Archive · 3 Jan 2026
Sprinkles Cupcakes Closes After 20 Years
Sprinkles Cupcakes, a company known for its cupcake vending machines, has closed after 20 years.
The company was started by Candace Nelson in 2005 in her kitchen and grew to have locations across the United States.
Fans were sad to hear the news and shared their memories on social media.
The company's cupcake machines were famous for playing a catchy jingle.
Nelson sold the company to a private equity firm in 2012, but the firm did not say why the company closed.
Private equity firms have been investing a lot of money in restaurants recently.
Sprinkles Cupcakes, known for its cupcake vending machines, has closed after 20 years of operation.
Founder Candace Nelson started the company in 2005 in her kitchen and sold it to KarpReilly LLC in 2012.
The company's closure was announced on December 30, with no reason provided by either Nelson or the private equity firm.
Fans took to social media to mourn the closure, sharing memories of the company's unique cupcake vending machines.
Private equity firms have invested heavily in restaurants, with $94.5 billion invested between 2014 and 2024.
- Who
- Sprinkles Cupcakes, founded by Candace Nelson
- What
- Closure of the company after 20 years
- When
- Closure announced on December 30
- Where
- United States, with locations in malls and airports
- Why
- Reason for closure not provided
- Founder
- Candace Nelson
- Founded
- 2005
- Sold to
- KarpReilly LLC (2012)
- Closure Announced
- December 30
- Famous For
- Cupcake vending machines
- Private Equity Investment in Restaurants
- $94.5 billion (2014-2024)