About Cork & Candles Scent Bar Franchise
Cork and Candles Scent Bar is an experiential retail franchise under parent company Cork and Candles Inc., offering opportunities since 2023.
Each location invites customers to create their own custom scented candles, selecting from a wide variety of fragrance oils and vessel options.
The brand combines a hands on creative experience with a retail shopping environment for premade candles, home fragrances, and gift items.
Cork & Candles Scent Bar Franchise Cost & Fees
Minimum Investment
$216K
Average Investment
$268K
Maximum Investment
$320K
| Fee Type | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 | One-time payment upon signing |
| Royalty Fee | 7% of Gross Revenue of gross sales | Ongoing; paid monthly |
| Marketing/Ad Fund | 2% of Gross Revenue (Brand Fund) plus $750/month or 1% of Gross Revenue for local marketing, whichever is greater | National brand fund |
| Total Investment Range | $216,268 – $320,347 | Includes build-out, inventory, working capital |
The investment range of $216K–$320K reflects variability in build-out costs, store size, lease terms, and market. The combined royalty (7% of Gross Revenue) and marketing fee (2% of Gross Revenue (Brand Fund) plus $750/month or 1% of Gross Revenue for local marketing, whichever is greater) are ongoing costs paid as a percentage of gross sales.
Investment Breakdown (Item 7)
| Item | Low | High |
|---|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $40,000 | $40,000 |
| Your Training Expenses | $1,250 | $3,450 |
| Premises Deposits | $14,700 | $18,075 |
| Leasehold Improvements, Construction and/or Remodeling | $35,000 | $69,500 |
| Furniture and Fixtures | $44,800 | $68,800 |
| Exterior & Interior Signage | $1,750 | $7,000 |
| Equipment | $10,398 | $12,398 |
| Computer Systems | $4,600 | $4,600 |
| Initial Inventory to Begin Operating | $16,010 | $20,265 |
| Supplies | $2,230 | $4,029 |
| Professional Fees | $6,500 | $16,000 |
| Grand Opening Advertising | $2,500 | $3,500 |
| Business Licenses and Permits | $800 | $5,000 |
| Insurance | $2,500 | $3,750 |
| Additional Funds – 3 months | $33,230 | $43,980 |
Additional Fees (Item 6)
| Fee Type | Amount |
|---|---|
| Transfer Fee | 50% of then-current Initial Franchise Fee; $1,500 for entity restructuring transfers |
| Renewal Fee | 20% of then-current Initial Franchise Fee |
| Technology Fee | $150/month (Internal Systems Fee), subject to increase up to $300 |
| Audit Fee | Cost of examination plus related expenses if understatement of 2% or more |
| Late Charge | $150 per occurrence |
| Interest Charge | 18% per annum |
| NSF Fee | $50 per occurrence |
| Relocation Fee | 15% of then-current Initial Franchise Fee |
| Additional Training | Up to $500/person/day |
| Conference/Business Meeting | Up to $1,500 registration fee per person annually |
| Critical Operations Standard Violation Fee | $450 - $1,000 |
| Remedial Training Fee | $400/day per trainer plus travel expenses |
| Interim Management Support Fee | 20% of Gross Revenue during management period plus expenses |
| Music Streaming Service | $15/month |
| Quality Review Services | Actual costs |
Training Program (Item 11)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Total Duration | Approximately 10 days (80 total hours) |
| Classroom Training | 28 hours |
| On-the-Job Training | 52 hours |
| Training Location | Philadelphia, PA area (headquarters and/or affiliate-owned outlet) |
| Additional Training | Up to 3 days on-site training at opening; mandatory additional training up to 10 days per year including annual conference |
Territory Rights (Item 12)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Territory Type | Protected |
| Exclusive Territory | No |
| Territory Size | Minimum population of 100,000 individuals; if fewer than 100,000 within 4-mile radius, then 4-mile radius; captive market venues limited to that venue |
| Description | Limited protected territory defined by zip codes and/or marked map. Franchisor will not open another dedicated Cork & Candles outlet or grant rights to do so within the territory, but reserves rights for alternative distribution channels, non-traditional venues, and internet/catalog sales within territory. |
Renewal, Termination & Transfer (Item 17)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Initial Term | 10 years |
| Renewal Term | 10 years |
| Renewal Fee | 20% of then-current Initial Franchise Fee |
| Renewal Conditions | Must be in full compliance; no more than 3 defaults during current term; provide written notice at least 6 months before end of term; execute new franchise agreement; update to current trade dress; execute general release; complete additional training |
| Transfer Fee | 50% of then-current Initial Franchise Fee; $1,500 for entity restructuring transfers |
| Transfer Conditions | Franchisor must decline right of first refusal; transferee must meet current standards, sign current franchise agreement, complete training; all debts paid; general release signed |
