If you need baking supplies, this is the best place to get them. From pans, to flavors to color to boxes and stencils, they have it all. They even offer classes for those looking to learn how to bake and decorate. I highly recommend. read more

They have everything a baker needs. I love this store. Molds cookie cutters boxes bags oh my!! If you need it go there. They have it.

What a fun store. They have everything you would need. Staff was wonderful and showed by us stuff since it was our first time in. The store is laid out very well. We will be back. Thank you! read more

Fran's has every and anything I've ever needed for my cakes and bakes. I've taken two classes at Fran's with two different instructors, and both were incredible! I learned so much and Dawn and Laura both are fantastic. Can't wait for my next class! Thanks so much to all at Fran's! read more

I have been going here for years. The shop has the friendliest and most helpful staff. They have quite a good selection for us bakers.

Bought admission ticket for a Holiday reindeer cake decorating class ($209.93). One day prior I fell ill with COVID and they wouldn't refund the fee due to their strict cancellation policy. They were unwilling to work with me given the atypical circumstances - wouldn't even give me store credit. No value in their customers. They would have preferred I attend to avoid losing my money but I thought it would be irresponsible given my respiratory illness. Very unfortunate. I was also planned to attend a fresh evergreen design class at Merrifield garden center in Fairfax (Fairoaks) after the cake decorating class and Merrifield garden center refunded my money and thanked me as a valued customer. Big difference in service. read more

I love this place. My cousin and I just did a class here yesterday and it was so much fun. We did the ice cream cone drip cake class with Mayra and it was amazing. I have never in my life been able to decorate a cake the way she taught us. She went though each step slowly enough to follow along and was so sweet and walked person to person showing us tips and tricks and everything. Fran's the store is going to be my newest addiction as well. They have every kind of cake and sweet making supply you could possibly ever dream of. I can't wait to come back to shop for Halloween and Christmas stuff! I'll definite be taking more classes as well! read more

Fran's Cake & Candy Supplies - Our class cakes! - Bakeries Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

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As we head back into lockdown, I knew I wanted to stock up on some "quarantine hobbies" to keep me busy / keep me from losing my insanity with a four year old. Our activity of choice? Hot chocolate bombs! With supplies being sold out EVERYWHERE, I decided to stop into this unassuming cakeshop off 50 in Fairfax. It looks like hot chocolate bomb fever also hit this shop because they were completely wiped out of round silicone molds but the two ladies running the shop were SO helpful in finding other alternatives for me. As others have mentioned, the store is not super aesthetically pleasing (think of it as a cake depot but they do carry everything from sprinkles, edible glitter, cake toppers, pants, chocolate wafers and more. The helpful service you receive can't be beat either! I even made socially distanced friends with a grandma who was also making hot chocolate bombs this Thanksgiving weekend with her granddaughter. Love this type of community feel! I'll be back (if my hot chocolate bomb project works out). read more

So happy I live near here and can visit often to get my baking supplies. Everyone is friendly and helpful. I have taken one class so far and it was informative and enjoyable. read more

TLDR: A gem of a store with competitive pricing. I love this store. A friend of mine who works as a professional pastry chef told me about Fran's years ago and it's my favorite place to shop for cake supplies. For my latest project I upgraded a lot of kitchen /baking gear and read reviews of unknown items on Amazon first before purchasing, because I wasn't familiar with some brands. I'm a home baker with no training or expertise. I just have fun making cakes sometimes, so I rely on reviews to know what I'm getting. Ordering online with Fran's was simple, and everything I bought was carefully packed into sturdy paper bags ready for pickup. If you know what you want and order pickup it's a very fast process. Also? Reading those online reviews of products firms up my confidence that whatever you're buying from Fran's will be good quality. I tried out a clear cake box and holy crap I'm never looking back. For the record: Though I never intended to purchase from Amazon (I like to support my local stores) everything I got from Fran's was the same price or slightly cheaper than the same items on Amazon, some of which weren't even eligible for Prime shipping. I saw zero down side in sticking with my beloved local shop. read more

