Young ChefsĀ® Academy, a premier children's cooking school franchise company ("YCA" or "the Company"), today announced significant restructuring measures during the most prolific periods of innovation since its inception.

These key organizational changes were implemented to optimally position the Company for growth opportunities in an evolving franchise industry.

The Company is pleased to announce the appointment of Roger Schmidt, who was the former Senior Vice President and Chief General Counsel of Curves International, to the position of President.

Also, Kevin Ayers, who was the past Vice President and General Counsel of Curves International, has been named Vice President and General Counsel.

Mr. Schmidt and Mr. Ayers came on board at Young Chefs Academy as equity partners several months ago helping to complete a class A corporate team.

Mr. Schmidt's role will be to drive efforts directed at overseeing franchise business expansion, employee additions, corporate administration and global services.

Mr. Ayers will assume responsibility for overseeing legal and compliance requirements along with assisting in domestic and international business expansion.

Schmidt said, "I have had the privilege of representing, owning and working with many franchise businesses and I can truly say I am delighted at the opportunity to work with such an attractive concept.

Our founder's [Julie Burleson] strong commitment in the values that will make Young Chefs Academy a household name is the key ingredient, and I look forward to making this the number one children's service franchise."

"We are excited about our plans to expand our franchise business system and continue to provide the support we believe our franchisees deserve," said Ayers. "We look forward to enhancing the Young Chefs Academy brand worldwide and increasing the value of each franchise."

Founder, Julie Fabing Burleson has assumed the role of Chief Executive Officer and will continue to lead Young Chefs Academy creating the company culture and mission that is necessary to meet business objectives while supporting the Company's growth and vision.

"As the leader of Young Chefs Academy, I have an obligation to the System, the franchisees and the customers we serve to make YCA a household brand," said Burleson.

"While these moves were bold, they were absolutely necessary to position us in the best possible place for future growth.

Our strong base of franchisees recognize what this means to their business as well as the increased value to their franchises."

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