Sprinkles Cupcakes, the popular California-based brand known for its gourmet treats, will be permanently closing all of its locations across the country on New Year’s Eve, including its only San Diego store situated in La Jolla. This information was confirmed by a manager at the La Jolla location, reflecting a decision that has taken both employees and loyal customers by surprise.
Although the company has not released an official announcement regarding the shutdown, founder Candace Nelson shared her emotional response via Instagram. Nelson, who established Sprinkles in 2005 before selling the business to private equity firm KarpReilly LLC in 2012, expressed her disbelief about the closure. “This isn’t how I thought the story would go,” she remarked, noting her hopes that the brand would continue to flourish indefinitely. Despite her influential role in the company’s early success, she clarified that she no longer holds ownership or operational responsibilities.
Julie Radcliff, the Assistant General Manager at the La Jolla store, revealed that managers were informed of the closures during a meeting on Monday afternoon. Employees—including bakers and front-of-house staff—received the news of their imminent layoffs the following day. Radcliff, who has dedicated nearly 15 years to the La Jolla location and has spent two decades in the cupcake business, acknowledged the emotional toll this sudden announcement had on the workforce.
Sprinkles Cupcakes, which started in Beverly Hills, expanded to a total of 21 locations and introduced a unique innovation with its cupcake ATM machines—advertised as the first of their kind. The abrupt end of the chain’s operations surprised many, especially given that the company had been promoting the opening of a new store in Burlingame, California, just weeks earlier.
The La Jolla shop quickly sold out of cupcakes by mid-afternoon on Wednesday, and plans for final pre-orders were made before closing. Radcliff indicated that while many employees were already working second jobs, some, particularly older staff members like the frosters, might struggle to find new employment opportunities in such short notice.
Acknowledging the support from loyal customers, Radcliff conveyed her regret for not being able to say goodbye to all patrons. Social media reactions reflected the shock and frustration from employees and fans alike, with several comments highlighting the inadequate notice given for layoffs and the challenges of sudden unemployment.
Despite the unexpected turn of events, Sprinkles Cupcakes has left a significant mark in the culinary world. Celebrated by Oprah and hailed by the Los Angeles Times as a pioneer of the upscale cupcake movement, the brand has cultivated a dedicated following over the years. In the wake of its closure, fans and employees alike are left to grapple with the loss of a beloved dessert destination.
