First Gourmet Academy
First Gourmet Academy is a privately-held, dual-WACS/ACF-accredited culinary school in Metro Manila offering intensive 7-to-12-month professional chef diploma programs to aspiring chefs, career changers, international students, and SHS graduates across two campuses.
- Company typePrivate
- Founded2008
- HeadquartersQuezon City, Philippines
- Headcount11–50
- GTM typeB2C
- OfferingServices
What First Gourmet Academy does
First Gourmet Academy (FGA) is a privately-held culinary education institution founded in 2008 by Swedish Chef Mats Loo in Quezon City, Philippines. It operates two Metro Manila campuses — the flagship at Capitol Greenstreet, Quezon City, and a second location at Shangri-La Plaza, Ortigas Center, Mandaluyong City — and serves aspiring professional chefs, career changers, international students, and Senior High School graduates. The school delivers intensive hands-on culinary programs with an 80% practical / 20% lecture methodology, capped class sizes of 20 students with a 3:20 instructor ratio, and instruction from chefs trained at Michelin-starred restaurants and international cruise lines.
The core product portfolio consists of three diploma programs (Professional Culinary Arts; International Professional Culinary Arts; International Professional Culinary Arts with Baking and Pastry), supplemented by short courses and a sit-in class experience. Programs can be completed in as little as seven months and culminate in internationally recognized credentials through dual accreditation from the World Association of Chefs Societies (WACS) and the American Culinary Federation (ACF) — a credential combination unique among Philippines culinary schools. FGA also holds TESDA Ships' Catering NC III certification, enabling maritime career pathways, and operates two wholly-owned restaurant subsidiaries, Fika and Kos Greek Ouzeri, that function as student-managed training venues and ancillary F&B revenue lines.
FGA's business model is direct-to-consumer tuition-based, charging an all-inclusive Php 450/hour with enrollment capped at 20 students per batch across 8 batches per year (roughly 160 seats annually), plus a UnionBank PayEasy 0% installment financing option, early-bird discounts, and SHS graduate tuition discounts. Marketing runs primarily through owned social channels (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, YouTube) plus alumni word-of-mouth, with partner-led international student recruitment via ASMI and ZIP Travel International. No external funding, M&A, or institutional investment has been disclosed; the company has remained founder-led and bootstrapped since inception.
First Gourmet Academy firmographics
Firmographics- Name
- First Gourmet Academy
- Legal name
- First Gourmet Academy
- Website
- https://firstgourmetacademy.com
- Company type
- Private
- Founded year
- 2008
- Operating status
- Operating
- Headcount range
- 11–50 employees
- Short description
- First Gourmet Academy is a privately-held, dual-WACS/ACF-accredited culinary school in Metro Manila offering intensive 7-to-12-month professional chef diploma programs to aspiring chefs, career changers, international students, and SHS graduates across two campuses.
- Ownership category
- akta.pro rank
First Gourmet Academy industry classification
Industry- Product category
- Culinary Education
- NAICS
- Technical and Trade Schools (61151), Other Technical and Trade Schools (611519)
- SIC
- Services-Educational Services (8200)
- akta.pro primary industry
- Professional Culinary Arts (Chef Training) (EDAOAKAA)
- akta.pro secondary industry
- Nutrition, Special Diets & Wellness Cooking (EDAOAKAJ)
Keywords
Where First Gourmet Academy is headquartered
LocationHeadquarters
- HQ city
- Quezon City
- HQ country
- Philippines
- HQ region
- Asia
Offices2 records
Markets served
First Gourmet Academy business model
Business model- GTM type
- B2C
- Offering type
- Services
- Cost components
- Personnel, Operations, Marketing or Sales, Infrastructure, Others
Revenue model
- Diploma Programs Tuition: Professional Culinary Arts diploma courses with all-inclusive tuition covering classes, uniforms, knife kit, cooking tools, ingredients and materials. Programs include Professional Culinary Arts, International Professional Culinary Arts, and International Professional Culinary Arts with Baking and Pastry.
- Short Courses: Short course offerings including Fundamentals in Culinary, Baking and Pastry courses for flexible learning options
- Sit-in Classes: Opportunity for prospective students to experience classes before enrolling through scheduled sit-in sessions
- Financing Programs: Partnership with UnionBank for PayEasy 0% Installment Plan to make education more accessible
Pricing tiers
| Model | Billing | Price |
|---|---|---|
| Unit Pricing | Multi-year contract | All-inclusive Diploma Program |
| Other | One time | Early Bird Discount |
| Other | One time | Senior High School Graduate Discount |
| Hybrid | Monthly | UnionBank PayEasy 0% Installment Plan |
Go-to-market motion1 record
Distribution channels5 records
Marketing channels6 records
First Gourmet Academy product offering
Product offeringCore offering
First Gourmet Academy is a culinary school that sells intensive diploma programs (Professional Culinary Arts, International Professional Culinary Arts, International Professional Culinary Arts with Baking and Pastry) and short courses, delivered through hands-on training in a cruise-ship-standard professional kitchen. Programs are taught by Michelin-trained, internationally-certified chef-instructors, are accredited by WACS and ACF, and include a 600-hour externship. The academy also operates student-managed restaurants (Fika and Kos Greek Ouzeri) that double as practical training venues.
