From Social Media Scroll to Multi-Unit Success: The Pecan Jacks Journey in Sarasota

Cory Mosley • March 2, 2026

Pecan Jacks Sarasota: Now Open at Fruitville

Farms & Lakewood Ranch


Imagine scrolling through Instagram and seeing a flash of color—artisanal pralines, creamy ice cream, and a brand that radiates joy. For Rosemarie and Milton Tembelis, that single moment was the start of a "blessed" new chapter.


We recently sat down with the Tembelis family at their brand-new Pecan Jacks Fruitville Farms location in the Lakewood Ranch community of Sarasota, Florida. After just four weeks of operation, the response has been nothing short of phenomenal.


"I’ve Never Tasted Better Ice Cream"


That is the number one comment the Tembelis family hears from customers walking through their doors. But for Rosemarie and Milton, seasoned business owners themselves, choosing a franchise required more than just a great-tasting scoop. They needed a
proven business model and unwavering support.


"The reviews were a big one for us," Milton explained. "We saw nothing but five-star reviews. Then we took the drive to 30A, met the founders, and tasted the product. The candy, the brittle, the alcohol-infused flavors—it was a no-brainer."


Support That Doesn't End at the Dotted Line


A common fear for prospective franchisees is that the "honeymoon phase" ends the moment the contract is signed. The Tembelis family's experience proves the Pecan Jacks difference.


  • Real-Time Troubleshooting: Whether it’s a quick question or technical help, the corporate team (including founders Tim and Ronnie) is only a five-minute phone call away.
  • Boots on the Ground: The founders were physically present at the Sarasota opening to ensure success.
  • Scalability: Because of this robust support, Rosemarie and Milton aren't just stopping at one store—they are already multi-unit operators with a contract signed for their next location.


Why Sarasota and Lakewood Ranch?


In a state with constant sunshine, a premium dessert destination is a staple. However, Pecan Jacks offers something the competition doesn't: a sophisticated mix of handcrafted Southern confections and adult-friendly treats.


Advice for Prospective Franchisees


When asked what they would say to someone "on the fence" about joining the Pecan Jacks family, Milton’s advice was simple: "Come try it." The product speaks for itself, but the partnership is what builds the future. As Rosemarie noted, "It’s support from the start all the way through."


Ready to Write Your Own Sweet Success Story?


We are looking for passionate partners to help us spread smiles across the country. If you have the work ethic and a love for quality, we have the system to help you thrive.


Pecan Jacks Franchise: Frequently Asked Questions

  • What is the total investment required to open a Pecan Jacks?

    The total estimated initial investment for a Pecan Jacks franchise ranges from $434,961 to $654,880. This includes the initial franchise fee, build-out costs, equipment, signage, initial inventory, and working capital.


  • What are the financial requirements to qualify?

    To ensure our partners are positioned for success, we require:

    • Minimum Liquid Capital: $100,000
    • Minimum Net Worth: $400,000

  • What makes Pecan Jacks different from other dessert franchises?

    Unlike traditional ice cream shops, Pecan Jacks is a dual-revenue model (Ice Cream + Candy Kitchen). Our differentiator is our high-end artisanal quality, featuring:

    • Proprietary Recipes: Small-batch, handmade Southern pralines and brittles.
    • Adult-Friendly Options: A signature line of 21+ liquor-infused ice cream flavors.
    • SBA Approved: We are listed in the SBA Franchise Directory, which can help streamline financing for qualified candidates.
  • Do I need previous experience in the food or confectionery industry?

    While a passion for sweets is required, you don't need to be a master confectioner. We seek partners with strong business acumen and a commitment to community engagement. Our "Pecan Jacks University" and hands-on training programs will teach you everything you need to know about our operations and recipes.

  • What kind of ongoing support will I receive?

    We are a founder-led brand that treats our franchisees like family. Support includes:

    • Site Selection: Expert guidance on finding high-traffic, "vacation-vibe" locations.
    • Marketing: A localized launch package and ongoing brand-wide advertising support.
    • 24/7 Access: Lifetime access to our online training portals and direct lines to our leadership team for troubleshooting.

  • What are the ongoing royalty and marketing fees?

    • Royalty Fee: 6% of gross sales.
    • Brand Marketing Fund: 1.5% of gross sales.

    These fees go directly toward supporting the brand's national growth, technology updates, and innovative product development.

  • Can I own more than one Pecan Jacks location?

    Absolutely. Many of our partners, like the Tembelis family in Sarasota, are multi-unit operators. We offer protected territories for those looking to scale their investment across a specific region.


