirements, pay a $10,000 renewal fee, and sign a general release of all claims against Taste Buds Kitchen International LLC and its affiliates. Taste Buds Kitchen International LLC also reserves the right to re-evaluate and modify the territory size upon renewal based on current demographics and standards.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Taste Buds Kitchen International LLC provides comprehensive assistance to its franchisees. Before opening, Taste Buds Kitchen International LLC helps with site selection by offering guidelines, reviewing and approving proposed locations and leases. It also provides standard specifications and layouts for building and furnishing the kitchen, a copy of its confidential Operations Manual, and lists of required products, equipment, and approved suppliers. Franchisees and their general managers receive an initial training program at Taste Buds Kitchen International LLC's corporate kitchen, a designated location, or virtually. Ongoing support from Taste Buds Kitchen International LLC includes periodic visits and evaluations to ensure quality standards, advice, and written materials (including updates to the Operations Manual) on managing the business, new developments, equipment, recipes, and preparation techniques. Taste Buds Kitchen International LLC also conducts ongoing training programs, seminars, and meetings, which may be mandatory. Optional on-site training is available for a fee. Taste Buds Kitchen International LLC administers a Brand Development Fund and retains the right to approve or designate pricing for products and services.
Initial Training Hours
100
Training Location
Remote and corporate kitchen in Maryland
Ongoing Support
Taste Buds Kitchen International LLC offers ongoing support to its franchisees including regular evaluations and visits to their Kitchens to maintain high standards of quality and service. It provides advice and updated materials, such as revisions to the Operations Manual, on managing the business, new equipment, food products, recipes, and preparation techniques. Taste Buds Kitchen International LLC also conducts ongoing training programs, seminars, and franchisee meetings, which may be mandatory for franchisees and their staff. Additional on-site training can be provided at the franchisee's request and expense. Furthermore, Taste Buds Kitchen International LLC administers a Brand Development Fund for system-wide marketing and may set pricing guidelines for products and services.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Taste Buds Kitchen International LLC seeks qualified individuals or entities who demonstrate strong business acumen, a good moral character, and a positive business reputation. Candidates must possess adequate financial resources to operate a kitchen and be able to satisfactorily complete initial training. If the franchisee is an entity, an Operating Principal, who is an equity owner, must personally participate in all operational decisions. Franchisees are expected to hire a full-time General Manager for direct, on-premises supervision. Given that classes are offered to children, franchisees must also conduct thorough employee background checks.
Industry Experience Required
No
Management Experience Required
No
Sales Experience Required
No
Technical Skills Required
No
Operational Details
Location Type
retail
Owner Participation
Hands-On
Territory Type
Limited
Territory Size Requirements
Taste Buds Kitchen International LLC's franchise territories are generally defined by either a population of approximately 100,000 people or a 4-mile radius, whichever is larger, along with an average household income of at least $100,000. Taste Buds Kitchen International LLC determines population counts using the United States Census Bureau. In densely populated urban areas, a territory might be as small as a city block.
Staffing Notes
Taste Buds Kitchen International LLC requires franchisees to hire a full-time General Manager who will be responsible for the direct, on-premises supervision of the kitchen during all operating hours. Franchisees are solely responsible for all employment decisions, including hiring, firing, training, and compensation, and must ensure they employ enough qualified staff to meet demand. All employees, including the General Manager, must undergo background checks since classes are offered to children. The Operating Principal and General Manager, along with other designated employees, must be ServSafe Manager Training certified and hold adult-child-infant CPR and First Aid certifications. Taste Buds Kitchen International LLC also provides guidance on employee training standards and procedures. The average hourly rates for lead instructors are $20-$24, and for event assistants, $15-$18.