Product overview
First Gourmet Academy offers culinary education programs primarily in Manila, Philippines. The core educational offerings include three main diploma programs: Professional Culinary Arts, International Professional Culinary Arts, and International Professional Culinary Arts with Baking and Pastry (a comprehensive one-year program). The academy also operates student-managed practical dining venues including the restaurant Fika and the Greek restaurant Kos Greek Ouzeri. Programs are designed to be completed in approximately one year with intensive hands-on training and are accredited by WACS and ACF.
Differentiator
Problem solved
Functional benefit
Products and services
- Professional Culinary Arts A one-year intensive diploma program designed to prepare students for positions in the culinary industry through comprehensive hands-on training and theoretical education; intended for aspiring professional chefs seeking entry-level culinary roles.
- International Professional Culinary Arts A focused culinary arts program designed to propel students into the international workplace, emphasizing classical cuisines and world-class excellence; intended for students targeting international culinary careers.
- International Professional Culinary Arts with Baking and Pastry A comprehensive one-year program combining culinary arts with baking and pastry skills, covering 11 modules including food safety, basic culinary skills, food science, garde manger, wellness cooking, Eastern and Western cuisines, American cuisines, baking and pastry, and a 600-hour externship; intended for students seeking combined culinary and pastry credentials.
- Fundamentals in Culinary Short Course A short course on culinary fundamentals designed for flexible learning; intended for individuals exploring culinary arts before committing to a full diploma or seeking specific upskilling.
- Fundamentals in Baking and Pastry Short Course A short course covering baking and pastry fundamentals; intended for individuals interested in pastry arts on a flexible schedule.
- Sit-in Class Experience Scheduled sit-in classes that allow prospective students to experience instruction in a real classroom before committing to enrollment; intended for prospective diploma applicants evaluating fit.
- Fika Restaurant A student-managed restaurant and café located in the Capitol Greenstreet building serving as a real-world practical training environment for students; open to the public.
- Kos Greek Ouzeri Restaurant Authentic Greek restaurant managed by First Gourmet Academy at U.P. Town Center, Katipunan; only restaurant in the Philippines serving authentic Greek yogurt and in Asia using lamb butter, also featuring unique desserts including Galaktoboureko, Loukomades, and Baklava; serves as a training venue for students.
Quantifiable outcome
- 500+ graduates working worldwide in culinary industry
- +4 more outcomes
Companies that use First Gourmet Academy
Customer profileNamed customers4 records
Segments4 records
Ideal customer profiles4 records
First Gourmet Academy technology and API
TechnologyTechnology focussed No
API detail
- Has API
- No
- API docs
- API detail
Core technology
AI maturity
App detail
Feature4 records
First Gourmet Academy partnerships and signals
Strategic signalPartnerships
Twelve partnerships are on record, tiered minor, core and support.
- Philippine Floorball AssociationminorCommunity partnership hosting nutrition education event for athletes, demonstrating FGA's commitment to culinary education beyond traditional students. Event included hands-on cooking experience and meal preparation training.
- Kos Greek Ouzeri RestaurantcoreFirst restaurant managed by First Gourmet Academy opened in 2013, serving as training ground for students. Only restaurant in Philippines serving authentic Greek yogurt and in Asia using lamb butter. Located at U.P. Town Center, Katipunan.
- TESDA (Technical Education and Skills Development Authority)coreTESDA provides official certification for First Gourmet Academy's Ships' Catering NC III program, enabling graduates to pursue careers in the maritime industry. This qualification complies with Maritime Labour Convention 2006 and ILO Guidelines on Training of Ships' Cooks.
- American Culinary Federation (ACF)coreACF provides accreditation to First Gourmet Academy, recognizing the school meets American standards for culinary education. The school is recognized by ACF Education Foundation Quality Program.
- World Association of Chef's Societies (WACS)coreWACS accreditation validates First Gourmet Academy's curriculum meets global standards in culinary arts education. First Gourmet Academy is the only culinary school in Manila and Philippines with dual accreditation from both ACF and WACS.
- Philippine British Assurance Company Inc.supportInsurance partnership providing students with Iskul No Bukol Insurance Program covering personal accidents, accidental medical reimbursement, accidental burial assistance, and cash assistance due to sickness or natural death during enrollment.
- Philippine Red CrosssupportPartnership for emergency response training where students receive First Aid Certification to prepare them for emergency situations in the kitchen environment.
- ASMI (Australian School of Marketing)supportEducational partnership for international student recruitment and cross-promotional activities between culinary and marketing education institutions.
- ZIP Travel InternationalminorPartnership hosting cook-off contests for student selection and international career opportunities in the travel and hospitality industry.