About a 2.5: Fran's Cake & Candy Supplies is a small little 'depot' store that offers a selection of supplies and baking/decorating classes. Some items you could find are candy and chocolate molds, wedding accessories, icing, fondant icing, edible images, various cake decorations, sprinkles, cookie cutters, baking pans, gum paste flowers, brushes/spatulas, candles, and decorating bags. I didn't find things 'all over the floor' as some have stated, but just wire racks filled with items. In the front, it's mostly icings, frostings, cookie cutters, and cake decorations; midway, you'll see some molds; in the back are gift bags/boxes, candy molds in bulk bags, and candles. Some seem to have been on the shelves for a while (such as the molds and the decorative pieces), and others seems to be the best-selling (such as the melts in the back). This isn't a boutique or an emporium, but set-up like a small little depot. However, the prices are a little steep, and you may find the items cheaper online or at other local craft/art stores. However, they may carry some more 'obscure' items that you can purchase just for convenience sake. There was only one employee there when I went, but she was friendly. Just note that the store is a little dark, and it's hard to find the labels and the pricings. There seems to be mostly bakers coming in to stock up on decorations and melts. Free parking in the shared plaza lot. +melts in bulk in the back +cake decorative pieces +friendly SA +steeper prices +free parking in shared plaza lot read more

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Has everything you need and they will put an order in an Uber for you if you're in a pinch.

I *adore* this gem of a cake and candy supply store! Wanted to try an experiment with fondant and scoured pretty much the entire D.C./MD/VA area for a cake supply store that carried not just fondant but also supplies. Found Fran's on Google and drove over 30mins to check it out. Amazing selection of all sorts of -- take a guess -- cake and candy supplies, as well as fondant in 2lb and 5lb tubs. Only thing they didn't have were fondant rolling pins in the size I was looking for, but I ended up getting an aluminum rolling pin at Williams Sonoma (for an outrageous price). Kid and I spent an hour in the store, though ... ended up buying about ten cookie cutters (an extensive selection makes it super hard to resist) plus extra spatulas and specialty food coloring colors. Wish it wasn't so far from us but we'll definitely be returning! read more

Love this place! They have everything I need for my business. Equally important, the staff is always friendly and helpful. I've called in a panic racing to get there before they close and they were kind enough to pull my items and stay open a few minutes late to accommodate me. read more

Cake Decorating Class Review: I did not have a good experience and here is why: Minus 1-Star: Class - We were packed into a small tight area, like sardines. Either: (a) make the class smaller, or (b) GIVE us more space. My class time was from 11am - 1pm (so over lunch time). At one point, I pulled out a protein bar and had finished it slowly about 2/3's of the way, when the instructor asked me to put it away. My phone was laying right next to it (she didn't ask me to put that away and we weren't even touching the cake) and neither of those things bothered anyone, since it was So close to me. So- you want a Breastfeeding mom to starve?! Then please do everyone a favor and do not hold a class over LUNCH time. Also- the instructor mentioned how time was so important and that she used to say "yes" to every baking opportunity asked of her, but now no longer chooses to do so and is very selective about what she says "yes" to. The class ran over 35 minutes. Can you also be cognizant of other people's time? I live 35 minutes away from Fran's and left my little ones for 3 hours on a weekend - BIG Deal in a mom's book. Minus 1-Star: Temperature - It was FREEZING in there (and this is coming from someone who can stand a good deal of extreme weather having worked in Construction). It was about 49 degrees outside that particular day and it was about 55 degrees inside. I get it, you don't want to melt the chocolate, but Then store the chocolate another way because having a class when it is basically as cold as it was OUTside was such a turn off. Minus 1-Star: Customer Service. It was 2 elder ladies working the store on a Saturday. I watched them "help" out customers throughout the 2.5-hour class. They acted like the Customer was helping Them out. I also asked to use the restroom a couple minutes after checking in for the class. The lady paused, then ushered me to the back, insisting it was not for customers, but since I was taking a class, I was "ok" to use the restroom; I did not see her giving the same speech to any other student in the class. Coincidentally, it is the only bathroom/sink in the store and we All (in the class) has to use it once during the class to wash our hands. Uh, hello? Did you think people would just hold their pee or leave the class with caked, dirty-frosted hands?? Plus 1-Star: I learned some things, yes. The store had plenty of baking needs with fair prices, but in my opinion, so do Kitchen Outlet and Online Retailers in the DMV. Summary: Please, do not give these people any of your hard-earned money. Not worth it. read more

