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Keep it Real at Every Meal

Eating real food is the key ingredient to health and youth. Learn how you can share your passion for healthy food with our unique cooking franchise school opportunity.

Free Industry Outlook

Set the table for a revolutionary and culture changing opportunity!

Real Food. Real Education. Real Opportunity.

The Real Food Academy is not your average cooking franchise opportunity

The Real Food Academy is on a mission to demonstrate how real food tastes better when prepared without artificial and processed ingredients.

Our classes and events bring together hands-on learning, flavor-packed foods, and good, clean fun. Make a living doing what you love — cooking! The Real Food Academy offers:

  • Children, tween, and teen cooking classes
  • Birthday parties, school field trips, summer camps
  • Adult culinary classes and events
  • Team-building parties, special events, and outings

Turn your dreams of owning an exciting, family-friendly business into reality and experience the revolution of food. Get on board our cooking franchise and make a difference!

Investment & Revenue

How Much Does It Cost To Open a Real Food Academy?

Invest in your future. Find fulfillment in pursuing your passion for health. Here’s what it takes to own a cooking franchise with The Real Food Academy.

Kids cooking together at a Real Food Academy kids party. Two adults cooking together and having a great time at The Real Food Academy!

Initial Investment:
$332,100 - $511,950

In 2023, Our Per-Unit (AUV) Volume Was:
$1,171,591.38

Refer to our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) Items 7 & 19 for specifics on startup costs.

An adult and kid cooking together at The Real Food Academy. Adults cooking together at one of the adult cooking classes at The Real Food Academy.

Available Territories

Where Can You Open Your Own Cooking Franchise School with Real Food Academy?

We're actively expanding The Real Food Academy across the United States, and we're looking for passionate individuals to join us. Whether you're in a bustling city or a growing suburb, there's an opportunity to bring a Real Food Academy to your area.

Let's explore how you can open a franchise and create a space where people gather to learn, cook, and enjoy smarter, more nutritious meals. Together, we can make a lasting impact on the health and well-being of your community.

The Opportunity
An image of the cooking camps offered at The Real Food Academy - a unique cooking franchise with amazing classes and different cooking experiences!

Join Our Real Food

Revolution

No other cooking event franchise keeps it real at every meal like The Real Food Academy. Whole foods take center stage at our events. You can help educate food lovers to love foods that are good for you and taste great as a franchise owner with The Real Food Academy. As we like to say, learning to cook healthy is easy!

305-954-0278 Get Started

Our Philosophy: Make it Real

Our name says it all. We’re all about real food, real learning experiences, and real change in food choices for a better way of life. Imagine how you can bring a real experience to the table that can transform people’s lives, including your own.

Real Foods,
Not Processed

Demonstrate how healthy food choices can make foodie favorites taste good and be good for you.

Real Experiences,
Not Passive

Get creative with hands-on learning activities for every age.

Real Fun,
Not Fabricated

Set the table for an entertaining event, filled with laughter, learning and a love for good food.

Real Learning,
Not Textbook

Engage your guests with teaching techniques you can access in our training and support programs.

Real Potential,
Not Unimaginable

Take advantage of multiple revenue streams to expand your business and generate lifelong rewards.

A The Real Food Academy serving dish icon - the best cooking franchise school in your local area.

Training and Support are Two Key Ingredients for Our Franchise Model

We’ve created a culture of learning unlike any other at The Real Food Academy. Our training platform gives you access to the tools, resources, and ongoing support you need to grow your business.

Here’s what to expect when you join our team:

Site Selection

In addition, we provide build-out guidance for your location.

Initial Training & Support

We help you launch your business with confidence.

Technology

We know to tools you need to operate your studio efficiently.

Marketing Support

You will learn how to engage guests and create a loyal following.

Franchise Support
A delicious recipe at The Real Food Academy - a culinary opportunity.
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Industry Data

At Our Core, The Real Food Academy:

  • Turns cooking classes into a life-changing experience for kids and adults of all ages – and for franchise owners like you.
  • Creates an educational experience that helps shape healthy eating habits for generations to come.
  • Provides a destination for events focused on fun, family, and of course deliciously healthy food.

You can meet the demand for after-school activities that enrich youngsters and provide great venues for family-friendly activities as a franchise owner with The Real Food Academy Miami.

Steps to Owning a Real Food Academy Franchise

Ready to Own a Cooking Franchise School With The Real Food Academy? Here’s How to Get Started

1.

Complete our request for information form

Go to Form

2.

Meet our franchise development team.

