Why Cork & Candles?
Three reasons franchise partners thrive in the Cork & Candles family — and why our concept is one of the most compelling experiential opportunities in retail today.
The Experience
A hospitality concept that turns first-time guests into regulars and ordinary nights into milestones.
The Purpose
Where Friends Gather is the brand promise. Your franchise becomes the place your community returns to.
The Process
A tested playbook for wax, fragrance, hiring, and operations — so you put your energy into guests, not chemistry.
A right-sized investment in experiential retail.
Our franchise model is designed for entrepreneurs and couples who want a hands-on, community-rooted business — not a remote, anonymous unit.
$225,000+
Initial Investment
$60,000+
Recommended Liquidity
3+
Current Locations
Real partners. Real stories.
Meet some of the people building Cork & Candles in their communities.
Chris & Tia Holloway
Franchisee
Bob & Mary Kirk
Franchisee
The questions most prospects ask first.
Real numbers, no fluff. If you've got a question we haven't covered, the inquiry form below is the fastest path to a personal answer.
- What is the total investment range to open a Cork & Candles franchise?
- The total investment ranges from $280,000 to $380,000, depending on real estate, build-out scope, and local labor costs. This includes the franchise fee, leasehold improvements, equipment, opening inventory, working capital, and pre-opening expenses as detailed in FDD Item 7.
- What is the franchise fee?
- The initial franchise fee is $49,500, paid at signing. It covers brand rights, your initial training program, opening support, and exclusive territory rights.
- What ongoing royalty does Cork & Candles charge?
- Royalty is 7% of gross revenue, paid weekly. There are no per-transaction or per-experience fees beyond that.
- Is there a brand fund or marketing contribution?
- Yes — 2% of gross revenue contributes to the brand fund, which is used for system-wide marketing, creative development, and demand generation that supports every Cork & Candles location.
- How much liquid capital do I need on hand?
- We recommend franchisees have at least $60,000 in liquid capital. Our financing partner, Benetrends, can help structure the remaining investment through retirement rollovers (ROBS), SBA loans, or conventional financing.
- How long is the training program?
- Eighty hours of hands-on training in the Philadelphia area before your grand opening. You will learn wax chemistry, fragrance blending, hospitality operations, hiring, and the day-one playbook for running your candle bar.
- How large is the protected territory?
- Each Cork & Candles franchisee receives a protected territory with a four-mile radius around their candle bar location. Larger metropolitan markets may receive multiple territory allocations.
- When do I receive the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD)?
- We provide the FDD shortly after your initial qualifying conversation, in compliance with federal and state pre-sale disclosure requirements. You will have a full review period before signing anything.
- What financing options are available?
- Through our partner Benetrends, franchisees access retirement rollovers (ROBS), SBA loans, conventional financing, and unsecured business credit. Use the Prequalify tool on our site for a two-minute look at what is available to you.
- How long does it take to open after signing?
- Typically six to twelve months, depending on real estate, permitting, and build-out timelines. The Cork & Candles team supports you through site selection, build-out, hiring, and grand-opening marketing.
Let’s explore the opportunity together.
Share a few details about yourself and a member of our franchise team will be in touch within 1–2 business days. We’ll walk you through The Experience, The Purpose, and The Process — and answer any questions you have.