Young Chefs Academy Charleston Big Brothers Big Sisters Partnership

The Young Chefs Academy Charleston Big Brothers Big Sisters partnership came to life on Saturday, March 14, as Young Chefs Academy of Charleston hosted Big Brothers Big Sisters (BBBS) for a hands-on culinary event centered on mentorship, creativity, and connection. Inside the kitchen, mentors and students immediately got to work—building, collaborating, and solving challenges together … Continued

Where the Kitchen Becomes a Classroom: How Young Chefs Academy is redefining youth enrichment through the powerful intersection of culinary education and STEM learning

The youth enrichment franchise market is more competitive — and more promising — than ever. Parents are searching for programs that go beyond passive entertainment, seeking out experiences that build the skills their children will genuinely need. In this landscape, Young Chefs Academy stands apart: a franchise model that marries the universal appeal of cooking … Continued

Young Chefs Academy CEO Leigh Feldman Nominated for 2026 Compassionate Leaders Circle Award

At Young Chefs Academy, we’re thrilled to announce that CEO Leigh Feldman has received a compassionate leadership award nomination from the 2026 Compassionate Leaders Circle — a recognition honoring leaders who drive progress through empathy and action. Moreover, this nomination speaks directly to the culture Leigh has built: one where people come first, and where … Continued

What One Franchise CEO Wants Every Aspiring Owner to Know

Youth Franchise Brands leadership starts with a clear question: how do you build something that genuinely lasts? CEO Leigh Feldman answered that question and more in a recent appearance on the Leadership Lens podcast, hosted by Taylor Robinson. The conversation covered franchise ownership, self-awareness, and the mission driving Young Chefs Academy and Flour Power Cooking Studios. Feldman … Continued

Young Chefs Academy of Maitland Homeschool Culinary Program

At Young Chefs Academy of Maitland, our Homeschool Culinary Program offers hands-on culinary education designed to build confidence, life skills, creativity, and academic enrichment in a fun and structured kitchen environment. Students participate in engaging culinary lessons that combine real-world learning with practical kitchen experience, helping them develop independence and essential life skills through cooking. … Continued

Why a Real Kitchen Makes All the Difference in Kids’ Cooking Classes

If your child has taken a kids’ cooking class before, you’ve probably seen how powerful the experience can be. Kids light up, feel proud, and get excited to try new foods. But many parents notice something else, too: “They had fun… but they still don’t really know how to cook at home.” At Young Chefs … Continued

Why Storytelling and Relationships Matter in Today’s Workplace | Insights from Youth Franchise Brands CEO Leigh Feldman

Presented by the University of Oregon School of Journalism and Communication, the panel discussion “Finding a Fit: Communication for Employers and Employees” brought together leaders from companies including Adidas, ZoomInfo, Youth Franchise Brands, Legacy Emanuel Medical Center, and OnPoint Community Credit Union. The conversation explored the communication skills employers look for when evaluating potential hires—and … Continued

Finding Your Perfect Fit: A Guide to Kids Franchises

The children’s industry is booming. From educational programs to entertainment spaces, kid fitness centers to enrichment activities, franchises in the youth space offer entrepreneurs a chance to build meaningful businesses while making a positive impact on young lives. But with so many options available, how do you find the right franchise for you? The key … Continued

What to Think About When Considering Franchising: The Franchisor Relationship

When evaluating franchise opportunities, most prospective franchisees focus on a familiar checklist: All of these matter. They are foundational. What ultimately shapes your day-to-day experience as a franchise owner, however, is something harder to measure: the quality of the franchisor relationship. That relationship is rarely clear from a Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) or a discovery … Continued

Building Freedom Through Multi-Unit Franchising

Multi-unit franchising creates freedom by shifting franchise owners away from short-term margin optimization and toward long-term capacity building. Most franchise owners think they’re being disciplined by optimizing for profit early on. Tight labor schedules. Lean teams. Clean margins on one location. On paper, it looks responsible. Smart, even. However, this profit-first mindset is often the exact … Continued