On the flip side of IPOs, we have start-ups partnering with private equity money in order to hasten expansion and launch new business lines. In January, trendy Los Angeles-based bakery Sprinkles announced it secured an investor in KarpReilly LLC. Now, our sister publication, Nation's Restaurant News, has provided an in-depth look at what exactly Sprinkles executives have in mind.
In addition to opening new cupcake stores both domestically and internationally, Sprinkles would like to open ice-cream and cookie shops. The company already opened one ice-cream shop location last May, next to its original bakery in Beverly Hills. Its goal going forward is to become "the premium dessert brand worldwide," according to President Charles Nelson.