Sprinkles Cupcakes Chain Closes
Sprinkles Cupcakes founder Candace Nelson confirms the bakery chain is shutting down permanently after nearly two decades of trendy treats.
The Final Frosting: Sprinkles Cupcakes Confirms Nationwide Shutdown
Los Angeles, CA — Candace Nelson stood in the doorway of the original Beverly Hills bakery, watching her crew box the last cupcakes the storied shop will ever sell. The co-founder’s voice cracked as she confirmed what industry rumors have whispered for weeks: Sprinkles Cupcakes is closing for good.
From Cupcake ATM to Empty Shelves
When Nelson and husband Charles opened their first store in 2005, cupcakes were still kids’-party fare. Sprinkles turned them into a lifestyle: pastel boxes, 24-hour “cupcake ATMs,” and lines that wrapped around city blocks. At its peak, the chain boasted nearly 30 locations from New York to Dubai, inspiring a flurry of imitators and even a reality-TV show.
“We never imagined we’d outgrow the craze,” Nelson told reporters Tuesday. “But tastes shifted, rents soared, and the math stopped working.”
What Went Wrong?
Industry analysts point to a perfect storm:
- Market saturation: Cupcake-only concepts multiplied faster than demand.
- Health trends: Low-sugar, keto, and gluten-free diets trimmed indulgence spending.
- Delivery economics: Third-party apps squeezed already-thin bakery margins.
- Pandemic hangover: Foot traffic in urban centers never fully rebounded.
Employees Left Crumbs
More than 400 workers learned of the shutdown via a midnight email. “We’re getting two weeks’ severance and a box of cupcakes,” said Mia Alvarez, a shift supervisor at the Chicago Magnificent Mile location. “Feels like a breakup text with sprinkles on top.”
A Bittersweet Goodbye
By noon Wednesday, the Beverly Hills flagship’s windows were papered over. Devotees left Sharpie-scrawled notes: “Thanks for the sugar highs,” “Red velvet forever,” and simply “RIP.” A lone bride-to-be sobbed outside; she’d booked the shop for her wedding favors next month.
What’s Next?
Nelson says she’ll focus on her media ventures and a forthcoming cookbook, but the brand itself has no buyer. “We explored franchising, licensing, even frozen lines,” she said. “At the end of the day, Sprinkles was built for in-store magic—without that, it’s just cake.”
Corporate offices will wind down over the next 30 days, after which the trademark will lapse. Any cupcakes still on shelves Friday will be given away free—first come, first served—before the lights go out for good.