Enrollment is now open for the first-of-its-kind Montessori-inspired cooking academy’s 1st of 20 locations in Colorado, opening March 27th at 9+CO, Denver
Little Kitchen Academy (LKA), the first-of-its-kind Montessori-inspired cooking academy for kids ages 3 through 18 – is expanding its footprint welcoming the first students to its third US location LKA Denver 9+CO on March 27th. The much-anticipated location in Colorado is the first of twenty LKA locations being opened in the state by LKA Colorado Area Developers Scott & Christy Payne and Keith Lublin. LKA Denver 9+CO will be located at 4064 East 8th Place in the Denver 9+CO neighborhood.
“We are delighted to bring Little Kitchen Academy to Denver,” said Scott Payne, LKA Colorado Area Developer. “We know how important teaching practical life skills to children is and how much of an impact we will have on families in the community. We are excited to welcome the first students into our kitchen!”
Payne and Lublin have extensive experience in the child enrichment world and in teaching practical life skills to the next generation. Together, they are one of Goldfish Swim School’s (GSS) largest and most successful franchise owners, with seven locations open in Pennsylvania, Maryland, and Colorado, and Scott Payne was named a recipient of the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) prestigious Franchisee of the Year Award in 2022. In addition to partnering with Payne on owning and operating locations for both LKA and GSS, Lublin is the Vice President of Commercial Banking for Level One Bank.
The purpose-driven concept was founded by Montessori-trained culinary innovator Felicity Curin; her husband, proven global branding and 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.
“We are so proud to have such a wonderful team and purpose-driven partners leading the development of Little Kitchen Academy throughout Colorado,” said Brian Curin, CEO/CMO & Co-Founder. “Denver and the entire State of Colorado are incredibly important to us as we become the global leader in teaching practical life skills and food literacy to children, and we are excited to see the positive impact LKA will have.”
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.