Story Time Chess
Story Time Chess logo

Story Time Chess

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. The brand was created to address a significant gap in the market. While chess is widely recognized for strengthening critical thinking, problem-solving, focus, and social-emotional development, most programs struggle to effectively engage children under six or seven years old. Story Time Chess solves this challenge by combining storytelling with a structured curriculum specifically designed for early learners, making chess accessible, entertaining, and developmentally appropriate. The model emphasizes energetic instructors and skilled storytellers rather than requiring advanced chess expertise, ensuring every class is engaging, memorable, and impactful. After demonstrating success across company-owned locations, the company is now expanding through franchising to meet growing nationwide demand from schools and families seeking high-quality enrichment programming. Customers choose Story Time Chess because it delivers meaningful educational outcomes in a format children genuinely enjoy. Schools and childcare centers value the turnkey nature of the program, which requires minimal effort from staff while enhancing both curriculum offerings and parent satisfaction. Franchisees benefit from a highly scalable, low-overhead business model that can generate revenue quickly through multiple income streams, including on-site classes, camps, after-school programs, and community partnerships. Unlike businesses that require years of specialized training or expensive startup costs, Story Time Chess can be launched efficiently with comprehensive support in curriculum, operations, training, and marketing. With strong brand differentiation, recurring revenue opportunities, and growing national demand, Story Time Chess is positioned to become a category-defining leader in early childhood enrichment.
$65,579 - $87,227

Investment range

$ 501,298

Gross Sales

$ 233,961

Gross Profit Less Disclosed Expenses and Franchise Related Expenses

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First-to-Market Serving Large, Underserved Youth Enrichment
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Recurring Revenue Model
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Low Overhead Business with Fast Ramp-to-Revenue Potential
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Screen-Free and AI-Resilient Curriculum
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Scalable One-to-Many Class Model
Story Time Chess
7 %

Royalty

2 %

Brand fund

$ 150,000

Financial requirements

GET TO KNOW THE BRAND

Business basics & stats

Key Stats

Story Time Chess

Founder

Jon Sieber & Harlan Alford

Home Office Location

Nashville, TN

Company Founded

2011

Began Franchising

2025

Industry

Youth Enrichment / Chess

Industry Size

$20B

Veteran Discount

5% Off Initial Franchise Fee

Group Health Insurance

No

Company Units Open

5

Franchise Units Awarded All Time

4

Franchise Units Awarded Last 12 Months

4

Franchise Units Open

2

Number of franchisees

4

Ideal candidate profile

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Strong Sales Ability
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Relationship Builder
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Passion to Help People
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Values Outstanding Customer Service
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Business Acumen
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Outgoing
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