Popular Cupcake Store Abruptly Closes East Bay Stores

SAN RAMON, CA — A popular cupcake store known for its signature pink frosting dots and 24/7 cupcake ATMs has closed all its locations, including those in the East Bay, the company's founder confirmed.

It's unclear exactly why the stores closed, but it appears to have come abruptly, with the company's Instagram account also being deactivated.

The company's founder and former CEO, Candace Nelson, said the company's last day was on New Year's Eve.

"I sold Sprinkles in 2012 and have no ownership or operational involvement in the company," Nelson said in a post on social media. "Still, it’s surreal to see this chapter come to a close - and it’s not how I imagined the story would unfold."

The store shuttered all 20 locations nationwide, including those in San Ramon and at the Bishop Ranch City Center in Pleasanton, according to multiple news reports.

The company did not provide any notice about closing down, a City Center spokesperson told the Pleasanton Weekly.

Nelson said on her Instagram that she started Sprinkles in 2005 with only a KitchenAid mixer and a "big idea." She sold the company in 2012 due to its rapid growth, operational challenges, and familial responsibilities, Nelson said.

"I’m deeply grateful to the fans, customers, and community who showed up, celebrated with us, and made Sprinkles part of their traditions - and to the team who made it all happen," Nelson said. "I’ll always be proud of what we built."