Sprinkles Cupcakes Closes All Locations Nationwide

Sprinkles Cupcakes, the bakery chain renowned for its gourmet cupcakes and innovative cupcake ATMs, has ceased operations at all its locations nationwide, including the La Jolla store in San Diego, effective December 31, 2025. The company has not issued an official statement regarding the closures.

Founder Candace Nelson, who sold the company in 2012, expressed her surprise and sadness over the shutdown. In a video posted on Instagram, she stated,

"A few days ago, I learned that Sprinkles Cupcakes, the company I started in 2005, and then sold to private equity in 2012, will be closing its bakery doors today."

Nelson emphasized that she has had no ownership or operational involvement in the company since the sale.

The abrupt closure has left employees with little notice. Julie Radcliff, Assistant General Manager at the La Jolla location, reported that managers were informed on Monday afternoon, with front-of-house staff, bakers, and frosters notified on Tuesday night, just a day before the closure. Radcliff remarked,

"It's a bummer. Almost 15 years at this location, 20 years in the business."

Sprinkles Cupcakes was founded in 2005 in Beverly Hills and expanded to 21 stores across various states, along with 25 cupcake ATMs. The company was sold to private equity firm KarpReilly LLC in 2012. The sudden shutdown has prompted reactions from employees and customers alike, with some expressing frustration over the short notice and lack of severance. As of now, the company has not provided further details regarding the closures.