Young Chefs Owner: Angela Koch

As the saying goes, “When you do what you love, you don’t work a day in your life.” Young Chefs® Academy owner Angela Koch loves cooking and exploring varied cuisines. Pair these passions with an MBA and decades of business experience, and it’s a perfect recipe for owning a kids’ cooking school business.

In April 2024, Angela took the plunge and opened Young Chefs Academy of Rogers, Arkansas. Here she shares what she enjoys most about being a YCA™ owner, including watching her students grow in skills and confidence.

What is your professional background?

After college, I worked in finance and consulting for five years, which provided me with a strong analytical foundation. When I decided I wanted a change, I went back to get my MBA and transitioned into retail and financial services marketing for the next 17 years.

What first attracted you to the YCA concept?

My roots stretch from Taiwan, where I was born, to Japan, where I grew up. To me, food is love. I’ve always appreciated the variety of foods and flavors from different countries, and especially loved the authentic Chinese dishes my mom prepared. Yet, a funny thing happened on the way to independence: I was so spoiled by her cooking that I couldn’t even boil pasta until I was in college!

That’s when I began teaching myself how to cook and I immediately fell in love with everything about it. This journey led me to open a Young Chefs Academy. There’s nothing more rewarding than teaching kids the joy of cooking, especially as we navigate a fast-food-driven world. It’s about empowering them with a skill for life and a love for real food.

What is most appealing to you about owning a Young Chefs Academy franchise?

For me, the most appealing aspects of owning a Young Chefs Academy franchise are the flexibility it offers in managing my time, and, more importantly, the unmistakable joy on kids’ faces as they learn and connect with cooking.

What’s your favorite activity as a YCA owner?

I love seeing a child’s face light up when they make something. I also love the marketing side of YCA.

What successes have your young chefs experienced?

One of the most rewarding successes our young chefs experience is earning their Sharp Chefs badge. This isn’t just any badge; it signifies that they’ve truly mastered essential knife skills like dicing, mincing, and julienning. The look of intense pride on their faces when they receive their badge tells a story of growth, independence and achievement. It’s a clear testament to the dedication and work they put into perfecting the foundational techniques.

What has been the most beneficial part of being part of a franchise system?

For me, the greatest advantage of being part of a franchise system is the continuous learning and support network. There’s immense value in tapping into the proven strategies and best practices shared by both the franchisor and the community of other franchise owners.

Thank you! Now some questions just for fun! Which do you like better, cooking or baking?

Cooking

What’s your favorite dessert?

I absolutely ❤️ a well-made cream puff!

Best sandwich ever – what’s on it?

Okay, my “best sandwich ever” might raise a few eyebrows, but it’s the turkey sandwich Cracker Barrel used to serve (yes, Cracker Barrel)! I don’t go there anymore, and I’m pretty sure it’s off the menu, but I still dream about it. It was simple, yet brilliant: loads of turkey, perfectly creamy coleslaw, that essential pop of cranberry sauce, and a slather of mayo. The way the sweet, savory, and that delightful, unexpected crunch came together was just perfection.

What’s your favorite restaurant?

Ramen Nara right here in Rogers, Arkansas.

If you could have dinner with any famous person, who would you choose?

I would love to have had a meal with Anthony Bourdain. I love his edgy persona, his genuine love for food, travel and culture.

What is your secret “superpower”? 

My ability to roll with the punches and change on the fly.

Anything else you would like to share?

I’ve been married for 23 years and have two kids aged 18 and 13. With our eldest preparing for college this fall, it’s a bittersweet moment. Looking back, it’s hard to believe how fast these years have passed. It’s a real reminder to try and cherish every moment.

On weekends, we love walking and hiking with our dogs, Zoee and Stu. I also love running and exploring different restaurants and cuisines.

Do you have a passion for food and a business mindset? Check out the Young Chefs Academy franchise opportunity!