For Sarah Moritz, the veteran-based programs that Flour Power Cooking Studios integrated into its franchise development system were a reason for her joining as president.
“Generations of my family have proudly served our country. My brother is a decorated war hero and served five tours in Iraq before retiring on full disability,” Moritz said. “I remember watching him go through multiple surgeries and his struggles transitioning to civilian life. Stories like his make me want to help veterans returning home lead gratifying lives.”
The 16-studio franchise operator purposefully established a 50% franchise discount for veterans to help ease the transition to civilian life. By leveraging their passion for cooking with the skills gained during their military service, the brand recognizes veterans’ potential to excel as entrepreneurs. “You’re not just teaching cooking skills, you’re also teaching respect for authority, how to follow rules, how to stay safe and work in a team,” added Moritz.
By offering approachable recipes and an inclusive atmosphere, Flour Power Cooking Studios is working to redefine what it means to prepare, cook and eat a meal together. The franchisor says all of its locations are owned and operated by someone living in the communities it serves. At the core of its franchise development mission is helping to pave the way for veterans to become entrepreneurs. And the strategy has proven itself successful for the brand as two of its strongest franchisees come from military backgrounds: Amy Knight and Fernando Rosario. With a shared passion for food and working with children, Knight and Rosario each bring a unique background to the table.
Rosario and his wife, Kimberly, own two Flour Power Cooking Studios in Georgia, including the brand’s top-grossing location. Prior to purchasing their first studio, Rosario was an officer in the U.S. Navy, flying fixed-wing and rotary-wing aircraft for 11 years. Rosario also made two deployments to the Middle East. The couple first explored the idea of small business ownership during the 2020 COVID-19 lockdown and soon realized starting a restaurant was not a suitable option given the current circumstances. Fernando and Kimberly began to research franchise opportunities related to cooking as well as their shared love of working with children and decided Flour Power Cooking Studios was the perfect fit. They are not only the first Flour Power Cooking Studio in Atlanta but also in the state of Georgia.
Meanwhile, Knight opened the Pittsburgh studio in July 2022 after a distinguished 20-year career as an officer in the Navy. Her transition from serving her country to serving her community is a testament to her unwavering determination and desire to create a meaningful difference. Knight always knew she wanted to be a small business owner. Fueled by her passion for food and love for children, she found her calling with Flour Power Cooking Studios. Knight says she knew it was the perfect fit for her because there was nothing quite like it that existed in her Pittsburgh community and it offered an incredible experience she could share with her children.
“For me, the most rewarding aspect is interacting with kids and witnessing their enthusiasm for their creations,” Knight said. “Seeing a child eagerly share their experience and what they’ve made with their parent as they leave the studio is incredibly heartwarming. Those are the moments that truly stand out to me.”
Although Rosario and Knight were initially attracted to the brand for different reasons, it was their shared passion for working with children that solidified their decision.
“Flour Power acts as a gateway for veterans to integrate into a new community; giving a 50% franchise discount feels like the least we can do for those who’ve defended our nation, helping them regain their footing in the civilian world,” Moritz said. “Owning a studio also offers the unique privilege of working with the next generation, the very same children they once served to protect.”
Flour Power Cooking Studios offers culinary experiences in its signature casual kitchens for ages 2.5 to 99 including cooking classes, birthday parties, corporate events and adult sip and stirs. Chefs of all ages who enter the studio not only learn that what’s on their plate matters but also intrinsic life skills to implement daily.
Flour Power has 16 current franchise unit locations spanning eight states, including Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina and Texas, with franchise opportunities available now. For more information about Flour Power, or how to become a franchisee, please visit flourpowerstudios.com, like us on Facebook and follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn.