Covington, WA
About Us
At Young Chefs® Academy, our mission is to make a positive lasting impact on children and families through teaching the joy and value of cooking in a welcoming environment that encourages discovery and creativity.
Rated 4.7 on Google (1,359 Reviews)
Franchise Owner
Deb O’Brien, owner and teacher at Young Chefs Academy of Covington has been an educator and food service industry specialist for many years, including owning a catering company as well as teaching classes for local homeschool co-ops. Teaming with her daughters on catering projects, she enjoyed watching them pick up skills in the kitchen that helped in all areas of life, which has added to her enthusiasm for teaching and working with children and young adults. Young Chefs Academy combines Deb’s two passions: teaching children and the culinary arts. “I’ve always had a passion for teaching, and I love that cooking is a skill that will last kids for a lifetime. It’s a skill we all need.” Deb and the Young Chefs Academy team are excited to foster a community of culinary artists of all ages.
Founder & CEO
Founder and CEO, Julie Burleson, established Young Chefs® Academy in 2003 with the vision of cultivating/serving children’s strong interest in the culinary arts. It has grown with locations throughout the US to be a welcoming environment that provides a “real” setting so that the students can take what they learn at YCA™ to their own homes.
“The kitchen is the pulse of the home… where we learn about life and each other,” says Burleson. “Young Chefs Academy nourishes those values and gives kids an innovative environment to learn and thrive. In this busy world, what could be better?”
Over the years our franchisees has been showcased across some of the largest networks, which is a testament to our values and community activities.