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
Know where you want to go. Having a vision for your life is powerful. It gives you direction. It gives you something to work toward. But more importantly, it changes how you show…
April 24, 2026
Why the Finish Line Gets Too Much Credit
A little enthusiasm after a LONG day. It’s easy to smile at the finish line. That’s the part people see. The picture. The moment. The outcome. What you don’t see is everything…
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. On January 26, 2022, I got…
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: Do you build something completely from scratch, or step into a system that already…
April 5, 2026
Why Gift Cards Matter More Than You Think
When most people think about gift cards, they think about convenience. Something quick. Something easy. Something you grab when you’re out of time. From an operator’s perspective,…
March 28, 2026
What Team Events Reveal About This Business
Networking goes deeper when you share an experience. Last week, we hosted a corporate team building event at one of our Cork & Candles locations. From the outside, it looked like…
March 24, 2026
Experience-Based Franchises: The Future of Retail
For decades, franchising has followed a familiar playbook: Fast food. Retail. Fitness. And for a long time, that model worked. But something is changing. Today, a new category is emerging—one that is less about transactions and more about connection.
March 19, 2026
Why Experience-Based Businesses Are Replacing Traditional Retail
The 2025 economy proved one thing: stability is no longer guaranteed. Here’s why franchising in 2026 may be the smartest move for your future.
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 convenience. But as we…
November 25, 2025
Lighting the Way: Cork & Candles Expands to Pittsburgh
Bob and Mary Kirk are bringing Cork & Candles to Pittsburgh, blending creativity, connection, and community in an inspiring new chapter of franchising.
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. “When I was around 12 to 14 years old,…
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. The two primary fees are the royalty and the brand fund, sometimes called a marketing fund.
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 first customers and…
September 2, 2025
Montgomery County Business Owner Chris Holloway Needs Second Kidney Transplant
image title 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 for a…
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. In the latest episode of the [ Built By Me Podcast (Ep.…
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. Maybe he helped you pick out a scent that reminded you of home. Maybe he…
April 25, 2025
Igniting a Franchise with Wax and Wicks: David Straub’s Cork & Candles Story
David Straub, Co Founder, was featured in the Pursuit of Profit Podcast. Episode 74 is LIVE! In this episode of Pursuit of Profit , hosts Cliff and Justin sit down with David…
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. On Tuesday, March 11, 2025 , David Straub,…
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 under Things to Do ! This…
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 Philadelphia Convention…
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 meaningful, but you also…
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 Whether you’re new to the business or looking for ways to increase local visibility, offering corporate gifting services…
September 17, 2024
Cork & Candles Franchise Opportunities in the Northeast
Have you always dreamed of starting your own business but aren’t sure where to begin? Imagine a scent that transports you to a state of blissful relaxation—perhaps eucalyptus,…
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. Original story here [https://www.elon.edu/u/news/2024/08/29/kenny…
September 3, 2024
The Growing Demand for Experiential Retail
As consumers increasingly prioritize experiences over material possessions, the demand for experiential retail has soared. Here's why Cork & Candles is positioned for this moment.
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 father, David Straub.…
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! This expansion brings our unique BYOB candle making…
June 28, 2024
Building a Business from Scratch vs. Owning a Franchise
Have you ever wanted the flexibility that comes with being your own boss? Starting a business is a dream for many aspiring entrepreneurs, however, deciding whether to build a…
May 2, 2024
Unlocking Entrepreneurial Dreams: The Power of Franchising with Cork & Candles
What is Franchising and Why Franchise with Cork & Candles? “Find a job you love, and you will never have to work a day in your life.” Mark Twain We dedicate a significant portion…
May 2, 2024
Welcome to the All New Cork & Candles Franchising Site
Cork & Candles has officially launched our redesigned website for franchising, franchisors, and franchisees.