As a small biz owner for 10 years, I find customer service to be the number one priority in running a successful business. And here goes...I had never been to Frans before. So I decided to sign up for the mommy and me baking class. It seemed like a fun activity to do with my eldest daughter (I have 3) for a little bonding time! I am also paid to promote small businesses through social media and I love supporting locals! I quickly realized that the class fell on Mother's Day. Not wanting to leave my 2nd daughter at home on Mother's Day (I didn't want her to feel left out) I took her to the baking class thinking it would be NBD. First off-I showed up to the class with my daughters (10 & 6yo) and the instructor was 20 minutes late. Then once they realized I had 2 daughters, I was shamed not only by the instructor but by the woman working the front desk, who then proceeded to call the owner bc "they had never been put in this situation before!" (Srsly? No one else has multiple children) Mind you, the class was not cheap-it was $90 to bake a cake. I was then asked to speak to the owner who told me I needed to pay an additional $40 for my second daughter. At that point, being Mother's Day(where I think Mothers should be celebrated and appreciated) and The poor treatment I was given by 3 people, plus the $130 they wanted me to pay for a flipping cake- I asked for my money back. I was feeling super uncomfortable and seriously un-welcomed. The owner told me she would not refund my money so I told her I would not pay extra for my daughter and we sat through the class bc I refused to let them get the best of me. We all three shared the cake tasks (the horror!) they said the extra money they were going to charge me was for the extra frosting they needed to give my second daughter. ‍ seriously?!? To the owners and staff-please make it mandatory to read and discuss "Hug Your Customer" I promise this will help you in your business and help you build a repeat customer following. I will not be that repeat customer for you-but that's okay...I apparently don't count! read more

Fran's Cake & Candy Supplies - a woman and three children - Bakeries Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

Frans has been my go to store for years now. Yes, you can buy things from michaels and other places, but it just feels better when you support small businesses. As for prices, as people mentioned, yes some can be expensive. But if your looking for things for a small little project, maybe you should try a craft store. Frans is for all, but is mainly focused on stocking items for baking and candy companies. As I own a cake company, I have not found pricing to be any more expensive than what I would find online. As for the staff, everyone is so helpful here and create such a familial atmosphere. They have hired more employees which I am sure has been super helpful. I remember when there were just two. Even then, they were always happy to help. Overall, Frans is amazing. If you're in the baking or candy business, this store is for you. And if you need to buy anything they don't have you can always ask them to stock it for you, for next time. read more

I think this store can be perfect for the right person. They have a large selection of candy melts, cookie cutters, packaging, and flavorings. I was more interested in finding stuff like spatulas and bowl scrapers. They didn't have as big of a section for the items I wanted. You can also probably get everything you need from amazon, but it was nice to support a local business. The store is dark and cramped. It can be hard to find things since it is a bit disorganized and everything is packed in so tightly. I found the wall of cookie cutters to be rather overwhelming. However, the staff members know where everything is. read more

This place is a gem! It has EVERYTHING baking at a very reasonable price. I stopped shopping from Amazon and I drive 45 min to get to this place to shop. I feel committed to shop from stores like Fran's than big shops. Also the staff and the owner are very nice! read more

Everyone that works there is incredibly helpful and friendly. Even on the rare occasion that they don't have what we're looking for, I still walk out of there having had a pleasant experience. They seem to genuinely love baking and have lots of ideas and advice. read more

