The Real Food Academy is located at the intersection of culinary arts and functional medicine.
Arthur and Maria Cummins, the husband-and-wife team, founded The Real Food Academy in 2008; Chef Maria, with her extensive culinary experience, and Arthur, a strategic thinker from the corporate world. They have very different backgrounds, but they share a profound commitment to nutrition and wellness that unites them. They established a community-centric hub for culinary education, emphasizing the power of unprocessed, real food ingredients. Maria’s culinary finesse and Arthur’s strategic prowess form the cornerstone of their mission to educate, inspire, and transform eating habits, nurturing a healthier community through the joy of cooking.
The Real Food Academy is a community-focused culinary center dedicated to improving health and culinary skills through education and hands-on experiences. Guided by the principles of functional medicine, the Academy teaches smarter, health-conscious food choices regardless of dietary preferences. Whether catering to meat lovers or devoted vegans, we offer personalized guidance to help individuals make the most beneficial decisions for their health.
The heart of our mission is to educate people of all ages—from young children to adults—on the merits of real, unprocessed foods through a variety of engaging programs. These include cooking classes, after-school programs, culinary camps for kids, and parties and team-building events for adults. Each program is designed not only to impart essential cooking skills but also to deepen understanding of nutritional values, fostering a lasting appreciation for real food.
Franchised Units: 0
Company Owned Units: 1
States Registered In: Alabama - AL, Arizona - AZ, Arkansas - AR, Colorado - CO, Delaware - DE, Idaho - ID, Iowa - IA, Kansas - KS, Massachusetts - MA, Mississippi - MS, Missouri - MO, Montana - MT, Nevada - NV, New Hampshire - NH, New Jersey - NJ, New Mexico - NM, Ohio - OH, Oklahoma - OK, Oregon - OR, Pennsylvania - PA, Tennessee - TN, Vermont - VT, West Virginia - WV, Wyoming - WY
Canada Franchises: No
International Franchises: No
Minimum Net Worth: $400,000
Single Unit Franchise Fee: $49,500
Franchise Fee for each addtion unit: 2 Units: $91,500, 3 Units: $129,500, 4 Units: $165,500, 5 Units: $199,500, 6 Units: $231,500, 7 Units: $261,500, 8 Units: $291,500, 9 Units: $321,500, 10 Units: $351,500
Royalty: 8%
Ad: 1-2%
Average Number of Employees at Start/at Maturity: Minimum of 3-8 FTE
Item 19: Yes
Visa Candidates: No
Passive Ownership: No
Semi-Passive Ownership: Yes
Specify: There is potential for a semi-absentee model upon the development of an open location.
Work “on” the business not “in” the business
Manage the Manager
Measure and Track KPIs
Home-Based: No
B2B: No
Master Franchise Opportunities: No
Veteran Discount: Yes($5,000 off initial territory franchise fee)
Specify: Franchisor will provide recommendations and assistance in site seleciton
Lease Negotiation Assistance: Yes
Specify: Franchisor will provide recommendations on lease negotiation
Recruiting Assistance: Yes
Specify: Franchisor will provide recommendations for recruiting
Cooperative Advertising: No
Training:
Franchisees will receive 55+ hours of initial training through The Real Food Academy's training program, varying from in-person and virtual training avenues.
Introduction to The Real Food Academy - Online and Remote
Understanding The Real Food Academy and its services - Online and Remote
Job Description and Roles - Online and Remote
Our Philosophy - Online and Remote
Advertising - Miami, Florida
Scripts - Online, Remote, and at Miami location
Recipes- Online, Remote, and at Miami location
Conducting Classes, Camps, Parties- Online, Remote, and at Miami location
Customer Service - Online and Remote
Phone Skills - Online and Remote
Website/Calendar Management - Online and Remote
Marketing and Sales - Online and Remote
Passionate Food Enthusiasts: Individuals who are not only passionate about cooking but also eager to explore and teach others about the benefits of healthy, mindful eating.
Health and Wellness Professionals: Dietitians, nutritionists, fitness trainers, or wellness coaches who understand the health benefits of whole foods.
Educators and Teachers: Those with experience in teaching or education, who can effectively communicate and engage with students of all ages and are passionate about spreading knowledge.
Experienced Entrepreneurs: Business-minded individuals with a track record of successfully starting, managing, and growing a business, who are looking for new opportunities.
Community Leaders: People who are actively involved in their local communities, perhaps through civic organizations or local business groups, and who have a strong network and a good reputation.
Corporate Escapees: Professionals seeking to transition from corporate roles into entrepreneurship, especially those who want to pursue a passion for food and health.
Culinary Professionals: Chefs, cooks, and other culinary experts who want to shift from traditional restaurant roles into a business that combines cooking with education, community engagement and nutritional impact.
Social Entrepreneurs: Individuals who are driven to make a positive impact in the world, particularly through initiatives that promote health, education, and sustainable living.
Lifestyle Bloggers and Influencers: Those with a strong online presence in areas related to food, health, and lifestyle, looking to convert their digital influence into a tangible business.
Family-Focused Entrepreneurs: Entrepreneurs looking for a business that is not only profitable but also family-friendly, allowing them to involve their families in their work.