Taste Buds Kitchen Franchise FDD, Costs & Fees (2026)

Taste Buds Kitchen offers cooking classes and culinary events for all ages, providing a fun and educational experience in the kitchen.

KEY FRANCHISE STATS

Franchisees

11%

Franchise fee

$49,500

Investment

$396,000 - $517,000

Revenue (AUV)

$641,000

n.a.

Founded in 2007 by Jessi Brelsford in New York City, Taste Buds Kitchen has redefined culinary entertainment by offering engaging cooking classes, camps, and parties for individuals aged 2 to 99. The company's mission is to delight guests through hands-on cooking experiences that are both educational and entertaining.

In 2010, Taste Buds Kitchen established its flagship location in New York City's Chelsea neighborhood, providing a dedicated space for its diverse culinary programs. Recognizing the growing demand for interactive cooking experiences, the company began franchising in 2013, enabling passionate entrepreneurs to bring the Taste Buds Kitchen concept to their communities.

Taste Buds Kitchen offers a wide array of cooking events, including children's camps, family classes, adult BYOB workshops, corporate team-building sessions, and private parties. This versatility allows the company to cater to various demographics and occasions, setting it apart from competitors by emphasizing a comprehensive approach to culinary education and entertainment.

A key differentiator for Taste Buds Kitchen is its focus on creating memorable experiences rather than operating as a traditional restaurant. By providing stylish, upscale kitchen studios designed for hands-on participation, the company fosters a welcoming environment where guests can learn, laugh, and cook together, making it a unique player in the multi-billion dollar family entertainment industry.

Initial investment

The initial investment required for a Taste Buds Kitchen franchise is $396,000 - $517,000. That is the total cost you would need to finance if you were to start this franchise. These costs are provided by the franchisor in the Franchise Disclosure Document.

Type of Expenditure	Amount
Initial Franchise Fee	$49,500
Technology Set-Up Fee	$13,000
Site Selection Management	$0 to $8,000
Lease and Utility Security Deposits	$3,000 to $10,000
Blue Prints, Architecture & Design	$28,500 to $36,000
Leasehold Improvements	$200,000 to $260,000
Furniture, Equipment, Appliances, & Utensils	$37,000 to $42,000
Grand Opening Marketing	$10,000
Signage & Visual Branding	$11,000 to $14,000
Computer and Software	$4,500 to $6,000
Business Licenses and Permits	$0 to $1,000
Travel & Living Expenses While Training	$1,000 to $3,000
Professional Fees	$5,000 to $9,000
Insurance	$1,500 to $2,500
Initial Inventory and Supplies	$6,500 to $11,000
Background Checks/Certifications	$700 to $1,800
Additional Funds – 3 Months	$25,000 to $40,000
Total	$396,200 to $516,800

Type of Expenditure	Amount
Initial Franchise Fee	$49,500
Technology Set-Up Fee	$13,000
Site Selection Management	$0 to $8,000
Lease and Utility Security Deposits	$3,000 to $10,000
Blue Prints, Architecture & Design	$28,500 to $36,000
Leasehold Improvements	$200,000 to $260,000
Furniture, Equipment, Appliances, & Utensils	$37,000 to $42,000
Grand Opening Marketing	$10,000
Signage & Visual Branding	$11,000 to $14,000
Computer and Software	$4,500 to $6,000
Business Licenses and Permits	$0 to $1,000
Travel & Living Expenses While Training	$1,000 to $3,000
Professional Fees	$5,000 to $9,000
Insurance	$1,500 to $2,500
Initial Inventory and Supplies	$6,500 to $11,000
Background Checks/Certifications	$700 to $1,800
Additional Funds – 3 Months	$25,000 to $40,000
Total	$396,200 to $516,800

Franchise Disclosure Document

Below is Taste Buds Kitchen's 2025 Franchise Disclosure Document. Upgrade to Pro or purchase the FDD to view and download the document.

Number of units

Taste Buds Kitchen had 12 total units in 2025, of which 10 were franchised-owned and 2 company-owned.

Frequently Asked Questions

Competitors

Below are some of

Taste Buds Kitchen

key competitors in the

Other Education

sector.

Franchise

Upgrade

New

11%

8.00%

$396,000

$517,000

$641,000

28.8%

SPEC

Over $500K

New

6.00%

$582,000

$2,023,000

$1,728,000

n.a.

Pump It Up

$100K - $200K

New

-15%

6.00%

$104,000

$659,000

$812,000

n.a.

Skill Samurai

$50K - $100K

New

n.a.

7.00%

$75,000

$308,000

n.a.

Monkey Joe's Parties & Play

Over $500K

New

-58%

5.00%

$681,000

$1,241,000

n.a.

Flour Power

$100K - $200K

New

8.00%

$190,000

$406,000

$317,000

21.2%

Code Wiz

$100K - $200K

New

133%

6.00%

$150,000

$237,000

$236,000

n.a.

Training

Taste Buds Kitchen provides a structured and comprehensive training program for its franchisees. The franchisor offers several types of training designed to prepare new franchisees and their staff and ensure operational consistency across locations. These include:

Initial Training Program: This training is conducted either at the corporate kitchen in Maryland, at the franchisee’s location, or virtually. It is mandatory for the franchisee, Operating Principal, and General Manager. Up to three attendees can participate at no cost, and the training must be completed at least 30 days prior to opening. It includes onboarding, operational methods, and use of instructional materials like the Operations Manual and marketing resources.
Refresher Courses and Supplemental Training: These are offered periodically and may be either optional or mandatory. Franchisees must cover the cost of tuition and all related personal expenses, including travel and lodging.
On-Site Assistance and Training: Upon request and based on personnel availability, the franchisor can send corporate trainers to the franchisee’s location. Franchisees are responsible for all associated costs, including a per diem fee for trainers.

Territory Protection

Taste Buds Kitchen offers limited territory protection to its franchisees. Upon signing the agreement, franchisees are assigned a designated Territory, typically defined by population size and average household income.

Within this Territory, the franchisor agrees not to open or license other traditional Taste Buds Kitchens, provided the franchisee remains in compliance with their agreement.However, the protection is not absolute. Franchisees may face competition from affiliate-owned locations and other franchisees, especially if territories overlap.

Furthermore, the franchisor retains the right to operate in the Territory through alternative channels, including online platforms, special events, and “Special Sites” such as airports or stadiums, which are not covered by the territorial protection.