Richmond, VA
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.
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Franchise Owner
Kristen Braia was born and raised in NY, and moved to Richmond, VA in 2005 with her husband and children. Kristen has many fond memories of cooking and baking with her grandmother and great-grandmother and continued this tradition with her own children. Her career as a nurse formed her deep appreciation for humanity and a passion for helping others. When she was ready to return to work after being home with her children, Kristen knew she wanted to positively impact the community while maintaining a meaningful and active role in her children’s lives. While searching for the right way to do this, Kristen found the Young Chefs Academy Franchise and opened Young Chefs Academy of Richmond in 2006. In May of 2022, Kristen fulfilled a dream to partner with Diane Tausig and Nancy Whelan opening Young Chefs Academy of Charleston. She is thrilled to see the impact they are already making there. Kristen is active in her community by volunteering in her children’s schools and hosting a Children’s Business Fair to encourage young entrepreneurs. When Kristen is not in the kitchen at Young Chefs Academy, she enjoys spending time with her family, reading, kayaking, traveling.
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 have been showcased across some of the largest networks, which is a testament to our values and community activities.