As we say hello to the new year, it appears that we are also saying goodbye to a beloved sweet treat chain. Sprinkles Cupcakes is suddenly shuttering all its locations across America. Its founder, Candace Nelson, described her feelings about the chain's demise in a video she posted on Instagram. She did not specify why the chain is closing down. Nelson sold Sprinkles Cupcakes 14 years ago and said she no longer had any involvement with it.
Videos by Wide Open Country
The Chain's Founder, Candace Nelson, Is Sad About Its End
She posted a message that stated in part, "Today [December 31, 2025] is Sprinkles' final day. As many of you know, I started Sprinkles in 2005 with a KitchenAid mixer and a big idea. Over the years, we expanded across the country and launched the Cupcake ATM. I sold Sprinkles in 2012 and have no ownership or operational involvement in the company."
Nelson added, "Still, it's surreal to see this chapter come to a close - and it's not how I imagined the story would unfold." She went on to thank the people who patronized Sprinkles. Nelson also expressed her heartfelt emotion to the employees, and asked anyone with a fond memory of Sprinkles Cupcakes to share it below her video.
The Company's Web Site Is Still Partially Online as of January 2
As of January 2, the Sprinkles Cupcakes web site was still partially online. They formerly offered all kinds of tasty items, including mini cupcakes, cookies and brownies, layer cakes, and even dietary cupcakes and pudding mixes. When you click on various pages, however, there is a "page not found" message.
Many Restaurant Chains Are Also Experiencing Upheaval
A specific reason for the closing of Sprinkles Cupcakes was not given. However, Newsweek pointed out that other popular restaurant chains are finding it necessary to shutter some locations to stay in business. Two that the outlet mentioned are Denny's and Starbucks.
Cracker Barrel also experienced some rough going last year. The chain attempted to modernize its logo and some of its restaurants' decor. The initiative was met with displeasure and even anger from irate customers and was quickly rolled back.
The outlet mentioned that Sprinkles Cupcakes "had 19 brick-and-mortar stores in Arizona, California, Washington, D.C., Florida, Nevada, Texas and Utah. It also had 21 additional cupcake ATMs across those states...."
