Business & Tech
Young Chefs Academy Opening In Bel Air
Children as young as 4 years old will be able to take classes in cooking at the academy for kids.

BEL AIR, MD — The Young Chefs Academy has announced it plans to set up shop in Bel Air. The company, a franchise that teaches children cooking, is adding 20 locations nationwide in 2018. According to a statement from the corporation about its growth, it is targeting "strong family-friendly communities."
Young Chefs Academy offers an interactive experience for kids and families in child-friendly environments.
"While we're in the business of teaching children culinary skills, we are also helping families get together at the dinner table," said CEO Julie Burleson, who founded the company in Texas in 2003.
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The business grew out of Burleson's idea to create an experience that would combine meal preparation with quality time with her son, who wanted to help her in the kitchen. She started offering a series of cooking classes for children in a restaurant and as demand grew, she opened the first Young Chefs Academy in 2003.
Young Chefs Academy has designed a curriculum of recipes tailored to different age groups. Each month features a different theme and allows children to build their skills.
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"Our growth has exploded in the past three years, which is a testament to our unique concept and loyal franchisees," Burleson said. There are currently more than 30 locations, and four more will open by the spring, including the location in Bel Air.
Classes start Feb. 6 at the Young Chefs Academy in Bel Air. The courses are divided by age group, and there are three different groups.
Kids ages 4 to 6 can attend classes with their parents in the KinderCooks program. Those ages 5 to 7 may enroll in courses for YoungChefs, with no parent required. Classes for KinderCooks and YoungChefs are an hour long and cost $35 per class or $89 per month. Children ages 7 and up are considered JuniorChefs. Their classes are 90 minutes and cost $35 per class or $99 a month.
Young Chefs Academy is located at 130 North Bond Street, #101, Bel Air, MD 21013. Register for a class.
Image by kangheungbo via Pixabay.
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