Young Chefs Franchise Review: Meet Owner Keera Reid

Young Chefs Franchise Review: Meet Owner Keera Reid
Communications executive knows a good brand when she sees one, and so couldn’t wait to own a children’s cooking school franchise of her own.

When Keera Reid began thinking about owning her own business, she knew she’d move carefully and consider a lot of options. As she and husband Jared were doing their due diligence, they were looking for summer activities for their older son. An internet search and some info about Young Chefs Academy kids cooking franchise later, she was on her way.

What were you doing before becoming a Young Chefs Academy Owner?

I worked for what is now Charter Communications, a cable provider, directing the Florida inbound sales team. I have young sons, and while working in the corporate world is exciting, it also has a lot of time constraints. I had been thinking of what my “second life” professionally would be, and knew I wanted to transition away from the corporate world to something of my own.

How did you find out about Young Chefs Academy?

My oldest son likes cooking, and we were looking for a summer activity for him that would involve that. We saw a website for a Young Chefs Academy location and the idea intrigued us; it seemed like a good opportunity because I was sure there were other parents like us who wanted to find enrichment activities around their children’s’ interests.

What’s been going on from that time to now?

It’s been a long journey for us, a couple of years, largely because we are true rookies as new business owners, and also because it took some time to find the perfect spot for our business. We were willing to take our time and find just the right spot; that was really the longest process. I also was leaving a big job at a major company, and that took some time to unwind properly.How has the corporate team been as a partner?
They have supported me at every step. We were moving slowly, and they always had patience with us. I have never hesitated to call with questions, and they have always answered what they could right away and, when they could not, found the answers and got back to me. I am new to franchising and have had a lot to learn. They have done all I could have expected to help me, and have done so in an engaged, personal and professional way. They have been invested in helping me start my business, and I feel like they have taken a very strong interest in us and our team.

Are you glad you made this decision?

Yes! We are so excited, and so eager for the community to come and see us. Sometimes I picture them banging on the door, eager to get in! Every time I talk to people about Young Chefs Academy, they say they can’t wait for us to get open. We actually announced an opening date that was a little early  rookie mistake  and people were already calling to sign up. We went ahead and took their information and stayed in touch, and so we know that the interest is there. I think that’s only going to grow. I was successful in my previous business life, and I am so excited to have something new to conquer and grow on my own. Through classes, workshops and camps, Young Chefs Academy takes kids into the kitchen and teaches them not just how to cook, but also how to work independently and as a team to master new skills. A Young Chefs Academy franchise is a fun, scalable and profitable business providing a rewarding enrichment opportunity that kids and parents love.

Learn more about the Young Chefs Academy franchise opportunity

For in-depth details about how to become a Young Chefs Academy franchise owner, download our Free Franchise Opportunity Report. You also can learn more by visiting our research pages.