For Bob and Mary Kirk of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, retirement wasn’t about slowing down, it was about lighting a new spark. After three decades spent in client management and marketing respectively, the Kirks were ready for their next chapter. But instead of seeking quiet routines or cross-country travel, they found inspiration in something far more sensory, the warm celebration of community at Cork & Candles.
“From the minute I sat down in the store, I knew I’d never experienced anything like it,” Mary recalled. “The feeling, the scent, the people. It just felt special.”
That one visit to a Cork & Candles location in Philadelphia two years ago changed everything. What began as a simple afternoon outing turned into the beginning of a shared vision, to bring the experience home to Pittsburgh.
A Perfect Partnership
Mary’s background in marketing gave her a natural eye for creativity and connection, while Bob’s 30 years in the information-technology world honed his financial acumen and operational focus. Together, their complementary skill sets formed the foundation of a business partnership that feels as natural as it is strategic.
“We’ve been married for over 30 years,” Bob said with a laugh. “People asked if we were sure we could run a business together, but we know we can. This partnership lets each of us evolve in new ways.”
For Mary, the transition into entrepreneurship represents both renewal and rediscovery. After years spent raising their children, she’s stepping into a role that blends her passion for people with her lifelong love of bringing others together. For Bob, it’s the opportunity to channel his analytical side into something tangible, personal, and deeply fulfilling.
Why Cork & Candles and Why Now?
After decades of structured corporate life, the idea of creating an environment where joy and community take center stage felt both refreshing and restorative. The Kirks say that every aspect of Cork & Candles, from its design to its hospitality, resonated with the kind of experience they wanted to cultivate in their own city.
“It just felt natural,” Mary said. “We weren’t comparing it against ten other franchises. It was either Cork & Candles or nothing.”
Set to open their first location in Pittsburgh in spring 2026, the Kirks plan to expand across the region, establishing Cork & Candles on each side of Pittsburgh’s iconic Three Rivers. They envision their stores as gathering places for birthdays, date nights, and team celebrations where people of all ages can come together to create, connect, and unwind. And the excitement isn’t limited to the two of them. The Kirks both mentioned that family, friends, and coworkers are ecstatic for what this means for their future. When opening day finally arrives, the Kirks say it will represent more than just the culmination of months of preparation; it will symbolize the start of something deeply meaningful.
“We’re social people,” Bob said. “We love being around friends, seeing people enjoying themselves, and walking out with something they made. It’s an experience that feels good from start to finish.”
As they look ahead to their grand opening and beyond, Bob and Mary remain grounded in gratitude for each other, their community, and the chance to build something that truly reflects who they are.
“It’s going to be emotional,” Mary said. “We’ll have our friends, our kids, maybe live music, and I hope people walking by will stop and say, ‘What’s going on in there?’ Because they’ll want to be part of it.”
About Cork & Candles
Cork & Candles is a family-owned experiential scent bar where guests handcraft their own candles while enjoying a bring-your-own-bottle experience. Founded in the Philadelphia region, the brand has grown into a national franchise that combines creativity, celebration, and community. With its first Pittsburgh location opening in 2026, Cork & Candles continues to inspire entrepreneurs to bring light, warmth, and togetherness to their communities.
Inspired by Bob and Mary Kirk’s story? Learn how you can bring the Cork & Candles experience to your own city. Click below to inquire on our website.
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