From the Cork & Candles team.
Founders’ notes, franchisee stories, and what we’re learning while we build a new kind of experiential franchise.
April 25, 2026
Why Vision Matters More Than You Think
It gives you direction. It gives you something to work toward.
April 24, 2026
Why the Finish Line Gets Too Much Credit
What you don’t see is everything that came before it.
April 22, 2026
Not Following The Plan Nearly Cost Us Our Dog, Our Business, and Our Marriage
Have you ever had something go wrong at the worst possible time? A call comes in with the most DEVASTATING NEWS when you simply have no more capacity.
April 9, 2026
Franchising vs. Starting from Scratch: How to Choose the Right Path
If you’ve ever thought about starting a business, you’ve probably run into this question:
April 5, 2026
Why Gift Cards Matter More Than You Think
When most people think about gift cards, they think about convenience.
March 28, 2026
What Team Events Reveal About This Business
Last week, we hosted a corporate team building event at one of our Cork & Candles locations.
March 24, 2026
Experience-Based Franchises: The Future of Retail
For decades, franchising has followed a familiar playbook:
March 19, 2026
Why Experience-Based Businesses Are Replacing Traditional Retail
Consumers are no longer just buying products; they’re buying experiences.
January 12, 2026
Why Experiential Franchises Outperform Traditional Retail in 2026
For decades, traditional retail franchises followed a familiar playbook: open a storefront, stock products, rely on foot traffic, and compete on price or…
November 25, 2025
Lighting the Way: Cork & Candles Expands to Pittsburgh
For Bob and Mary Kirk of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, retirement wasn’t about slowing down, it was about lighting a new spark.
November 17, 2025
The Story Behind Cork & Candles: From Family Business to National Franchise
For co-founder Dave Straub, the journey of Cork & Candles began in his childhood, making candles with his dad and selling them door-to-door.
November 13, 2025
Understanding Franchise Fees and Royalties
When considering a franchise, it’s important to understand the fees involved and what they actually cover.
November 6, 2025
Franchise ROI: What To Expect in Your First Year
Opening a franchise for the first time is an unforgettable milestone. After months of preparation, planning, and learning the ropes, you finally welcome your…
September 2, 2025
Montgomery County Business Owner Chris Holloway Needs Second Kidney Transplant
After three decades in the mortgage business, Chris Holloway, now a Cork & Candles franchise owner in Ardmore, is facing his toughest challenge yet, the need…
July 23, 2025
Cork & Candles featured in Beyond Fast Food: Uncovering Unique Franchise Opportunities | Built By Me Podcast Ep. 2
Think franchising is just for burger joints and sandwich shops? Think again.
June 12, 2025
Chris Holloway, Ardmore Franchisee, Needs a Kidney. Here’s How You Can Help!
If you’ve ever visited Cork & Candles in Ardmore, PA, chances are you’ve met the co-owner, Chris Holloway.
April 25, 2025
Igniting a Franchise with Wax and Wicks: David Straub’s Cork & Candles Story
In this episode of Pursuit of Profit , hosts Cliff and Justin sit down with David Straub , the co-founder of Cork & Candles , to explore how he turned a…
February 25, 2025
Join David Straub at The Franchise Forum on March 11!
If you’ve ever dreamed of owning your own business but weren’t sure where to start, The Franchise Forum is the perfect place to begin.
January 9, 2025
Vote for Cork & Candles as a Philly Favorites Date Night Activity
Cork & Candles is thrilled to announce that we’ve been nominated for The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Philly Favorites in the category of Date Night Activity…
January 9, 2025
Cork & Candles at the Bridal & Wedding Expo in Philadelphia
This past weekend, January 4th and 5th, Cork & Candles had the pleasure of participating in the Pennsylvania & South Jersey Bridal & Wedding Expo at the…
December 24, 2024
How to Choose the Right Franchise
The dream of owning your own business is both exciting and daunting. You want the freedom to be your own boss and the satisfaction of building something…
October 31, 2024
Why Corporate Gifting is a Win-Win for Cork & Candles Franchise Partners
Why Corporate Gifting is a Win-Win for Franchise Partners
September 17, 2024
Cork & Candles Franchise Opportunities in the Northeast
Imagine a scent that transports you to a state of blissful relaxation—perhaps eucalyptus, bourbon vanilla, or lavender thyme.
September 5, 2024
Kenny Straub ’15 and his father turn family trade into a community experience
Cork & Candles co-owner Kenny Straub was recently featured in Today at Elon, the Elon University newspaper.
September 3, 2024
The Growing Demand for Experiential Retail
In recent years, the retail landscape has undergone a significant transformation. As consumers increasingly prioritize experiences over material possessions,…
August 6, 2024
Cork and Candles: From Family Tradition to Franchise Vision
The inception of Cork and Candles is a narrative rich in family history and entrepreneurial foresight, intricately woven by co-founders Kenny Straub, and his…
July 26, 2024
Cork & Candles Expands to University City
We are thrilled to announce that Cork & Candles is opening its third new location in the vibrant Shop Penn Retail District!
June 28, 2024
Building a Business from Scratch vs. Owning a Franchise
1. Creative Freedom When you start your own business, you have complete control over your brand, products, and services.
May 2, 2024
Unlocking Entrepreneurial Dreams: The Power of Franchising with Cork & Candles
“Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Mark Twain
May 2, 2024
Welcome to the All New Cork & Candles Franchising Site
Cork & Candles has officially launched our redesigned website for franchising. This new experience is our home on the web for promoting our new franchise…