Established
2018
Franchise Units
4
Minimum Investment
$60,000
Franchise Fee
$40,000
Total Investment Range
$400,000
Home Based
No
Description
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.
Why Invest in this Franchise?
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.
Background
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
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Center City, Philadelphia
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University City, Philadelphia (first franchised unit)
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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.
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Known for combining creativity, personalization, and community engagement, attracting a wide demographic—from young adults to families and corporate clients.
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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.
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BYOB interactive candle-making model differentiates the brand from traditional retail or craft stores.
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Offers a proven, replicable franchise model, appealing to investors seeking growth in the experiential retail market.
Support Training
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.
Pre-Launch Support
Before opening a franchise location, Cork & Candles provides:
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Site Selection Assistance: Expert guidance in choosing high-traffic, strategic locations using market research and demographic analysis.
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Lease Negotiation Support: Help with negotiating favorable lease terms for optimal cost-efficiency and location suitability.
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Design & Build-Out: Assistance with store layout, interior design, and branding to ensure a consistent customer experience across all locations.
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Hiring & Staffing Guidance: Access to a “Now Hiring” page, support in recruiting qualified staff, and training in onboarding processes.
Operational Training
Franchisees receive in-depth training covering all aspects of business operations:
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Hands-On Candle-Making Techniques: Master the unique candle-pouring process, scent selection, and customization for guests.
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POS & Technology Systems: Training on point-of-sale systems, inventory management, scheduling software, and operational reporting.
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Store Operations & Customer Service: Step-by-step guidance on running day-to-day operations, handling customer interactions, and maintaining brand standards.
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Staff Management: Best practices for recruiting, training, and retaining a motivated, efficient team.
Marketing & Branding Support
Cork & Candles provides robust marketing support to help franchisees attract and retain customers:
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National & Local Marketing Campaigns: Franchisees benefit from cooperative advertising funds, social media campaigns, and influencer partnerships.
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Branding Materials: Access to professionally designed promotional materials, signage, event templates, and digital assets.
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Grand Opening Support: Assistance in planning launch events and community engagement activities to generate early buzz.
Ongoing Assistance
Franchisees receive continuous support post-launch to drive growth and ensure long-term success:
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Operational Support: Regular check-ins, business performance reviews, and troubleshooting assistance.
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Marketing Guidance: Advice on local promotions, seasonal campaigns, and community events.
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Continuous Education: Workshops and training updates on new products, techniques, or operational improvements.
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Franchisee Community: Access to a network of other franchise owners for peer support, knowledge sharing, and collaboration.
Ideal Candidate
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.
Business Background
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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.
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Prior small business or franchise ownership experience is advantageous but not mandatory, thanks to Cork & Candles’ comprehensive support and training.
Passion & Personal Traits
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A strong passion for creativity, social experiences, and community engagement.
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Energetic, personable, and able to create a welcoming environment for guests of all ages.
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Innovative mindset, eager to host events, workshops, and private experiences that enhance customer engagement.
Investment Capability
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Financially prepared to meet the total investment range of $240,000–$400,000, including franchise fees, build-out costs, and working capital.
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Comfortable managing operational costs, payroll, and marketing budgets while building a profitable business.
Location Preference
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Initially focused on the Northeast USA, including Pennsylvania, New Jersey, New York, and Delaware, with potential for future expansion nationwide.
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Prefers locations with high foot traffic, social activity hubs, or community-centered neighborhoods, ideal for experiential retail.
Entrepreneurial Goals
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Seeks to own a community-focused business that delivers memorable experiences and builds lasting relationships with customers.
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Interested in a hands-on role in daily operations while leveraging the proven support systems of the franchisor.
Other Key Characteristics
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Strong leadership skills for managing a team of employees.
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Willingness to follow brand standards and operational procedures while bringing personal creativity to local marketing and events.
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Enthusiastic about hosting private events, corporate team-building sessions, and social gatherings to diversify revenue streams.
Financial Detail
| 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 |