Crumbl Cookies, the pink-box chain that took over TikTok, is shrinking across the U.S. At least 57 Crumbl stores have closed so far in 2026, according to an October report from Restaurant Business, and dozens more franchises are listed for sale. Here is what is happening, the numbers behind it, and what it means if your local Crumbl is on the list.
Key numbers
- 57+ Crumbl locations closed in 2026 so far.
- 55+ franchises listed for sale on broker websites.
- 32% drop in foot traffic year over year in August (Placer.ai).
- $1.14 million: average sales per store in 2025, down from a $1.84 million peak in 2022.
- 1,000+ Crumbl stores still open nationwide.
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Why are Crumbl stores closing?
The short answer: fewer customers and lower sales per store. Placer.ai data cited by TheStreet shows Crumbl foot traffic fell 32% year over year in August 2026. Some franchisees called August the “worst month in company history,” with sales reported to be 70% lower than two years earlier.
Crumbl grew fast, from one shop in Logan, Utah, to more than 1,000 stores. But as more stores opened, each one sold less. Its weekly rotating menu, which once drove long lines, now competes with copycat cookie shops and grocery-store versions. Higher costs for butter, sugar, labor and rent squeeze franchise owners too.
| Year | Average sales per store |
|---|---|
| 2020 | $1.27 million |
| 2021 | $1.69 million |
| 2022 | $1.84 million (peak) |
| 2023 | $1.16 million |
| 2024 | $1.36 million |
| 2025 | $1.14 million |
Source: Restaurant Business / KUTV reporting on Crumbl franchise data.
Which Crumbl locations have closed?
Most closures are decisions by individual franchise owners, so they are spread across the country. Recent examples reported in local news include:
- Paso Robles, California: the Theatre Drive shop closed without notice.
- Easton, Columbus, Ohio: equipment is being auctioned online through Oct. 15.
- St. Matthews, Kentucky: the franchise owners filed for Chapter 7 bankruptcy, with more than $352,000 in liabilities.
- Vienna, Virginia: the chain’s first Virginia store closed in September after six years.
Because each franchise decides on its own, check Crumbl’s app or the store’s page before you drive over.
Leadership changes and layoffs
The closures come during a reported restructuring. Co-founder Sawyer Hemsley announced in May that he was leaving the company, and Crumbl has reportedly laid off workers, though it has not released figures. Some successful franchisees are still opening new stores, so the brand is not disappearing; it is shrinking to fit lower demand.
What it means for customers and franchise buyers
- Gift cards and rewards: use them at another open location; check balances in the Crumbl app.
- Thinking of buying a franchise? With 55+ listed for sale, buyers may find lower prices, but study the falling sales trend and get independent financial advice first.
- Fans of the weekly menu: the rotating flavors continue at open stores.
Crumbl is not alone. Other chains, including Starbucks, are rethinking store formats as customers spend more carefully. Read more: Starbucks tests smaller stores and why Americans worry about a market correction.
Frequently asked questions
Is Crumbl going out of business?
No. Crumbl still has more than 1,000 stores. But at least 57 have closed in 2026 and more than 55 franchises are for sale.
Why is Crumbl closing stores?
Foot traffic and average sales per store have dropped sharply since 2022, while costs have risen for franchise owners.
How many Crumbl stores closed in 2026?
At least 57 as of an October 2026 report by Restaurant Business. Some outlets put the number closer to 60.
How do I know if my Crumbl is closing?
Check the Crumbl app or the store listing. Closures are decided by individual franchisees and can happen quickly.
