Close The Deal Podcast with Jessi Brelsford

Founder - Taste Buds Kitchen

In this special edition of "Your First Franchise," host Ewell interviews Jessi Brelsford, founder of Taste Buds Kitchen, a culinary entertainment business. Jessi, originally from Kent Island, Maryland, shares her journey from working at Bear Stearns in New York City to establishing a unique food-centric business. She emphasizes the charm of her hometown, Kent Island, known for its slower pace and seafood cuisine.

Jessi's love for cooking and working with kids, influenced by her family's culinary passion, inspired her to start teaching baking classes as a hobby while working full-time in finance. Initially, she rented space in restaurants during the recession to conduct her classes. With growing demand, Jessi decided to pursue this venture full-time in 2018, opening the first Taste Buds Kitchen in New York City in 2010. Today, Taste Buds Kitchen offers cooking classes and events for both children and adults, providing a fun, non-competitive environment to learn and enjoy cooking.

The business model focuses on creating a welcoming, beautifully designed kitchen space for various cooking events, from kids' birthday parties to corporate team-building sessions. The investment range for opening a franchise is between $382,000 to $531,000, covering everything from construction to equipment. Taste Buds Kitchen supports franchisees with comprehensive training in operations, marketing, and real estate, ensuring a smooth start and ongoing success.

Jessi discusses the importance of her family and team in her entrepreneurial journey, crediting their support for the business's growth. She also highlights the significant role of marketing, both locally and nationally, in driving customer engagement and revenue. The average sales for a franchise in 2023 were $741,000, with a net operating income of 31%, demonstrating the business's profitability.



The ideal franchisee for Taste Buds Kitchen is someone passionate about kids, families, and food, engaged in their community, and eager to run a business. While no professional culinary experience is required, a love for cooking and a commitment to the business are essential. Many franchisees are husband-wife teams or individuals seeking a more family-oriented career.

Jessi's vision for Taste Buds Kitchen includes expanding to 200 locations nationwide within the next four to five years, focusing on awarding franchises to individuals who aspire to own multiple locations. This strategic growth plan aims to build a strong, community-focused brand across the country.