Young Chefs Owner: Daphne Register

As the owner of a marketing agency helping other small businesses, Daphne’s expertise naturally translated into owning a Young Chefs® Academy, where marketing and community relationships are key elements of success. Below she shares more about the YCA™ franchise opportunity and her experience as the first franchise business owner in her family.

What is your professional background?

I attended the University of West Georgia and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Mass Communications with a minor in Marketing. I earned a Master of Arts degree in Journalism & Mass Communications from the University of Georgia. I have been a business owner for nine years, owning iDAP Marketing, a marketing agency committed to helping small businesses market and brand themselves.

What first attracted you to the Young Chefs cooking school concept?

It was actually my daughter who first inspired our interest in Young Chefs Academy. Each school year, we ask our daughters (currently 13 and 12) what extracurricular activities they’d like to try. That year, one chose acting and the other said cooking. I did an online search for local cooking classes, and that’s when I discovered Young Chefs Academy. We enrolled her in classes at the Sandy Springs location to see what it was all about.

I remember sitting outside the classroom, watching her cook and thinking, “This would be amazing in Warner Robins. Our community needs something like this.” That moment sparked everything. I did more research, connected with the corporate team, went through the application process, and was ultimately approved. Now, Young Chefs Academy is open in Warner Robins, GA—and it all started with one simple question to my daughter.

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

What appeals to me most is the strong structure and, more importantly, the incredible culture. While we’re certainly nurturing the next generation of young chefs, the impact goes far beyond the kitchen. Our students gain valuable life skills, build lasting relationships, express their creativity, and connect in meaningful ways, all of which are truly priceless.

I also love the opportunity to meet new people and witness the community and connections that form through YCA. On a personal level, owning this franchise has fulfilled a dream—I’m proud to be the first in my family to own and operate a franchise. Just as with my previous business, YCA is helping me build generational wealth for my family and show my daughters that with vision and hard work anything is possible.

What’s your favorite activity as a YCA owner?

One of my favorite aspects of running the business is being out in the community, sharing who we are and what we offer. I really enjoy meeting new people, hearing their stories, and finding those meaningful connections that link them to Young Chefs Academy.

What successes have some of your Young Chefs experienced?

Our young chefs have experienced some truly meaningful successes since we started. One student stands out. When he first joined Young Chefs Academy, he was a very picky eater and refused to try anything new, even the dishes he made himself. Over time, he began tasting his creations, and now he tries everything and absolutely loves being in class.

Another memorable moment was with a student who had never eaten hamburgers before. The week we made burgers from scratch, complete with artisan buns and pickles, he not only tried it but ate the entire meal. His parents were shocked and thrilled to see him enjoying something new.

How has your experience been as a franchise owner?

One of the most beneficial parts of being part of a franchise system is the structure and support it provides. As a business owner, having a proven playbook to follow makes a world of difference; it eliminates so much of the guesswork that often comes with starting something from scratch.

The YCA franchise model offers a clear roadmap, from operations and marketing to customer experience and training, which allows me to focus more on growing the business and building relationships within the community.

Additionally, being part of a network of franchisees is incredibly valuable. The support from the corporate team and fellow owners has helped me apply best practices, troubleshoot challenges, and celebrate successes. It’s empowering to know you’re backed by a system that wants you to succeed.

Would you say this is a relatively easy business to own and run?

I wouldn’t describe it as “easy,” but I would absolutely say it’s possible—and incredibly rewarding. Like any business, owning and operating a Young Chefs Academy comes with its share of challenges. There’s scheduling, staffing, marketing, community engagement, and, of course, maintaining a consistently high-quality experience for both kids and parents.

However, the beauty of the Young Chefs franchise is that you’re not doing it alone. The support, structure, and resources provided by the franchise system make those challenges much more manageable. With commitment, organization, and a passion for working with children and families, this business is very doable—even for those without a culinary background.

At the end of the day, the smile on the kids’ faces, the skills they’re learning, and the impact we’re making in the Warner Robins community make every bit of effort worth it.

What do your revenue stream and growth trajectory look like?

Over the past year we’ve seen consistent month-over-month growth. I attribute this to a combination of local marketing efforts, community engagement, and positive word-of-mouth.

Looking ahead, we anticipate continued growth through:

• Enhanced community outreach to increase awareness and engagement

• Expanded program offerings such as the Sharp Chefs Certification and eventually the Challenge Kitchen

• Strategic partnerships with local schools and other organizations

Based on our current performance and upcoming initiatives, we expect to see a revenue increase over the next 12 months.

Visit Franchise.YoungChefsAcademy.com to learn more about the YCA franchise opportunity.