Seminole, 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
While growing up in Seminole, Ashley Hull always knew teaching was what she wanted to do. After graduating from University of Central Florida, Ashley moved back to the community to begin her career in education with Bauder Elementary. She met her husband, Bill, in 2011 while working at Mike’s Pizza in Largo. Cooking has been part of their story from day one. They were married in 2016 and welcomed the first of their four boys to the world in 2018.
After starting their family, Ashley knew she wanted a path that allowed her more time with her young children. She kept an active role in education through substitute teaching in Pinellas County schools and private tutoring. While looking for activities to engage her young sons, she found Young Chefs Academy of Seminole.
Working at Young Chefs Academy led her to fall in love with the concept and put her on the path to become owner in Seminole in 2024. Seeing how much children were learning in the kitchen, Ashley knew this would be a great opportunity to share her passion for teaching, her love for cooking, and her joy in watching young minds be broadened and excelling in the culinary arts.
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.