Candy Cloud owner Alex Edwards, shown in the corporate offices in Machesney Park, plans to franchise the brand to locations across the region and the country. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

By Mary Sisk
Rock River Current
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ROCKFORD — Candy Cloud’s owners want their store to be a nationwide name, and they’re starting by franchising locally.

Owners Alex and Paityn Edwards began accepting franchise applications in October and are now looking for franchisees in cities such as Madison and Milwaukee.

“We’re looking to have around 10 stores open next year; that’s our goal,” Alex Edwards said. “Once we get our feet wet and get that all figured out, we plan on starting to expand into other states. We definitely, long-term, plan on making this a nationwide thing.”

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The decision to franchise came to the owners shortly after opening the Rockford location at 6286 E. State St. in March.

“When we started Candy Cloud, as far as the storefront goes, we built it out with the intentions of growth,” Edwards said. “We really like the idea of having people invest in Candy Cloud and believe in Candy Cloud to be able to run those stores.”

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Candy Cloud’s seasonal Midnight Collection, which was available in fall, featured dragonfruit potion, butterbeer slush float and caramel apple potion in Rockford. (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

The owners have interested franchisees lined up and hope to open new locations in April or May. The new shops will look extremely similar to the original storefront with some minor changes.

It’s a priority for some of the future Candy Cloud locations to have a drive-thru, Edwards said.

“We do see the future of Candy Cloud being drive-thru, 100%.”

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Edwards is enthusiastic about the new locations and growing Candy Cloud.

“I’m super excited about it,” Edwards said. “This is a great opportunity for us and franchisees.”

How to apply as a franchisee

More information on franchising and how to apply can be found on Candy Cloud’s website, candycloudfranchising.com.

Candy Cloud, which makes specialty drinks and coffees, is located at 6286 E. State St. in Rockford.  (Photo by Kevin Haas/Rock River Current)

This article is by Mary Sisk. Email her at msisk@rockrivercurrent.com or follow her on Instagram at @maryrrcurrent