Young Chefs Academy Franchise
Audited FinancialsRisk Score
Pending analysis
Investment Range
$267,400 - $399,900
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total US Locations
26
Business Summary
Young Chefs Academy franchises operate cooking schools primarily for children, offering various cooking classes. The business also occasionally provides cooking classes for special needs adults, adult team-building cooking events, and general cooking classes for adults. Young Chefs Academy focuses on teaching culinary skills through an educational and recreational format.
Corporate History
YCA Franchising, Inc. was incorporated in Texas on April 25, 2014. Its predecessor, Young Chefs International LP (YCILP), a Texas limited partnership, was formed in February 2005 and offered Young Chefs Academy franchises from April 2005 until 2010. Since 2010, YCILP has not offered franchises, and YCA Franchising, Inc. began offering Young Chefs Academy franchises in May 2014.
Financial Overview
Investment Range
$267,400 - $399,900
Franchise Fee (Low)
$40,000
Franchise Fee (High)
$50,000
Royalty %
6%
Marketing %
2%
Equipment Costs (Low)
$162,000
Equipment Costs (High)
$238,000
Working Capital
$34,500
Audited Financials
Yes
Offers Financing
No
Audit Opinion
Going concern qualification
Financial Health Notes
Young Chefs Academy's financial statements have been prepared assuming it will continue as a going concern. However, as of December 31, 2023, and 2022, the company had an accumulated deficit and a working capital deficit. These financial conditions raise substantial doubt about Young Chefs Academy's ability to continue operations. The company's plan to address this involves attracting additional franchisees.
Financing Details
Young Chefs Academy does not offer any direct or indirect financing to franchisees. They also do not guarantee any promissory notes, mortgages, leases, or other financial obligations for franchisees.
Performance Metrics
Total US Locations
26
Franchised Units
24
Corporate Units
2
Avg Square Footage
1,800
Franchising Since
2005
Legal & Compliance Analysis
Recent Litigation
No
Bankruptcy
No
Litigation Summary
Young Chefs Academy has no litigation to report. Item 3 of the Franchise Disclosure Document explicitly states that no litigation is required to be disclosed for the franchisor or its management.
Bankruptcy History
Young Chefs Academy has no bankruptcy history to report. Item 4 of the Franchise Disclosure Document explicitly states that no bankruptcy information is required to be disclosed for the franchisor or its key personnel.
Agreement Terms
Initial Term
10 years
Renewal Term
5 years
Renewal Conditions
To renew their franchise agreement, Young Chefs Academy franchisees must notify the franchisor between six months and one year before their agreement expires. They must be in strict compliance with the current Franchise Agreement, sign the franchisor's then-current Franchise Agreement (which may have different terms), update their location to meet current brand standards, sign a general release of claims, complete any required training, and pay a $10,000 renewal fee.
Training & Support Program
Franchisor Assistance
Before opening, Young Chefs Academy helps franchisees designate their territory, accepts their chosen site, reviews their lease, and provides specifications for construction and improvements, which are then inspected for approval. Franchisees gain access to the Confidential Operations Manual, receive advice on promotions and advertising, and undergo an initial training program. During operation, Young Chefs Academy continuously analyzes sales and promotional efforts, offers ongoing advice, updates the Operations Manual, provides marketing and merchandising research, communicates new developments and curriculum, and offers training for replacement managers. Young Chefs Academy also assists with sales promotions and manages a system-wide advertising fund. They may provide access to an online management system and offer a standard webpage on their corporate website.
Initial Training Hours
56
Training Location
Woodway, TX or site of a Young Chefs Academy® franchise
Ongoing Support
During operation, Young Chefs Academy periodically analyzes franchisee sales and promotional efforts, offering suggestions for improvement and providing ongoing advice. The franchisor updates the Confidential Operations Manual, provides research data for merchandising, marketing, and advertising, and communicates new developments and curriculum. Training for replacement managers is available, and Young Chefs Academy offers recommendations for pricing. The franchisor also assists with sales promotions and administers a system-wide advertising and promotional fund, though they are not required to spend funds proportionally in any franchisee's territory. Franchisees may also have access to the franchisor's online Manual, franchisee resources, and a standard web page on the corporate website.
Franchise Requirements
Ideal Candidate Profile
Young Chefs Academy seeks franchisees who are capable of actively and personally managing their business on a full-time basis, demonstrating continuous effort, supervision, and attention to its operations. For multi-unit franchisees, a strong financial and management capability to develop, open, and operate multiple locations is required. Franchisees, or their designated managers, must complete the franchisor's initial training program and obtain certifications in Serving Safe Food (SERVSAFE), CPR, and first aid. They must also ensure at least one person aged 21 or older, certified in CPR and first aid, is on the premises when children are present.
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
Protected
Territory Size Requirements
Young Chefs Academy defines its franchised territories based on general demographics, requiring a minimum residential population of 200,000. The boundaries are shaped at the franchisor's discretion to match population criteria and natural geographic features, ensuring the franchisee can realistically service the area.
Staffing Notes
Young Chefs Academy requires a trained manager to be appointed by the franchisee to oversee the day-to-day operations and ensure compliance with the system standards. Franchisees are responsible for training their own employees. At least one person aged 21 or older, certified in CPR and first aid, must be present on the premises whenever children are there. Managers must also complete the Serving Safe Food (SERVSAFE) program. If a manager is replaced, the new manager must successfully complete the initial training program within 30 days or at the soonest available training session.