2018
4
$60,000
$40,000
$400,000
No
Cork & Candles is an innovative experiential scent bar that combines creativity, social interaction, and sensory delight. Guests embark on a 90-minute journey where they hand-pour custom candles, selecting from over 60 clean-burning fragrance oils to craft personalized scents. The BYOB policy enhances the experience, allowing patrons to enjoy their favorite beverages while creating their unique candles. Designed as a welcoming space, Cork & Candles offers a perfect setting for friends, families, and co-workers to gather, celebrate milestones, and forge deeper connections.
Investing in a Cork & Candles franchise offers a unique opportunity to be part of a growing trend in the experiential retail sector. The brand's commitment to providing a memorable, hands-on experience sets it apart in the market. With a proven business model, strong brand identity, and a focus on community engagement, franchisees can tap into a niche market that values creativity, personalization, and social interaction. Additionally, the support provided in site selection, training, and marketing ensures that franchisees are well-equipped to succeed.
Established Year & Founders:
Cork & Candles was established in 2018 by Dave and Kenny Straub, building on a family tradition of craftsmanship and entrepreneurship. The founders aimed to create a unique, interactive candle-making experience that combines creativity, social interaction, and relaxation.
Brand Journey & Company History:
The brand began as a passion project, offering hands-on candle-making experiences where guests can create personalized candles using over 60 fragrance oils. Cork & Candles quickly gained popularity for its BYOB experiential sessions, making it an ideal destination for social gatherings, team-building events, and celebrations. Over time, the business refined its operational processes, marketing strategies, and training programs to ensure consistent, high-quality experiences across locations.
Franchise Units & Expansion:
As of 2025, Cork & Candles operates four locations in Pennsylvania:
King of Prussia
Center City, Philadelphia
University City, Philadelphia (first franchised unit)
Ardmore
The brand is actively expanding its franchise network across the Northeast USA, targeting high-traffic areas in New Jersey, New York, and Delaware. While currently in the early stages of franchising, Cork & Candles is seeking entrepreneurs passionate about experiential retail.
Ownership & Management:
Cork & Candles remains a family-owned business, with the founders deeply involved in franchise development, operational guidance, and training. Their hands-on approach ensures that each franchise maintains brand standards and delivers a premium customer experience.
Market Presence & Industry Category:
Operates in the experiential retail and leisure industry, focusing on interactive, memorable experiences rather than just product sales.
Known for combining creativity, personalization, and community engagement, attracting a wide demographic—from young adults to families and corporate clients.
Positioned as a premier lifestyle and social activity destination in the Northeast USA.
Other Key Points:
Emphasizes community building, hosting private events, workshops, and corporate experiences.
BYOB interactive candle-making model differentiates the brand from traditional retail or craft stores.
Offers a proven, replicable franchise model, appealing to investors seeking growth in the experiential retail market.
Cork & Candles offers a comprehensive support system designed to help franchisees launch successfully and maintain long-term growth. Their approach covers pre-launch guidance, operational training, marketing support, and ongoing assistance, ensuring franchisees can replicate the brand’s proven business model effectively.
Before opening a franchise location, Cork & Candles provides:
Site Selection Assistance: Expert guidance in choosing high-traffic, strategic locations using market research and demographic analysis.
Lease Negotiation Support: Help with negotiating favorable lease terms for optimal cost-efficiency and location suitability.
Design & Build-Out: Assistance with store layout, interior design, and branding to ensure a consistent customer experience across all locations.
Hiring & Staffing Guidance: Access to a “Now Hiring” page, support in recruiting qualified staff, and training in onboarding processes.
Franchisees receive in-depth training covering all aspects of business operations:
Hands-On Candle-Making Techniques: Master the unique candle-pouring process, scent selection, and customization for guests.
POS & Technology Systems: Training on point-of-sale systems, inventory management, scheduling software, and operational reporting.
Store Operations & Customer Service: Step-by-step guidance on running day-to-day operations, handling customer interactions, and maintaining brand standards.
Staff Management: Best practices for recruiting, training, and retaining a motivated, efficient team.
Cork & Candles provides robust marketing support to help franchisees attract and retain customers:
National & Local Marketing Campaigns: Franchisees benefit from cooperative advertising funds, social media campaigns, and influencer partnerships.
Branding Materials: Access to professionally designed promotional materials, signage, event templates, and digital assets.
Grand Opening Support: Assistance in planning launch events and community engagement activities to generate early buzz.
Franchisees receive continuous support post-launch to drive growth and ensure long-term success:
Operational Support: Regular check-ins, business performance reviews, and troubleshooting assistance.
Marketing Guidance: Advice on local promotions, seasonal campaigns, and community events.
Continuous Education: Workshops and training updates on new products, techniques, or operational improvements.
Franchisee Community: Access to a network of other franchise owners for peer support, knowledge sharing, and collaboration.
The ideal franchisee for Cork & Candles is a motivated, community-focused entrepreneur who thrives in experiential retail and hospitality. The brand seeks individuals who are passionate about creativity, customer engagement, and building memorable experiences for guests.
Experience in retail, hospitality, or customer service is highly desirable, as it equips the franchisee with skills in managing daily operations, staff, and customer satisfaction.
Prior small business or franchise ownership experience is advantageous but not mandatory, thanks to Cork & Candles’ comprehensive support and training.
A strong passion for creativity, social experiences, and community engagement.
Energetic, personable, and able to create a welcoming environment for guests of all ages.
Innovative mindset, eager to host events, workshops, and private experiences that enhance customer engagement.
Financially prepared to meet the total investment range of $240,000–$400,000, including franchise fees, build-out costs, and working capital.
Comfortable managing operational costs, payroll, and marketing budgets while building a profitable business.
Initially focused on the Northeast USA, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Delaware, with potential for future expansion nationwide.
Prefers locations with high foot traffic, social activity hubs, or community-centered neighborhoods, ideal for experiential retail.
Seeks to own a community-focused business that delivers memorable experiences and builds lasting relationships with customers.
Interested in a hands-on role in daily operations while leveraging the proven support systems of the franchisor.
Strong leadership skills for managing a team of employees.
Willingness to follow brand standards and operational procedures while bringing personal creativity to local marketing and events.
Enthusiastic about hosting private events, corporate team-building sessions, and social gatherings to diversify revenue streams.
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Total Investment Required | $240,000 – $400,000 |
| Minimum Investment Required | $60,000 – $80,000 |
| Franchise Fee | $40,000 for the first unit; $35,000 for the second unit; $30,000 for the third unit |
| Royalty Fees | 7% of gross sales |
| Advertising Fees | 2% of gross sales |
| Technology Fees | $150/month |
| Franchise Units (Current) | 1 franchised unit (University City, PA); total of 4 locations including corporate units |
| Infrastructure / Build-Out Costs | Included in total investment: design, equipment, furniture, signage, and initial inventory |
| Marketing Budget | Cooperative advertising supported by brand; local campaigns recommended |
| Working Capital | Part of total investment; covers first 3 months of operations and payroll |
| Expected ROI | Varies by location; typical experiential retail ROI ranges between 20–35% annually |
| Break-Even Time | Estimated 18–24 months depending on location and customer traffic |
| Revenue Streams | - Custom candle-making experiences - Private events & corporate bookings - Retail sales of candles & supplies - Seasonal workshops & parties |
