Beloved bakery chain Sprinkles Cupcakes has permanently closed all its remaining locations, founder Candace Nelson announced on Wednesday. The abrupt closure has left fans and employees shocked and confused.
Sprinkles, founded by Nelson in 2005, was known for its storefront bakeries and viral ATM-style vending machines that dispensed cupcakes 24/7. The first cupcake ATM launched in Beverly Hills in 2012, making history. The chain expanded to states including New York and Texas.
Nelson sold the company to a private equity firm in 2012 and had no further involvement in operations. In an Instagram video, she expressed surprise at the closure, saying, 'I thought Sprinkles would keep growing and be around forever.'
Fans, including celebrities, expressed sadness online. Actor Francesca Capaldi wrote, 'They are absolutely the BEST cupcakes!!!' Meanwhile, alleged employees commented on Sprinkles' social media, claiming they received only one day's notice of closure and no severance.
As of publication, the Sprinkles website remains live but several pages show error messages. The Independent has contacted the company for comment.