| Termination for Cause | 5 days to cure non-payments; immediate termination for insolvency, bankruptcy, felony conviction, fraud, cease operations for 5+ days, unauthorized transfer, and other specified defaults |
| Non-Compete Period | 24 months after termination, within 20 miles of former outlet or any other Cork & Candles outlet |
| Non-Compete Details | Cannot divert customers to competitors; cannot participate as owner, investor, officer, director, employee, or agent in any competing business within 20-mile radius |
Operations & Supply (Items 8 & 15)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Owner-Operator Required | Yes |
| Participation Details | Franchisee must personally supervise, devote full time, and manage day-to-day operations. A non-owner manager may be appointed only with franchisor's prior written approval, and must complete Initial Training Program. |
| Required Suppliers | Yes, franchisees must purchase all equipment, fixtures, inventory, supplies and services from designated suppliers or in accordance with franchisor specifications |
| Supply Restrictions | Approximately 55% of establishment costs and 33% of ongoing operating costs must come from approved suppliers |
| Franchisor Revenue from Suppliers | No revenue from franchisee required purchases in fiscal year ending June 30, 2023; franchisor may receive rebates or discounts in the future |
Financing (Item 10)
| Detail | Information |
|---|---|
| Financing Available | No |
| Description | Franchisor does not offer direct or indirect financing and does not guarantee any note, lease, or obligation |
Cork & Candles Scent Bar Franchise Earnings — Item 19
Average Revenue
$697K
Revenue Range
$697K – $697K
Sample Size
1 units
Past financial performance does not guarantee future results. Individual results will vary.
Cork & Candles Scent Bar Litigation & Risk Flags
Clean Litigation RecordCork & Candles Scent Bar has no pending litigation actions listed in their FDD. There is also no bankruptcy history disclosed.
Litigation and bankruptcy data is sourced from Items 3 and 4 of the FDD. Always verify current status directly from the most recent FDD.
Cork & Candles Scent Bar System Growth
Total Units
2
Franchised
0
Company-Owned
2
Cork & Candles Scent Bar currently operates 0 franchised locations and 2 company-owned units. Unit count data is sourced from Item 20 of the FDD.
Unit History (Item 20)
| Year | Opened | Closed | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| 2021 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | 1 | 0 | 1 |
| 2023 | 1 | 0 | 2 |
Transfers: 0 | Closures: 0
State Registrations
Registered in 2 states: MD, RI
Cork & Candles Scent Bar Franchise — FAQ
The total investment to open a Cork & Candles Scent Bar franchise ranges from $216,268 to $320,347, per their Franchise Disclosure Document. This includes the initial franchise fee of $40,000. The investment covers build-out, inventory, equipment, signage, working capital, and other startup costs.
Cork & Candles Scent Bar charges a royalty fee of 7% of Gross Revenue of gross sales, plus a 2% of Gross Revenue (Brand Fund) plus $750/month or 1% of Gross Revenue for local marketing, whichever is greater contribution to the marketing/advertising fund. These fees are paid on an ongoing basis.
You can download the Cork & Candles Scent Bar Franchise Disclosure Document free on this page. The FDD is a public document filed with state franchise registries. Always also request the current FDD directly from Cork & Candles Scent Bar to ensure you have the most up-to-date version.
According to the Item 19 financial performance representation in their FDD, Cork & Candles Scent Bar franchise owners report average revenue of $697K. This is based on a sample of 1 units. Past performance does not guarantee future results.
Cork & Candles Scent Bar has been franchising since 2023. The FDD shows an investment range of $216,268-$320,347, a 7% of Gross Revenue royalty, and includes an Item 19 earnings disclosure. There is no pending litigation. Review the full FDD and contact current franchisees listed in Item 20 before making any investment decision.
The franchise fee is $40,000 and the total investment ranges from $216,268 to $320,347 depending on location size and market. Contact the franchisor directly for current net worth and liquid capital requirements, territory availability, and application details.
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Data Source & Disclaimer: This website is for informational purposes only. It is not an offer to sell or buy a franchise. This profile is based on publicly available FDD data sourced from state franchise registry filings. All information is for research purposes only and does not constitute legal, financial, or investment advice. Data may be outdated or contain errors. Always obtain the current FDD directly from Cork & Candles Scent Bar and consult a qualified franchise attorney before making any investment decision. FranchiseOverview.com is operated by Franchising Compliance, LLC and is not affiliated with Cork & Candles Scent Bar or any of its subsidiaries. To report an inaccuracy: info@franchiseoverview.com