LKA Texas Area Representative and Multi-Unit Franchise Partner, Bill Duffy, to open the 1st of 75 planned locations throughout Texas at the Shops at Arbor Walk in Austin
Little Kitchen Academy (LKA) the first-of-its-kind Montessori-inspired cooking academy for kids ages 3 through 18, is expanding its U.S. footprint as they announce the first location in Texas will be opening in Austin this Summer. This will be the 1st location of the 75 planned for the State of Texas. LKA Austin will be located at The Shops at Arbor Walk 10515 N. Mopac Expy. Construction will begin soon, with plans to open early enrollment in May. Parents and families are encouraged to sign up for email updates to be notified of announcements and to take advantage of early enrollment.
“Little Kitchen Academy is so much more than just a cooking school, it’s an opportunity to give the next generation the tools they need to succeed,” said Bill Duffy, Texas Area Representative and Multi-Unit Franchise Partner for LKA. “A big factor that attracted us to this concept was their charitable work and social impact, which is something that we’re thrilled to bring to communities across Texas.”
In addition to opening locations throughout the Austin market, Bill Duffy is also the LKA Texas Area Rep and will be supporting the development of 75 locations across the state. With Texas being a significant market for Little Kitchen Academy, Duffy’s strong operations background and deep network will help the brand expand its presence throughout Texas with like-minded franchise partners wanting to share the gift of LKA in their communities.
The purpose-driven concept was founded by Montessori-trained culinary innovator Felicity Curin, her husband, proven global branding, franchise expert and serial entrepreneur, Brian Curin, and social impact investor and entrepreneur, Praveen Varshney, to empower children to make independent choices, enabling them to change their lives and those around them.
“Sharing the gift of LKA with Bill and his team to lead the development throughout the great State of Texas will give more children the environment they need to become independent,” said Brian Curin, CEO/CMO and Co-Founder of Little Kitchen Academy. “The caliber of this group is not only measured by the successes of their business endeavors, but their commitment to the communities they serve. We are excited to start changing lives from scratch with them this summer in Austin, continuing our journey as we become the global leader in teaching practical life skills and food literacy to children.”
LKA’s Montessori-inspired environment is designed to support the growth and development of each child. Instructors show the students how to safely use tools and prepare recipes but step back to closely observe the independent work, only stepping in when deemed appropriate. This approach enables students to learn at their own pace while they acquire practical life skills that foster independence, confidence, and socialization. LKA further empowers students to make better food choices, apply age-appropriate math and science skills in real-world settings, and embrace practices such as recycling and composting. The curriculum also introduces the concept of philanthropy to help children make socially conscious contributions to the world through its global philanthropic initiative, “How Can I Help”. This program empowers students to learn about giving back and making a difference by putting the choice in their hands to support one of three notable causes.
About Little Kitchen Academy
To families seeking educationally enriching activities for their children ages 3-18, Little Kitchen Academy is the first-of-its-kind Montessori-inspired cooking academy providing a safe and empowering environment to learn practical life skills, confidence, independence, and healthy eating habits to last a lifetime. Based in Vancouver, Canada, the concept was co-founded by proven global branding and franchise expert and serial entrepreneur Brian Curin, his wife, Montessori-trained, culinary expert, and visionary Felicity Curin, and social impact investor and entrepreneur Praveen Varshney, with the vision of becoming the global leader in teaching practical life skills and food literacy to children in order to promote a more educated, independent and healthier society. True to its mission, LKA is empowering children to make independent choices, enabling them to change their lives, and those around them. Part of that mission includes empowering students to learn how they can make the world a better place through How Can I Help by Little Kitchen Academy, LKA’s signature philanthropic program, supporting Crisis Text Line, The Global FoodBanking Network, Kids Help Phone, and One Tree Planted. In addition to charitable partnerships, LKA has forged strategic global brand partnerships with AeroGarden, BIRKENSTOCK, ChefWorks, ChopValue, Emeco, Iron Chef Cat Cora, PRISE Inc., and Welcome Industries. Little Kitchen Academy’s flagship venues are located in Vancouver, B.C., and Los Angeles, California.
For a taste of Little Kitchen Academy, visit littlekitchenacademy.com or join its communities on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.