Oviedo, FL
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
Born in Michigan and raised in the beautiful Winter Springs/Oviedo area, Vicki Perez is proud to call this community home. She lives in Oviedo with her husband Gregg and their three daughters; Chloe, Sophia, and Gabriella, who inspire her every day.
Growing up in a family of restaurateurs, Vicki developed a love for food, people, and the joy of gathering around the table. Her passion for hospitality led her to earn a degree in Hospitality Management from the University of Central Florida. GO Knights! She went on to work with some of Orlando’s top luxury hotel brands before discovering her true calling—education.
Vicki earned a Master’s Degree in Elementary Education and has spent over 17 years teaching and encouraging young minds. Her love for children, combined with her passion for cooking, naturally led to a new adventure: opening a cooking school where kids can learn, create, and have fun.
At Young Chefs Academy of Oviedo, Vicki hopes to bring families closer through delicious home-cooked meals, just like she did growing up. She’s excited to share her joy for cooking and help young chefs gain confidence, learn new skills, and make lasting memories in the kitchen!
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.