little kitchen academy – the key ingredient for an independent child – to open new location in richmond, british columbia

Today, Little Kitchen Academy (LKA), the key ingredient for an independent child and the first-of-its-kind, Montessori-inspired cooking academy for kids ages three through teen, announced it will open its fifth location in British Columbia, and first in Richmond, in spring 2022. The quickly growing concept was founded by Montessori-trained culinary innovator Felicity Curin; her husband, proven global brand and franchise expert and serial entrepreneur Brian Curin; and social impact investor and entrepreneur, Praveen Varshney, to provide a safe, inspiring, and empowering space for children to identify, develop, and refine their senses. LKA Richmond Oval will be the fifth location to open in the Greater Vancouver area and represents the next step in the brand’s journey to open 423 locations worldwide by the end of 2025.

“We are delighted to see the growth of Little Kitchen Academy and the demand for the experience to be brought to the Richmond Community” said Brian Curin, CEO & co-founder of Little Kitchen Academy. “We are very grateful for what we have created and the support we receive from each community we enter with our incredible franchise partners.”

Richmond has been one of the most requested markets for LKA to open by parents and will allow more children to experience LKA’s inspiring, empowering environment for the first time. The newest LKA will be steps from the Olympic Oval at 6699 River Road. LKA Richmond Oval will be the third location to open for British Columbia Area Developers, Nicholas and Angela Popoff, who will be opening 29 locations across the province, including LKA South Surrey, which welcomed its first students into the kitchen in July 2021.

“We are thrilled to have our next location in development in such an important community in the Greater Vancouver area,” says Nicholas Popoff, BC area developer. “Having our first location open in South Surrey has been incredible and makes us even more excited to open new locations across British Columbia so more children can experience the joy of Little Kitchen Academy. We can’t wait to start changing lives from scratch in Richmond!”

Little Kitchen Academy is currently seeking like-minded multi-unit franchisees and development partners based exclusively in AZ, CA, CO, FL, IL, NC, OR, TX, WA, and WI. Internationally, LKA is focused on expanding further into Canada in AB, select markets in BC, and ON in Canada, as well as Australia, India, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, MENA region, Singapore, Spain, and the U.K.

About Little Kitchen Academy

Little Kitchen Academy (LKA) is the key ingredient for an independent child. The first-of-its-kind, Montessori-inspired cooking academy for kids ages three through teen is focused on providing a safe, inspiring, and empowering space for children to identify, develop and refine their senses. Based in Vancouver, Canada, the concept was co-founded by proven global brand 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, on the belief that by empowering children with practical life skills and knowledge in a positive and joyful environment, they and their company will create positive lifestyle changes that result in a healthier world. True to its mission, LKA lives to create a more educated, able, and healthy society through mindful, healthy eating choices, and is committed to changing lives, from scratch to consumption. 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 Chefs for Humanity, The Global FoodBanking Network, Kids Help Phone, and PHIT America. In addition to charitable partnerships, LKA has forged strategic global brand partnerships with Iron Chef Cat Cora, AeroGarden, BIRKENSTOCK, ChefWorks, Emeco, ChopValue, Welcome Industries,  Location3, and PRISE Inc, KitchenAid Canada, and Trail Appliances. Little Kitchen Academy’s flagship venues are located in Vancouver, B.C. and Los Angeles, Calif.

For a taste of Little Kitchen Academy, visit littlekitchenacademy.com or join its communities on Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, LinkedIn, and YouTube.