3.

Review our franchise documentation (FDD and Franchise Agreement).

4.

Finalize financing and territory selection.

5.

Build out your location with our design specs.

6.

Train with our experts.

7.

Open The Real Food Academy in your community!

The Real Food Academy head chef Maria.

Meet the CEO

Chef Maria Cummins

Maria Cummins knows her way around a kitchen. From her family's cocina to The Real Food Academy, she brings healthy cooking to life.

A love of cooking and an entrepreneurial spirit gave Maria her inspiration to start an after-school cooking program for kids. She held her first classes at a local Montessori school in Miami. Word spread quickly as the program gained popularity with kids and families alike. Maria added birthday parties, school field trips and more classes when her business launched in 2008.

Maria and her husband Arthur now invite foodies like you to join their culinary journey with Chef Maria's simple rule for success:

“Eat real food — together!”

Learn how you can bring Chef Maria’s Real Food brand to a location in your community.

About Us

Franchise Blog

Chef Maria Cummins at The Real Food Academy showing off her skills with a pan - learn about the best franchise opportunity in your local area, FL

Franchises for Sale in Florida

South Florida is a hotbed of opportunity for entrepreneurs looking to invest in the franchise industry. With its vibrant economy, diverse population, and tourism appeal, it's no wonder that South Florida is a prime destination for those seeking to own a franchise.

The The Real Food Academy team in front of our building in your local area - explore the food franchise.

Feast Your Way to Success: Exploring Food Franchises and The Real Food Academy

In an era where wellness and healthy eating are not just trends but a lifestyle, The Real Food Academy, a culinary school franchise in your local area, FL, emerges as a beacon of innovation and education in the culinary world. Explore why The Real Food Academy stands out in this competitive sector!

Two girls having fun and learning healthy recipes at a Real Food Academy kid's cooking class.

Why Cooking Classes Are the Ideal Birthday Party Event

Every parent knows the thrill of seeing their child's eyes light up with excitement and joy during their birthday celebration. Choosing the perfect event for these special occasions can be challenging, especially with the myriad of options available. However, among the most novel and engaging options, hosting a cooking class stands out.

Arthur Cummings, one of our founders at The Real Food Academy, teaches a kid's cooking class.

Savor Success in the Sunshine State

When it comes to culinary delights and diverse dining experiences, Florida stands out as a vibrant hub of the foodservice industry. From mouthwatering seafood to sumptuous Latin American cuisine, the state offers a rich tapestry of flavors to please every palate.

A Real Food Academy cook teaching a young child at one of our growing kids' cooking classes.

Exploring the Children's Cooking Class Franchise Industry

The kid's cooking classes franchise industry has experienced significant growth in recent years, driven by the rising interest in culinary education for children. At The Real Food Academy, our junior chef and adult cooking classes in Miami are about good times, great tastes, and healthy eating habits.

A group of adults at a Real Food Academy cooking class.

Cook Your Way to Success

By investing in The Real Food Academy franchise, you will join a business committed to promoting healthy eating habits and providing a fun and engaging experience for its customers. If you want a piece of this billion-dollar pie, look no further than The Real Food Academy's franchise offering.

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Franchise FAQs

The initial investment ranges from $332,100 to $511,950 to own a franchise with The Real Food Academy. Please review our FDD for more details.

No. We do not provide direct financing. However, we may refer you to financial institutions that may be able to help you finance your business.

A background in education and a passion for food, health and wellness can make a difference in this industry. So can strong skills in customer service, event planning and delivering a 5-star experience.

The keys to our training program start with hands-on training with our founder Chef Maria and our leadership team. You also have access to a library of video tutorials that can guide you as you set up classes, camps and events. Our marketing assistance helps you spread the word about your cooking studio and upcoming classes and events. We are always available to answer questions and provide support throughout your relationship with us.

Complete our Get Started form. We’ll contact you to discuss all of the important details you need to make an informed decision.

See All FAQs
...

Words We Cook By

We Don’t Change the Dish. We change the ingredients!

Frequently Asked Questions
The Real Food Academy reviews plate icon.

Create an Unforgettable Experience

Set the table for Events filled with laughter, learning and good food

  • Jenna Kuzawski

    SO FUN!!!!! Highly recommend this experience!!! Wonderful, clean atmosphere with incredible food!!!

  • Isania Zapete

    This is an amazing academy! I’ve been a student here for almost a year and I have not once been disappointed. All the staff are so kind and patient. I would definitely recommend coming!

  • Josselyn Solis

    I recently celebrated my daughter’s fifth birthday at the real food Academy. Hands-down, having our event with them was one of the best decisions we’ve made. Words do not do this team justice. I had the privilege to have Maya and Rey, who were outstanding the entire time. From the moment we arrived, they welcomed our family. Rey helped us on dock our car and set everything up. Maya and her beautiful smile, from the start, captured our ideas and brought it to life. We had a couple additional kids join us in and even when it was chaotic, Rey found the way to set up extra seating placements for our additional guests. They had such great energy, kept the party going, helped us with every request and more. All of my guests, had an amazing time making pizza and cupcakes. If you are having any second thoughts in having your event with them, don’t even hesitate, just book it. Thank you once again for an unforgettable birthday party!

  • Gabriela Alvarado

    Loved this cooking class. Maria and her team are very helpful and the recipes are just delicious. Would totally recommend!

  • Jesús Ramírez

    What an experience. Chef Maria made our special occasion extra special. Great food, great company, cant wait to come back

  • Miguel Vazquez

    fabulous

  • Laura Dacovich

    Went with a group with a cooking class! And miss Toni was amazing

  • Jorden Adams

    The space is bright and airy. Chef Toni was amazing. Our group had a wonderful evening of food and fun. Highly recommend!

  • Ana Annicchiarico

    Fantastic experience! Chef Toni was awesome

  • Camila Mejia

    Amazing class! Learned so much! Chef Paolo was fabulous and so helpful

  • K F

    Amazing class, super personable and the instructor is super knowledgeable. Will be back

  • Crystal Stokely

    I can’t say enough good things about The Real Food Academy. They had our broker group in for a Discovery Day, and it was awesome. I loved the hands on experience, and it was so much fun. Truly a great way to learn, and I love that their focus is on children. It’s so important to teach children at an early age. The Real Food Academy is truly making a difference in their community and hopefully they’ll have franchises in more areas across the US soon.

  • chris tucker

    I recently had the pleasure of attending a Discovery Day and Thursday cooking class at the Real Food Academy, and I can't recommend it highly enough! As a franchise broker invited along with others with the Franchise Brokers Association, I was eager to learn about this innovative franchise concept that offers cooking classes and birthday parties for both kids and adults. From the moment I arrived, I was warmly welcomed by the owners, Maria and Arthur. Their passion for healthy cooking and commitment to sharing delicious, real, tasty food with the community is truly inspiring. They created an amazing atmosphere that made the experience both enjoyable and educational. During the cooking class, I was impressed by how engaging and interactive the session was. Maria guided us through the process of preparing tasty, healthy meals, providing valuable tips and techniques along the way. It was evident that they are dedicated to empowering individuals and families to embrace a healthier lifestyle through cooking and their classes. What stood out to me the most is their vision of bringing real, tasty food to the masses. This franchise concept is not just about cooking—it's about fostering a love for healthy eating and creating memorable experiences for people of all ages. If you're considering a wellness and food franchise opportunity or simply looking for a fun and educational cooking class, I highly recommend checking out the Real Food Academy. Maria and Arthur have built something truly special, and I can’t wait to see how their franchise flourishes! Thank you for an unforgettable experience!

  • Maggie Billy-Fisher

    Chef Tony and Maya provided an amazing cooking class at The Real Food Academy! Their passion, expertise, and engaging teaching style made the experience both fun and educational. The hands-on approach and delicious recipes made it a truly memorable experience. Highly recommend for anyone looking to learn, cook, and enjoy great food.

  • Kevin Orgill

    This was amazing! The food was delicious and more importantly I learned skills that I can take with me forever! Will definitely be coming back for more classes

  • James Daniel

    So much fun! I can see why this concept is so popular! Great Chef! Easy instructions!

  • Susan Guerra

    Great experience! Fun and delicious food! Definitely recommend for a team building event.

  • Betsy Little

    We did this activity for a work team building and it was so much fun. I’ve done other cooking classes and this by far the best one. Chef Toni was fantastic and the food was amazing! Highly recommend for any group!

  • Pablo Liberato

    Amazing experience and super friendly staff. We will try a new culinary adventure with them soon!

  • Daniel Gilles

    Amazing time!! Chef Paolo was enthusiastic and hilarious we eat we laughed we learned we drank if I could come back every week I would!
A table with ingredients and food at The Real Food Academy.

Ready to Get Started?

Let us introduce you to the exciting education enrichment industry and demonstrate how it can transform your personal and professional life

305-954-0278 Get Started