Has so far met my needs for my small business(follow Messy_Batch_Chocolates_Co on Instagram)! The only thing I would love, even if they would sell it seasonally, is some colored cocoa butter for chocolates! But love them and their customer service! But they have like 99.9 of what I need and I appreciate that! read more

I am baking a cake for my son's birthday for the first time, and not only do they help me find the things I need but also give me great advice. Super friendly makes you feel comfortable to ask questions and doesn't make you feel like you bothered them. Everything is so organized. I am super impressed. read more

I heard the rumors but didn't believe it. But today I needed some candy making supplies and I wanted something specific. This standalone shop is located in a strip mall at the corner of Main and Chestnut next to 7-11. There are no fancy shelves or directional signs just boxes and packages laying on the floor and a few things on pegboards. BUT, they have everything you could imagine and the staff is so helpful. I immediately asked for help and was brought over to a plethora of supplies to fulfill my job! Pricing is good, in my opinion, and variety is plentiful. So....if you are ever in the mood to make cute candies or desserts, this is the place to shop! read more

Fran's Cake & Candy Supplies - Blue candy melts, fancy sticks and bags are supplies that I bought! - Bakeries Near Me - Fairfax, Virginia

Some people go to the mall, I go to Fran's when I want to kill time and chat about cakes to people who want to hear about them! The new owner, Debbie, has made a HUGE effort to reorganize and tidy up the place. It's magical! I can find almost anything I need for making a cake or other treats and it's comparable to any online store in prices too except here I can actually TOUCH and SEE it in person before committing to buying it! I also love I can get Merkens chocolate here too! Great stuff, so tasty and so many fun colors!!! Customer for life! read more

Wide selection of tools and supplies and everyone who works there is incredibly friendly and helpful. For example, when I bought a half-sphere cake pan awhile back, I was given many helpful tips and suggestions on how to get an even bake. A trip to Fran's is always a pleasure. read more

Completely humbled by the owner and Mary(who is a local and regular shopper there). A lady started speaking to me about the store, I.told her I absolutely loved the store since there weren't any in Jacksonville NC, like this and that my husband knows cake supply stores are hard to find and wanted me to get somethings for myself. The woman asked if we were okay. I explained we made rhe right choice due to the tree falling on it. She came up to me afterwards and gave me a gift card. She and the owner paid for what I was planning on getting. It brought me to tears. Other then their sweet hearts the shop was clean, perfect, well organized. I felt the prices were more then fair on items I know is hard for me to get in NC. I would love to come back of we are in the area. Thank you. read more

We found ourselves in Fairfax with a few minutes to spare and I needed a place with gelatin leaves/sheets for a fancy Easter dessert recipe. We called ahead and they had them! I wish we had had more time to spend browsing, because there was so much fun baking stuff to see, all very neatly organized! The cookie cutter collection alone was a whole aisle, and each design was hung on a peg so you could see what they had without rummaging around. The people who work there are very knowledgeable and helpful, asking if we needed direction when we walked in the door (which we did). I'm sad we don't live closer - it's a bit of a hike to get over there - but I'm glad to know it exists so I can call again if I need some difficult to find baking ingredient! read more

Overpriced and unorganized, in my opinion. The interior isn't inviting and the selection was just okay.. I feel like you could get a lot of the supplies at a dollar store for 1/4 the price, if not less. Will not be back! read more

I've read some of the other reviews about the "non-inviting interior", etc, and yes- it is not the most up-to-date and modern of stores. HOWEVER- the selection is fantastic and for those who state that Fran's is overpriced haven't done a recent comparison of prices. I recently got into cookie baking and design and wanted to update my cookie cutter selection. I looked on Amazon, some Etsy sites, and some sites that only sell their own brand of cutters. What would have cost me $5.99 on average through Amazon and the brand website cost me anywhere between $1.70 and $2.50 at Fran's. Not only were the prices less expensive, the inventory of cutters, cake supplies, Candy supplies, flavorings, gel dyes, etc is impressive. However, even if they were the same cost or even a little higher than others retailers what keeps me coming back over and over is the service. Helpful and informative and kind to boot. Can't ask for much more. Any cons? Ok, again it's not the most glamorous and modern of stores but this is very easy to overlook when faced with all of the pros! read more

