The Leading Children's Story-Based Chess Learning System and Educational Franchise Opportunity
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Check Out Our Numbers!
$501K
Gross Sales*
46.67%
Gross Profit Less Disclosed Expenses and Franchise Related Expenses*
$166
Average Gross Sales Per Lesson*
A Storytelling and Chess Based Youth Enrichment Franchise
Story Time Chess is a youth enrichment brand that teaches children ages 3–8 how to play chess through engaging, story-driven instruction. Instead of relying on traditional, rules-heavy teaching methods, Story Time Chess transforms chess into an imaginative learning experience where children develop skills through memorable characters, interactive lessons, and age-appropriate storytelling. Classes are delivered directly within preschools, daycares, elementary schools, libraries, and community centers, creating a convenient, high-value program for both parents and partner organizations. The business operates on a scalable one-to-many model, allowing a single instructor to teach multiple students at once while maintaining strong unit economics and operational efficiency.
Why Should I Franchise with Story Time Chess?
Is There a First-Mover Advantage?
Story Time Chess teaches strategic thinking to ages 3–8 through play. The brand is positioning that age band and format as open territory in kids’ education.
How Do Franchisees Get Recurring Revenue?
Franchisees generate revenue through school-based programs, after-school classes, camps, and community partnerships, making Story Time Chess a compelling after school franchise opportunity.
Is the Model Scalable and Designed for Efficiency
100% mobile, low investment, and minimal employees needed to start
What Is in the Curriculum?
Delivers meaningful developmental benefits, including critical thinking, patience, confidence, and social- emotional growth
Steps to Franchise Ownership
We invite you to officially start our 7-step mutual evaluation process where you will learn more about this opportunity, and we will learn more about you!
Step 1
Introductory Call
Brand history and what makes us unique.
Step 2
Introduction to the FDD
Walkthrough of the key items in the FDD & exploration of funding options
Step 3
FDD Review + Q&A
FDD signed, item review, questions answered.
Step 4
Territory Mapping & Confirmation Day Agenda
Territory analysis, C-day invitation, C-day preparation.
Step 5
Confirmation Day
Meet the franchisor’s leadership team, brand approvals, and decision day call.
Step 6
Franchise Agreement Delivery
Personalized franchise agreements delivered and signed, fees transferred.
Step 7
Welcome Call
Celebrate and discuss first steps as a franchisee.
Story Time Chess at a Glance
- Category
- Children's enrichment - chess, games, recreation, and movement instruction for kids ages 3-8, delivered at schools/community venues and in-home
- Footprint
- A brand-new franchise program: began offering franchises in May 2025, with its first 2 franchised outlets opening in Florida in 2025. 8 more franchised outlets are already projected for the next fiscal year across Connecticut, Florida, New York, and Maryland
- History
- The underlying Story Time Chess business has run since 2011 (through a Hong Kong affiliate) and expanded into company-owned New York and Los Angeles locations; parent company Thinking Cup, Inc. was formed in 2024, and the franchise program is led by CEO Paul Levy alongside co-founders Jon Sieber and Harlan J. Alford
- Business model
- A home-based enrichment business - no storefront required - teaching chess and related programs to children ages 3-8 at schools, recreation/youth/community centers ('Community Partners'), and directly in customers' homes
- Initial investment
- $65,579-$87,227 total, among the most accessible investments in this portfolio, including a $49,500 Initial Franchise Fee (a real 5% discount is available for honorably discharged veterans on your first outlet)
- Ongoing fees
- The greater of 7% of Gross Revenue or an escalating Minimum Monthly Royalty ($350/month in Year 1, rising to $872.32/month by Year 5+), plus a 2% Brand Fund contribution (can rise to 3%)
- Agreement term
- 10 years, with the option to renew for 1 additional 5-year term (15 years total)
- Brand site
- storytimechess.com
- FDD on file
- Story Time Chess Franchising LLC FDD (issued May 26, 2026, reviewed in full for this brand)
Frequently Asked Questions
What does it actually cost, line by line?
A Story Time Chess franchise runs $65,579 to $87,227 total, one of the most accessible investments in the portfolio, covering the $49,500 franchise fee, your Starter Kit, equipment, training expenses, opening advertising, and working capital, with no site, lease, or buildout needed.
