The Montessori-inspired cooking school for kids is making its American debut.
Little Kitchen Academy (LKA), a Montessori-inspired cooking academy designed for kids aged three through teen has announced the opening of its inaugural U.S. site in Los Angeles, California, at Westfield Century City.
This location is set to open in summer 2021, and will be the first of many centers planned for the States following the brand’s announcement last year that it was aiming to achieve more than 400 global locations by 2025.
“Our Montessori-inspired approach empowers students to learn the practical life skills needed to succeed not just in the kitchen, but in school, and in life,” said Felicity Curin, COO and co-founder of Little Kitchen Academy.
“It has been remarkably gratifying to help foster and witness the growth and self-confidence of our students at every age level, and we are excited to share this transformational journey to independence and discovery with families in Los Angeles and beyond.”
The Los Angeles location is due to open its doors on the two-year anniversary of LKA’s first site in Vancouver, BC. The 1,505 square-foot Westfield Century City location will feature a complete hand washing center, 10 individual cooking stations, as well as items from the brand’s many partnerships.
This includes LKA chef coats by ChefWorks, a fitted pair of BIRKENSTOCK chef shoes, a ChopValue community table composed of over 33,000 recycled chopsticks, Emeco chairs made of recycled plastic bottles, a living food wall by AeroGarden, and cooking tools from Welcome Industries.
“As a Los Angeles native, chef, and mother, I’m thrilled to welcome Little Kitchen Academy to Southern California where local families and children can experience joy, love, and learning in the kitchen,” said iron chef Cat Cora, advisory board member, honorary head of recipe development, and brand ambassador of Little Kitchen Academy.
“I believe passionately in Little Kitchen Academy’s mission and have had the rewarding experience of witnessing first-hand the growth of children as they harness their natural sense of wonder and curiosity on the road to self-reliance.”
Sessions of three-hour classes run all year at LKA, contain up to 10 students per session, and are overseen by three instructors per class. The class curriculum focuses on seasonal, locally grown, and organic produce and ingredients.
Following this Los Angeles launch, LKA is planning further expansion into Canada, as well as international growth throughout Australia, India, the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, MENA region, Singapore, Spain, and the U.K.
