The short answer
Crumbl Cookies is owned mainly by its two co-founders, Jason McGowan and Sawyer Hemsley, who started the company in Logan, Utah in 2017. Reporting in 2025 put McGowan's stake at about 58% and Hemsley's at about 32%, with private-equity firm TSG Consumer Partners holding a minority stake of roughly 8%. That means the founders still control the company.
The bakery you walk into is a different story: almost every Crumbl store is owned by a local franchisee, not by Crumbl corporate. Crumbl's 2026 franchise disclosure reported 1,101 franchised locations at the end of 2025 and no company-owned stores.
Who started Crumbl?
Crumbl was founded by cousins Jason McGowan and Sawyer Hemsley. The first store opened in Logan, Utah, in 2017, near Utah State University. The idea was simple: one great chocolate chip cookie, plus a menu that changes every week, served in the now-famous pink box. Weekly rotation and TikTok-friendly flavor reveals are what turned a single college-town bakery into a national chain in a few years.
Who is Crumbl's CEO in 2026?
Jason McGowan served as CEO from the start, with Hemsley as chief brand officer. In May 2026, the founders announced they would step back from day-to-day roles and began searching for a new executive team: McGowan said he would step down as CEO, Hemsley as chief brand officer, and CTO Bryce Redd would also leave. Both founders stay on as directors, and McGowan stays as chairman of the board.
If you are reading this after the search wraps up, the new CEO's name will be in Crumbl's own press releases and in business outlets like Nation's Restaurant News. We update this page when it's announced.
Is Crumbl a franchise? Who owns my local store?
Yes. Crumbl grows almost entirely through franchising. A franchisee pays Crumbl a franchise fee and ongoing royalties, and in return gets the brand, recipes, weekly menu and app. That is why you will sometimes notice small differences between stores — opening hours, whether there's a drive-thru, how fast curbside is — even though the weekly lineup is the same nationwide. If you want the numbers behind becoming an owner, see our Crumbl franchise cost guide.
Where did Crumbl start, and where is it based?
Crumbl started in Logan, Utah and is still a Utah-based company. Utah remains one of its densest markets — you can browse cities in our Utah locations guide or start from the nationwide store directory.
Why ownership questions keep coming up
Most people searching "who owns Crumbl" have heard a rumor — that Crumbl was sold, is closing, or is owned by a big food conglomerate. As of October 2026 none of that is true: the founders still hold the large majority, and the company is changing its management team, not its owners. For closure and lawsuit news, read Is Crumbl closing? Latest Crumbl news.
Sources we checked
We link to reporting rather than repeating rumors. Figures can change, so treat them as a snapshot from the date above.