Youth Franchise Brands Recognized in the Entrepreneur Magazine Franchise 500 Issue

As children’s enrichment programs expand nationwide, families face more choices than ever. The question is: which programs actually deliver quality education? Third-party evaluation helps answer that question. It identifies organizations building something stable and educational, not just riding a trend. Youth Franchise Brands is the parent organization of Young Chefs Academy. The company has been … Continued

Young Chefs Academy Pittsburgh Hosts a Pizza Workshop with Alex Highsmith

On November 18th, 2025, the teaching kitchen at Young Chefs Academy Pittsburgh (Pittsburgh, PA) felt a little different, in the best way. A Steelers flag hung proudly above the counters, aprons were tied in a hurry, and the room buzzed with anticipation. Alex Highsmith of the Pittsburgh Steelers joined Youth Places for a memorable, hands-on … Continued

SpongeBob SquarePants Movie Promo at Young Chefs Academy of Frisco Brought Big Smiles (and Pineapple!)

On December 11, 2025, our kitchen at Young Chefs Academy of Frisco (Frisco, Texas) turned into a bright, bubbly celebration for the SpongeBob SquarePants Movie Promo. Families joined us for an energetic, hands-on cooking experience where kids didn’t just watch the fun, they made it. Aprons on, sleeves up, curiosity fully activated. This themed event … Continued

Young Chefs Academy Wins Macaroni KID “Best Birthday Party Venue” in Seminole County, FL (Maitland + Oviedo)

Young Chefs Academy Wins Best Birthday Party Venue Families in Seminole County have spoken. Young Chefs Academy Maitland and Young Chefs Academy Oviedo won Macaroni KID’s Best Birthday Party Venue. That is a big deal. It is also well deserved. Birthday parties can feel stressful. Kids want fun. Parents want order. And everyone wants a … Continued

Tasty Chomps Visits Young Chefs Academy Oviedo: A Birthday Party Worth Posting

Tasty Chomps Celebrates With Young Chefs Academy Oviedo Some birthday parties are cute. Others are deliciously unforgettable. On November 15, 2025, Young Chefs Academy Oviedo hosted a hands-on birthday celebration that blended laughter, learning, and just the right amount of culinary chaos (the fun kind). And then something extra sweet happened: local food blogger @TastyChomps … Continued

Youth Franchise Brands CEO Leigh Feldman Named Among Top 100 Global Franchise Influencers by SeoSamba

Every year, SeoSamba releases its Top 100 Global Influencers in Franchising list. This list highlights franchise leaders who shape conversations, guide innovation, and influence the direction of the entire industry. For 2026, Youth Franchise Brands CEO Leigh Feldman has earned a place among these remarkable leaders, marking another major milestone for the organization. This recognition … Continued

Why Thanksgiving Is the Perfect Season for Kids to Thrive at Young Chefs Academy

Thanksgiving arrives as a rare pause in the modern calendar—a moment where families gather, traditions resurface, and kitchens transform into the warmest room in the home. It is also the holiday that most naturally aligns with the mission of Young Chefs Academy, where confidence through cooking becomes a pathway to joy, connection, and lifelong skill-building. … Continued

Young Chefs Academy Earns Entrepreneur’s 2026 Verified Franchise Distinction

The 47th Annual 2026 Entrepreneur Franchise 500® issue has arrived, and it is already being called the most influential edition yet. Every year, this ranking becomes the trusted guide for investors searching for strong franchise brands. This year, Young Chefs Academy earned a major milestone: official status as an Entrepreneur 2026 Verified Franchise. A Recognition … Continued

How Cooking Supports Neurodivergent Kids in Building Confidence

Confidence is rarely spontaneous. For children—especially those who are neurodivergent—it blossoms when they encounter environments designed with structure, clarity, and encouragement. While classrooms, sports, or social settings can sometimes feel unpredictable, the kitchen offers something radically different: clear steps, immediate feedback, and tangible results. At Young Chefs Academy, cooking classes for kids are carefully crafted … Continued

Leigh Feldman on Builders: Rethinking Growth, Franchising, and Confidence in the Kitchen

When Leigh Feldman, CEO of Youth Franchise Brands, joined the Builders podcast, the conversation stretched far beyond recipes and revenue. Feldman traced his path from the high-velocity world of marketing agencies to the measured discipline of private equity—and unpacked the human frameworks that continue to shape how he leads, builds, and teaches through brands like … Continued