Never understood how these stores stayed in business. Who pays that much for cupcakes? They're super cheap at regular grocery stores, available in high-end bakeries if you want to impress, and honestly not that hard to make on your own.

> The news was confirmed by Sprinkles founder Candace Nelson, who stated in an Instagram post that the company’s final day of service is Dec. 31. Nelson, who has not been involved with the company for more than a decade since selling to private equity firm KarpReilly Capital Partners, called the abrupt closures “surreal.”

Another private equity write down in progress.

https://www.nrn.com/mergers-acquisitions/karpreilly-buys-int...

Investors Warn of 'Rot in Private Equity' as Funds Strike Circular Deals - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46380751 - December 2025

Once Wall Street’s High Flyer, Private Equity Loses Its Luster - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=46364566 - December 2025

Private Equity’s Latest Financial Alchemy Is Worrying Investors - https://news.ycombinator.com/item?id=44891882 - August 2025