BREAKING: After an impressive 20-year run, Sprinkles Cupcakes is shutting down all of its locations by December 31, 2023. This shocking news was confirmed by founder Candace Nelson in a heartfelt Instagram announcement that has left fans and employees reeling.
The closure will affect all 21 locations across the United States, including popular spots in the Bay Area—notably Palo Alto and San Ramon. A new location in Burlingame, which was announced just two weeks ago, will also be impacted, with no opening date now in sight.
Nelson expressed her gratitude to the loyal customers and employees who have supported Sprinkles throughout the years. “I’m deeply grateful to the fans, customers, and community who showed up, celebrated with us, and made Sprinkles part of their traditions,” she stated. Her emotional farewell highlights the immense impact the bakery has had on the gourmet cupcake trend since its inception in 2005.
The brand, known for its innovative cupcake-dispensing ATMs, was once considered the “world’s first cupcake bakery” and played a pivotal role in the haute cupcake craze of the late 2000s and early 2010s. After selling the company to private equity firm KarpReilly in 2012, Nelson no longer holds any operational involvement. KarpReilly acquired Sprinkles in early 2013, aiming to expand its reach.
In light of this abrupt closure, many former employees have taken to social media to share their experiences, revealing that some received layoff notices just one day prior to the announcement. The sudden shutdown has sparked a wave of emotional responses from loyal customers reminiscing about their favorite cupcake moments.
As the clock ticks down to the final days, fans are encouraged to visit their local Sprinkles to enjoy one last treat. The closure marks the end of an era for a brand that helped define a unique culinary niche.
What’s Next: As Sprinkles Cupcakes prepares to close its doors, industry watchers will be keenly observing any potential implications for the gourmet bakery market. Will other cupcake brands feel the impact? Stay tuned for updates as this story develops.
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