Questions about Young Chef’s Academy Franchises
August 20, 2006
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My friend, Julie is considering buying a franchise of Young Chef’s Academy www.youngchefsacademy.com. When we were talking on the phone about it this afternoon I asked her a lot of questions that she doesn’t have answers to yet. She told me to email her with my questions, but I am going to just post it here, because maybe others will benefit.
Does the franchise require that you are owner-operator?
What does their monthly royalty fee include (theirs is $395 a month)?
What kind of initial and on-going training do they provide?
Do they require that you send them an overage check (percent of sales) if you exceed a certain amount in revenues?
What non-compete clauses are you required to sign (for example, if you do a Color Me Mine franchise you are not allowed to do another arts/crafts store)?
What does their suggested store build-out cost? Length of lease required? How much square footage do they require?
Does your franchise fee include build-out?
Are you allowed to create your own products to support theirs and sell in your space?
Required hours of operation? Are you required to be there when there are no classes in session (for example, to answer questions to a walk-in client)?
** Any other questions for Julie to consider?? Let’s help a Start Up Princess! Please leave a comment/question for Julie.
If you’ll view the Young Chefs Academy website and obtain the contact number for franchise info or request via email for someone to contact you, a representative with YCA will be able to answer the questions you have.
Thank you, are you with YCA?
What a great company! We’re excited to see a franchise in person and have our questions answered.
Hi,
Did Julie ever get her answers? I saw this too and thought it an interesting idea.
Becka
Julie looked into it and she decided it wasn’t for her…it was very expensive for start up fees and on-going support, however, they offer a lot of flexibility and great curriculum. Good luck!
Thanks so much for the reply. I’ve been looking at starting one, just started looking at what potential one of these might be actually. I am a “babe in the woods” and trying to educate myself.
thanks again
becka
what do you think the benefit of owning a franchise vs starting a business on your own? it sounds like a franchise can be restricting and costly. i am interested in the idea of starting my own business and not sure where to start…any suggestions?
Thanks for your comment and visit!
I think that there’s some great benefits to both models:
Franchises are national (or are trying to get there) so there’s national name, marketing, strategy, etc. They are often very supportive of their franchise owners and want them to succeed…however, they cost a lot to run, you keep paying them a percentage monhtly, strict requirements, however, they have a proven method that often runs itself and you can hire a manager at the start and attend to other things whereas…
Start ups are hard, you’re poor, bootstrapping, trying to get to profitability, etc….unless you have loads of money to keep cash flowing, you can sink a lot of money into figuring out the systems that run them and then you try to franchise it…? You have creative freedom, see your ideas executed, your dreams fulfilled…your dreams fail. Ouch…but if you stick to it, your dreams succeed!
I think it all really depends on what you want to create! Think about the LIFESTYLE first, then you’ll know what is best. How many hours do you want to put in? Do you want something that runs itself? Do you have an original idea? Could you do it with a partner? When will it be profitable? Hmmm….lots to consider. Good luck figuring it all out!
Make a Wish, Make it Happen,
Kelly
This franchise is actually a lot more expensive to start-up and operate than stated. I know someone that started one and the cost were much higher than what was disclosed by the franchisor.
Thanks Sonya for your comment and for telling us the scoop. I love the concept of YCA, and also hope that people investigate all the details before they commit.
Make a Wish, Make it Happen,
Kelly
Hello
We purchased a Young Chefs Academy a year ago in Pittsburgh and opened last MAY. IT IS GOING GREAT!! What guilt I have , my husband thinks we work so hard!! Shoo… dont tell him! Its all fun! The price was right in line with what I was quoted. My only regret is that I did not buy two.
Awesome, glad to hear some positive feedback and good experiences.
Thanks for your comment and best wishes with the kids in the kitchen! Fun combo!