- Fika RestaurantcoreStudent-managed restaurant located in same building (Capitol Greenstreet), providing practical training environment for students to apply classroom learning in real restaurant operations.
- WorldchefssupportAffiliation with Worldchefs (World Association of Chefs Societies) for international recognition and networking opportunities for graduates.
- Bureau of Immigration PhilippinessupportGovernment partnership facilitating visa and immigration processes for international students enrolling at First Gourmet Academy.
Scale indicators8 records
Recent moves6 records
Expansion highlights6 records
First Gourmet Academy competitors and assessment
Company assessmentDirect peers
- Enderun Colleges: Philippine hospitality and culinary institution based in Metro Manila offering professional culinary and hotel management programs. Comparable in geographic market, target student persona, and core curriculum structure.
- Institute of Culinary Education (ICE): NYC-based professional culinary school offering diploma programs in culinary arts, pastry, and hospitality management. Comparable in curriculum depth, hands-on methodology, and career-focused outcomes, particularly relevant given FGA's New York-trained pastry instructor.
- Centre for Culinary Arts (CCA) Manila: Philippine-based culinary school offering diploma and short-course programs in Manila with international affiliations. Directly comparable as a domestic competitor targeting the same aspiring-chef segment with hands-on training methodology.
Broad incumbents
- Johnson & Wales University: U.S. university with degree programs in culinary arts, baking, and hospitality management. Comparable in curriculum scope and career-outcome orientation, but offers full degree pathways rather than short-cycle diplomas.
- Culinary Institute of America (CIA): The premier U.S. culinary school offering professional degree and certificate programs with ACF accreditation. Comparable in curriculum, accreditation pedigree, and career-outcome orientation, though operating at far greater scale and brand recognition.
- Le Cordon Bleu: Global network of culinary schools with established international brand and accreditation. Comparable in professional chef training methodology and international career pathways, but operates at significantly larger scale with global footprint.
Emerging players
- Rouxbe Online Culinary School: Online culinary education platform offering self-paced courses and professional certifications. Comparable as an alternative pathway for aspiring chefs, but competes on accessibility and price rather than hands-on kitchen training.
Regional players
- At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy: Singapore-based culinary academy offering professional chef and pastry programs with Asian cuisine focus. Comparable in serving the regional Asian market for culinary training, but operating in a different country with different cost base and curriculum emphasis.
Market position
Strengths4 records
Weaknesses4 records
Competitive moat3 records
Key risks5 records
Key highlights6 records
Customer concentration
First Gourmet Academy social profiles
Digital presenceFirst Gourmet Academy financial estimates
Financial estimateRevenue estimate
Valuation estimate
First Gourmet Academy leadership team
Management profileNumber of profiles
Profiles8 records
First Gourmet Academy subsidiaries and ownership
Company hierarchySubsidiaries2 records
First Gourmet Academy funding detail
Funding detailFunding overview
Funding rounds
Investors
Funding detail is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
First Gourmet Academy M&A and investment
M&A and investmentM&A
Investments
M&A and investment is available on the Subscription and Enterprise plan.Contact sales →
Frequently asked questions about First Gourmet Academy
What does First Gourmet Academy do?
First Gourmet Academy is a culinary school that sells intensive diploma programs (Professional Culinary Arts, International Professional Culinary Arts, International Professional Culinary Arts with Baking and Pastry) and short courses, delivered through hands-on training in a cruise-ship-standard professional kitchen. Programs are taught by Michelin-trained, internationally-certified chef-instructors, are accredited by WACS and ACF, and include a 600-hour externship. The academy also operates student-managed restaurants (Fika and Kos Greek Ouzeri) that double as practical training venues.
Is First Gourmet Academy a public or private company?
First Gourmet Academy is a private company. It is classified as founder individual operated bootstrapped and is currently operating.
When was First Gourmet Academy founded?
First Gourmet Academy was founded in 2008. It employs 11 to 50 people.
Where is First Gourmet Academy based?
First Gourmet Academy is headquartered in Quezon City, Philippines, in the Asia region.
How does First Gourmet Academy make money?
Four revenue lines are on record. Diploma Programs Tuition is the primary driver. The others are short Courses, sit-in Classes and financing Programs.
Who are First Gourmet Academy's main competitors?
Direct peers on record are Enderun Colleges, Institute of Culinary Education (ICE) and Centre for Culinary Arts (CCA) Manila. Broad incumbents are Johnson & Wales University, Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and Le Cordon Bleu. Rouxbe Online Culinary School is listed as an emerging player. At-Sunrice GlobalChef Academy is listed as a regional player.
Does First Gourmet Academy have an API?
No public API is recorded for First Gourmet Academy.
What industry is First Gourmet Academy in?
First Gourmet Academy's product category is Culinary Education. Its primary akta.pro industry code is EDAOAKAA, Professional Culinary Arts (Chef Training), with a secondary code of EDAOAKAJ, Nutrition, Special Diets & Wellness Cooking. Its NAICS code is 61151 and its SIC code is 8200.