The Sticky Fingers Cooking franchise business model is different in many ways, but the primary aspect that sets it apart is the business goes to the customers, kids who are staying after school to learn more. 

After-school enrichment (ASE) is sometimes called out-of-school time (OST) or simply, after-school programs. Sticky Fingers Cooking offers after-school enrichment cooking classes during the school year and in summer camps. 

During after-school enrichment, kids can focus on a single hobby or passion, such as cooking. “Afterschool activities provide valuable opportunities for children to explore their interests, develop skills and foster social connections outside of the traditional school setting,” state the National Conference on State Legislatures. 

The Afterschool Alliance notes that “afterschool programs are a necessity” and that they are “helping kids to learn, grow and thrive.”

In a May 2025 brief, the Afterschool Alliance stated that, “...afterschool programs help students build foundational skills, offer a lifeline for families, and provide a strong return on investment…participation in afterschool programs has both short- and long-term benefits, leading to young people becoming stronger learners, earners, and leaders.”

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How Do You Franchise After-School Enrichment? 

When someone invests in a franchise business, there is a fee to pay the franchisor up front in order to work under the brand name. With many franchise brands, before opening a new business location to customers, there are more costs to build out or rent a space to provide services. 

With Sticky Fingers Cooking, since the classes take place where kids already are–typically in school classrooms when the traditional school day ends or public libraries or recreation centers–there is no high cost to rent or build a business location in order to start serving customers. 

While there are some start-up costs, the ability to serve families in a space at no additional cost to the franchise business owner, means they are set-up for success much sooner than some other franchise businesses. 

When someone contacts our franchise development team with interest in opening a franchise location, we make sure that their area will have enough schools (both public and private) that might benefit from after-school enrichment cooking classes. 

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Making a Difference After School

Teaching children to cook involves learning about reading, math, art, science, and even technology. Each class is hands-on and active so kids can move around the room, doing both individual and team tasks as they put together a recipe. 

We hear from kids–and their parents–about trying new-to-them foods, eating something they thought they didn’t like, how they’ve made a new friend in class, and more! Kids can express their curiosity and build confidence in the kitchen setting as they create a yummy snack or delicious dish to eat at the end of the lesson. In other words, there is a lot of learning in an after-school enrichment cooking class! 

You’re invited to get to know our franchise owners and to reach out with interest in starting your own after-school enrichment education franchise business.