The children’s chess enrichment brand has partnered with Franchise FastLane to accelerate franchise growth, building on new territories in the United States and existing international markets.
- StoryTime Chess founded by Harlan Alford and Jon Sieber to teach chess with creativity.
- Expands globally with Franchise FastLane partnership; new franchises in U.S., Dubai, and London.
- CEO Paul Levy leads the push into new global markets with innovative storytelling approach.
StoryTime Chess is expanding its franchise footprint through a partnership with Franchise FastLane, bringing its storytelling-based chess curriculum to more communities in the United States and abroad. Founded by Harlan Alford and Jon Sieber, the children’s enrichment brand uses imaginative characters and narratives to introduce young learners to chess concepts. The approach aims to make a traditionally complex game more accessible while encouraging children to develop strategic thinking and problem-solving skills.
The concept grew from the founders’ backgrounds in theater and creative storytelling. Rather than relying solely on conventional chess instruction, StoryTime Chess turns pieces and rules into characters and storylines that help children understand how the game works. The curriculum is designed for young learners, including preschool-age children, and gives franchisees a distinctive educational concept to bring to families, schools, and other learning communities.
Chief Executive Paul Levy is leading the company’s expansion as it develops new territories. The brand has established an international presence in markets including Singapore, Hong Kong, and Dubai, while pursuing additional growth opportunities. Its partnership with Franchise FastLane is intended to support franchise development through services that include franchise sales, territory planning, marketing, and operational guidance. Franchise FastLane Chief Executive Heather Harris has highlighted the brand’s ability to make chess engaging for children and families.
As the franchise network grows, maintaining a consistent educational experience across locations will be important. Franchisees need access to curriculum materials, training information, and operational guidance that help them deliver the concept while responding to local needs. The Resource Library feature available through Gorilla Dash can help franchise teams organize and share educational and operational materials across their network. This is a potential application for franchise operators generally, not an indication that StoryTime Chess uses the platform.
The partnership reflects a broader opportunity for education-focused franchises that combine a recognizable teaching method with a model that can be introduced in different markets. StoryTime Chess’s challenge will be to preserve the creativity and accessibility of its curriculum as it expands, while giving franchisees the support needed to deliver lessons consistently. Its international ambitions will depend not only on attracting new operators but also on ensuring that the experience that distinguishes the brand remains central to each new location.
Key Facts:
| Founders | Harlan Alford and Jon Sieber created StoryTime Chess to teach kids through storytelling. |
|---|---|
| Global Presence | StoryTime Chess has expanded to locations in the U.S., Dubai, Singapore, and soon London. |
| Partnership with Franchise FastLane | This partnership aids global expansion, providing comprehensive support for franchisors. |
| Unique Curriculum | Uses stories and characters instead of traditional methods, making chess accessible for children. |
| CEO Leadership | Paul Levy joined in 2024, leading growth into new global markets. |
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