Sweet Farewell: Sprinkles Cupcakes Closes Its Doors After 20 Years

Sat Jan 03 2026 06:55:09 GMT+0200 (Eastern European Standard Time)

After two decades of delighting customers with its cupcake ATMs and unique confectioneries, Sprinkles Cupcakes announces its closure, leaving a bittersweet void in the dessert landscape.

Sprinkles Cupcakes, known for its innovative cupcake ATMs, has ceased operations after 20 years of service. Founder Candace Nelson expressed her sadness over the closure, reflecting on the journey from a small kitchen in Beverly Hills to national fame. The dessert brand, now under private equity firm KarpReilly LLC, has left fans in mourning as questions surrounding its future remain unanswered.

NEW YORK — Sprinkles Cupcakes, the beloved brand famous for its whimsical cupcake ATMs, has officially closed its doors after 20 years of serving sweet delights across the United States.

Former owner Candace Nelson, who launched the company in 2005 after a career setback, announced the closure on December 30, expressing a profound personal connection to the brand. “I never envisioned the story ending this way,” said Nelson, who originally started baking in her home kitchen.

From its humble beginnings in a small storefront in Beverly Hills, Sprinkles ascended to become a nationwide sensation, appealing to dessert enthusiasts with its innovative cupcake-dispensing machines located in malls and airports. These machines briefly garnered attention on TikTok, thanks to the catchy jingle accompanying each cupcake delivery.

As of now, Sprinkles has removed all products from its website and eliminated listings for its operational locations, signaling a definitive end to its operations. Nelson sold the company to private equity firm KarpReilly LLC in 2012, after successfully expanding to ten locations.

The closure has caused an outcry among fans, with many taking to social media to express their disappointment. Critics argue that the closure reflects a broader trend of private equity firms acquiring restaurants with a faltering trajectory, referencing other brands like Red Lobster and TGI Fridays that have faced similar fates.

Despite multiple attempts, KarpReilly has yet to provide a comment regarding the sudden closure of Sprinkles, leaving many questions unanswered among its loyal clientele.