Goodbye to Sprinkles Cupcakes: A Sweet Era Ends

Sat Jan 03 2026 05:29:16 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

Sprinkles Cupcakes, known for its quirky cupcake ATMs, has closed its doors after 20 years, leaving fans heartbroken. What led to the closure of this beloved brand?

Sprinkles Cupcakes, famous for its cupcake-dispensing vending machines, has officially shut down after 20 years. The brand started in 2005 and grew to fame with its unique offerings, including cupcake ATMs. Former owner Candace Nelson expressed her dismay over the closure, which many fans have lamented on social media. The company was sold to a private equity firm in 2012, after which its influence and operations dwindled. The closure is part of a larger trend among restaurant and retail brands acquiring private equity backing and subsequently closing down.

Sprinkles Cupcakes has sweetly bowed out after providing cupcake cravings to fans for two decades. Known for its innovative 'cupcake ATM'—a vending machine that dispensed treats—Sprinkles captured many hearts across the U.S. and beyond. Founded by Candace Nelson in her kitchen after losing her job in 2005, it rapidly became a household name, offering delicious delights through its delightful cupcake-dispensing machines.

The closure was announced on December 30, 2022, and while Candace sold her business over a decade ago, she still feels a strong connection to it, expressing disappointment at how the story ended. The company had peaked at 10 locations nationwide and was a viral sensation on platforms like TikTok for its catchy "I love Sprinkles" jingle.

Despite Nelson's fond memories, Sprinkles Cupcakes has now removed all products from its website, indicating that its operations have ceased completely. The brand was sold to KarpReilly LLC in 2012, which has not provided information on why the closure occurred. Fans have taken to social media to voice their frustrations, highlighting a growing trend of retail brands purchased by private equity that later struggle to stay afloat. Amid the sweet memories, the closure serves as a cautionary tale within the restaurant industry.