By Pecan Jacks Franchising LLC February 25, 2026
Pecan Jacks Ice Cream & Candy Kitchen wins the 2026 Diamond Award in the Perfect in Walton County Awards and expands nationwide through franchising. SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL, UNITED STATES, February 25, 2026 / EINPresswire.com / -- Pecan Jacks Ice Cream & Candy Kitchen has been named the Diamond Award Winner in the 2026 Perfect in Walton County Awards, presented by Walton County Tourism . The Diamond Award represents the highest level of recognition in the annual awards program and honors businesses that exemplify excellence, customer experience, and community impact throughout Walton County. Pecan Jacks is widely known for its handcrafted, small-batch ice cream, scratch-made pralines and chocolates, and high-energy retail environments designed to create memorable experiences for families and visitors alike. “This recognition is a testament to our team’s dedication and passion,” said Ronnie Wyatt, Co-Founder of Pecan Jacks. “From the beginning, our goal has been to deliver premium products paired with genuine hospitality. Winning the Diamond Award affirms that commitment.” Co-Founder Tim Wyatt added, “Walton County is home to incredible businesses and a loyal customer base. To be recognized at the Diamond level motivates us to continue elevating the experience we provide every guest who walks through our doors.” The Perfect in Walton County Awards celebrate businesses that define the character and quality of the region. Earning the Diamond distinction places Pecan Jacks among the top-rated retail concepts in the area and reflects its consistent focus on product excellence, operational strength, and community engagement. “This award highlights the strength of the Pecan Jacks brand and the teams who execute at a high level every day,” said Cory Mosley, VP of Growth and Franchise Development. “We are building a nationally recognized sweets brand positioned for continued expansion across the country.” With multiple locations open and additional units in development, Pecan Jacks is actively franchising nationwide . The brand has emerged as one of the fastest-growing sweets concepts in the United States, attracting entrepreneurs seeking a premium, experience-driven retail opportunity. For franchise information, visit: https://www.pecanjacksfranchise.com About Pecan Jacks Ice Cream & Candy Kitchen Pecan Jacks Ice Cream & Candy Kitchen is a premium ice cream and candy franchise known for handcrafted products, vibrant store environments, and strong community engagement. With locations operating in multiple states and continued expansion underway, the brand is focused on delivering exceptional guest experiences while building a nationally recognized sweets franchise. Cory Mosley Pecan Jacks Franchising LLC +1 8502904913 email us here Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram YouTube Legal Disclaimer: EIN Presswire provides this news content "as is" without warranty of any kind. We do not accept any responsibility or liability for the accuracy, content, images, videos, licenses, completeness, legality, or reliability of the information contained in this article. If you have any complaints or copyright issues related to this article, kindly contact the author above.
February 19, 2026
There is a unique kind of magic that happens when a customer falls so in love with a brand that they decide to own a piece of it. Today, we are thrilled to introduce our newest franchisees, Morgan and Sam DeWeese , who are taking their passion for Pecan Jacks to the next level by opening multiple locations! Cory Mosley, VP of Growth & Franchise Development at Pecan Jacks, chats with Morgan and Sam DeWeese. A Love Affair with the Product For Sam, the obsession started eight years ago at our very first location. "I quickly fell in love with the product," Sam shared. "When I learned that all the ice cream was made in-house, that was an absolute game-changer." As a self-proclaimed "Double Scoop Oreo in a Brownie Waffle Cone" enthusiast, Sam noted that it wasn’t just the flavors that impressed him—it was the consistency of the marketing, the quality of the employees, and the "seaside" atmosphere that Pecan Jacks is known for. Navigating the Franchise Journey Transitioning from a customer to an investor is a significant leap. For the DeWeese family, the decision was rooted in the support and transparency provided by the Pecan Jacks team. "We are not familiar with the restaurant industry," Morgan admitted. "We knew the product was great, but we wanted to make sure we had all the tools we needed to be successful. Ken [from the development team] walked us through the process step-by-step, as quickly or slowly as we wanted to go." Why Pecan Jacks? When asked what they would say to someone "on the fence" about investing in a Pecan Jacks, the DeWeese had two pieces of advice: Taste the Product: "Come try all the ice cream you can," says Sam. The quality speaks for itself. Trust the Process: Morgan emphasized that the reality matched the promise. "Everything that y'all said was going to happen has actually happened. I know exactly what to expect." Building a Sweet Future With the support of Pecan Jacks University and our dedicated real estate selection process, Morgan and Sam are well on their way to bringing Southern-inspired joy to their community. Their story is a testament to what happens when quality craftsmanship meets a robust, supportive business model. Are You Ready to Write Your Sweet Success Story? Pecan Jacks is one of the fastest-growing brands emerging in the country. We are looking for passionate individuals who want to build a business that brings smiles to their community.
By Cory Mosley February 13, 2026
What happens when a long-time family vacation tradition turns into a multi-unit business empire? For Russell Gilbert , the answer was found in a scoop of Banana Pudding ice cream. Recently, Cory Mosley, Vice President of Growth and Franchise Development at Pecan Jacks, sat down with Russell in his brand-new Odessa, Texas, location. As the first Texas franchisee, Russell shared his journey from a customer in Santa Rosa Beach to a committed developer of three locations in West Texas. The "Light Bulb" Moment Many franchisees spend months scouring portals for the "perfect" opportunity. For Russell, the opportunity found him. "I had been coming into the Santa Rosa Beach store with my family for years," Russell explains. "The moment I met Tim in the store and he mentioned they were franchising—it was a done deal . " This transition from brand fan to brand owner is a hallmark of the Pecan Jacks family. When you already know the product is superior, the decision to invest becomes a matter of "when," not "if." Moving from Construction to Confections Starting a business can be daunting, especially when dealing with leases, landlords, and build-outs. Russell, a first-time franchise owner, noted that the transition from a "construction site" to a "sweet sanctuary" was made possible by the corporate support team. Initial Setup: Expert knowledge of store layout and equipment. Operations: Hands-on help to move from "soft opening" to full-scale foot traffic. Ongoing Support: Real-time troubleshooting from the Florida-based team. The West Texas Response Though the Odessa location opened with a "soft launch" and minimal advertising, the community response was immediate. "The foot traffic has been fantastic," says Russell. "The community is excited to have something of this quality—something unique—right here in Odessa." This success has only fueled Russell’s excitement for his next two locations . Knowing that the business model resonates in the Texas market has validated his investment and his passion for the brand. The "Taste Test" Conclusion You can't talk to a Pecan Jacks owner without asking about the flavors. While Russell admits it’s a toss-up, his heart belongs to the Peanut Butter Blast in a waffle cone and the classic Banana Pudding pint. A re you ready to bring the "Sweetest Opportunity in America" to your hometown? Whether you’re a long-time fan like Russell or an entrepreneur looking for a proven, high-quality model, we want to hear from you.

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