Source: FDD Item 7What happens after I inquire?
You get 40 hours of training delivered remotely and in Nashville, Tennessee, and you can be open in just 1 to 2 months, one of the fastest paths to launch in this portfolio.
Source: FDD Item 11Is my market available?
Story Time Chess is scaling fast, with 8 more franchised outlets already projected for next year across Connecticut, Florida, New York, and Maryland, and your Territory covers a population of 200,000 to 400,000, so let's see what's available in your target market.
Source: FDD Item 12Do I qualify?
Yes, you just personally run day-to-day operations and complete the Initial Training Program, no chess or education background required.
Source: FDD Item 15What ongoing fees do I pay (royalty % and marketing/brand fund %)?
The greater of 7% of Gross Revenue or a Minimum Monthly Royalty starting at just $350/month in year one, plus a 2% Brand Fund contribution and a $200/month Internal Systems Fee covering your website and enrollment technology.
Source: FDD Item 6Do I need prior industry experience?
No, Story Time Chess's training program brings you fully up to speed, led by a team including co-founder Jon Sieber and VP of Curriculum & Training Jessica Finney, who built the brand's programs from the ground up.
Source: FDD Item 2What training and ongoing support is provided?
40 hours of free training covering brand culture, team management, community outreach, operations, and financials, plus a 110-page Operations Manual, promotional materials, and individualized support by phone, video, or email.
Source: FDD Item 11Is this Executive Model Ownership friendly?
You or an approved manager personally run day-to-day operations, and you're welcome to bring on a non-owner manager with prior approval to help lead the business.
Source: FDD Item 15How long is the franchise agreement term, and can it be renewed?
A 10-year term with one additional 5-year renewal option gives you up to 15 years to build lasting equity in your territory.
Source: FDD Item 17Are financing options available?
With an investment of just $65,579 to $87,227 and no buildout required, Story Time Chess is one of the most approachable franchises in the portfolio to self-fund or finance through a third-party lender.
Source: FDD Item 10Do I need employees, or can I run this solo?
You can run this largely on your own or build a small team of instructors as you grow, giving you real flexibility with low overhead.
Source: FDD Item 15Can I own multiple territories or units?
Yes, and Story Time Chess rewards scaling up, dropping to as low as $30,000 per territory once you commit to 5 or more, so a 3-territory commitment runs $120,000 total instead of $148,500 at single-territory pricing.
Source: FDD Item 5What's the realistic revenue/profit potential (Item 19 highlights)?
Story Time Chess's company-owned Los Angeles location generated $501,298 in Gross Sales in 2025 at a 56.67% profit margin before franchise fees, with its New York locations adding a combined $688,265, real proof this model performs.
Is there a discount for veterans, educators, or first responders?
Yes, honorably discharged veterans get a genuine 5% discount off the Initial Franchise Fee on their first outlet.
Source: FDD Item 5What's the exit strategy - can I sell the franchise later?
When you're ready, Story Time Chess ensures a smooth, structured sale process through its right of first refusal that protects the value you've built.
Source: FDD Item 17Do I need a physical location, or is this home-based/mobile?
No, this is a genuinely home-based business, you deliver programs at schools, recreation centers, and directly in customers' homes, keeping your overhead low.
Source: FDD Item 11Make Your Move Into Youth Enrichment!
©2026 Story Time Chess. All Rights Reserved.
FRANCHISE FASTLANE, LLC (“FastLane”) is an independent contractor retained by Story Time Chess to provide franchise sales, marketing, and development services. This document and the
information contained herein does not constitute an offer to sell a franchise nor is it a franchise disclosure document. The offer of a franchise can only be made through the delivery of a franchise
disclosure document in compliance with applicable law. The information contained herein was provided by Story Time Chess. FastLane has not verified and is not responsible for this information.
*One company owned (out of 5) outlet located in Los Angeles, CA which is representative of two territories reported earning $501,298 in Gross Sales, $233,961 in Gross Profit Less Disclosed Expenses
and Franchise Related Expenses, which is 46.67% as a percentage of Gross Sales, and an Average Gross Sales Per Lesson of $166.27 for the calendar year of 2025. There is no assurance, however,
that you will do as well. Additional information concerning financial performance can be found in Item 19 of the Franchisor’s FDD
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