Cork & Candles is an experiential “scent bar” franchise that offers a unique candle-making experience. Guests can blend custom fragrances, pour their own candles, and enjoy a social outing in a relaxed, welcoming space. The concept combines creativity, entertainment, and boutique retail into one hands-on experience.

The brand was founded in 2021 by father-son duo Dave Straub and Kenny Straub. It was created from a family tradition of handcrafting and small-business entrepreneurship, which shaped the experiential model. Cork & Candles is headquartered in West Chester, Pennsylvania.

Cork & Candles began franchising in 2023, with its first franchised unit opening in 2024. The brand currently operates a mix of company-owned and franchised locations, primarily in Pennsylvania. Its model appeals to both local residents and groups seeking a creative social activity.

What differentiates Cork & Candles is its focus on experience and personalization rather than simple retail sales. Customers can choose from a wide library of clean-burning scents and design candles tailored to their preferences.

Training

Cork & Candles offers a structured training program to ensure franchisees are equipped for operational success:

1. Initial Training Program: Franchisees and their general managers must complete an Initial Training Program conducted at Cork & Candles’ designated training locations, typically in or around Philadelphia. The training is mandatory and must be completed at least two weeks before the business opens. No tuition is charged for up to two individuals, but franchisees must cover all travel, lodging, and meal expenses.
2. Soft Opening Assistance: The franchisor provides up to three days of on-site training and support during the soft opening phase, including operational assessments and process feedback. This assistance ensures the franchise meets brand standards before officially opening to the public.
3. Additional Training Programs: Franchisees may be required to attend up to 10 days of additional training annually, which may include national business meetings or conventions. Failure to attend mandatory training is considered a default, and franchisees must pay a non-attendance fee and obtain the missed training at their own expense.
4. Remedial and On-Site Training: Upon request or as deemed necessary, Cork & Candles will provide remedial training on-site. Franchisees must pay a per diem fee for the trainer’s services and cover all associated travel and lodging costs.

Territory Protection

Cork & Candles provides its franchisees with a limited protected territory, defined after the franchised location is approved. The territory is typically based on factors such as population, demographics, and natural boundaries, with a minimum population threshold of 100,000 individuals or a 4-mile radius if population density is lower.

During the term of the agreement and assuming the franchisee is not in default, no other dedicated Cork & Candles Scent Bar will be permitted within this territory. However, this protection does not grant exclusivity against all forms of competition.

The franchisor reserves the right to operate or allow sales through alternative distribution channels within the franchisee's territory. These include non-traditional venues such as malls, schools, and transportation centers, as well as through online platforms, catalogs, and retail stores.