The creators of Little Kitchen Academy are committed to ensuring that every child develops a positive relationship with food and appreciates the importance of nutrition.
“This is a crisis. When examining the rates of childhood obesity, the prevalence of illness, and the overall health of our children and adolescents, it is evident that they are ill-equipped for the environment we have established,” stated CEO Brian Curin, who, along with his wife Felicity, co-founded the organization in 2019.
Approximately 30 percent of the students at Little Kitchen Academy have some form of differing ability, which may include children on the autism spectrum or those with physical disabilities, he noted.
The franchise has formed a partnership with NBA athlete Russell Westbrook, who serves as a point guard for the Denver Nuggets. In 2012, Westbrook established his Why Not? Foundation to create opportunities for underserved communities in the areas of education, employment, and mental health services.
Little Kitchen Academy is a cooking class program inspired by Montessori principles, catering to children aged 3 to 18. The inaugural studio was launched in Vancouver, Canada, and the Curins expanded the brand into the United States in 2021, starting in Los Angeles.
Through their collaboration, known as the Changing Lives From Scratch fund, Little Kitchen Academy and Westbrook aim to provide cooking classes to 10,000 children from families who may not have the financial means to afford such opportunities. The initial $100,000 contributed to the fund will be matched by generous donors.
Westbrook serves on the advisory board of the brand and has a vested interest in the franchise.
Two years ago, when Franchise Times last covered the franchise, Little Kitchen Academy operated two corporate locations and had several franchised units in development. Currently, the brand boasts 14 studios, with 10 of them being franchised.
The launch of the brand occurred just prior to a pandemic that posed challenges to its growth; however, Curin noted that valuable lessons were learned from this experience.
The brand has also introduced a shorter class called “First Taste” designed for two-year-olds and their caregivers, providing them with an introductory experience at Little Kitchen Academy, as Curin explained.
Additionally, the brand engages with senior centers and communities, allowing participants to prepare healthier recipes in smaller portions while fostering social interaction, as highlighted by Curin.