Always worth the trip.... Fran seemed distracted but once we were ready to pay she perked up. It's always cold also... but never disappointed in inventory/ supplies read more

This is my go to place for my amateur baking adventures. The store has been amazingly organized and the staff are very kind and helpful! read more

Recall the feeling of overwhelming love and happiness to the point where you just might shed a tear and that my friends is just how a cake and candy enthusiast may feel at Fran's. I was in cake heaven! Sure it's not a fancy shmancy store. I'm not gonna sugar coat it (or should I?), with the amount of things there are in there, it does look a little crazy. But, hey, there are shelves and racks, things are labeled, and there is a decent degree of organization. What matters is, they literally have everything you can think of for your cake and candy needs. EV-ERY-THING. Xanthum gum, pre-dyed frostings, a large variety of sugar flowers (I even found sugar baby booties for my baby shower cupcakes!), candy molds organized by occasion!, linzer cookie cutters, books, colored oils, sprinkles, a large selection of cupcake liners, the list can go on and on. If I wanted to make "Girls Night Out" themed cupcakes, Fran's has me covered. The staff here are wonderful as well - offering their suggestions, options, and ideas. Sally (the owner) was so friendly, very helpful and knowledgeable when I wanted to know how to dye my candy melts. Last two pluses: They offer classes and they recycle. I think I found a new place to spend all my money...Completely and totally in love with Fran's. read more

Apparently this place has been here a couple years but I never noticed it until recently. It sells almost anything you could ever need to bake cupcakes or make candy. Stop going to your local arts and crafts store and come here. Fran's has got it all. The store is a bit dark and messy, but everything is basically set up by category - flavors and dyes, baking pans and sheets, packaging, sprinkles, etc. I've only ever seen one person working here the many times I've visited who I assume is Fran. She's very friendly, unfortunately if it's busy, you don't get too much personal attention, but with one person it is hard to cater to many customers. I highly recommend this place to anyone who loves to bake sweets. It's a great one stop shop. read more

Yes, it looks a bit like a cake hoarder's paradise with all of the stuff laying around but seriously, this is my go-to place. She has everything one needs for cookies, cakes, and cupcakes and if she doesn't have it, she'll get it. I appreciate the variety and the price points are good. The person who owns the store (I can't remember her name) is incredibly helpful. If you ask her for ideas, she'll provide suggestions and really think things through with you. She asks questions to get a better understanding of your ability level and then suggests things from there. It's a hidden gem that every wanna-be and professional cake decorator needs to check out! read more

I love this place. I shop there often. The owner Debbie is such a nice person and is always helpful.

LOVE Fran's!!! They have so much great supplies. I chocolate cover EVERYthing! The people always willing to help with problems I might have. read more

While they do have a great variety of items you'd expect to find in a cake and candy shop, the sheer messiness of the store is overwhelming! I guess you could ask the owner for help, however when I was there she didn't seem to be in the best mood and I was afraid to approach her. It's a shame because it is a useful store. They need one of those hoarders teams to come in and organize the place!! read more

This is the only game in town folks, so thank your lucky stars it's legit. I found everything I needed today, and the woman was very helpful. Bittersweet chocolate is hard to find, but she had it in discs and weighed it out for me. YES. There's nothing I hate more than breaking up huge blocks of chocolate. Boxes and whatnot are fairly priced, as are cupcake papers and tools. She carries a wide range of flavorings and food coloring; I'll be back for sure. I could spend a million bucks in there. read more

I love Frans!!! They always have exactly what you need. It's clean, neat and fresh. Debbie came in and did a entire transformation.

Came for gelatin sheets. They had everything. A real bakers paradise. It's the place to get the items you can't get anywhere else. If you need it for baking they have it and they don't charge sur la table prices. read more