When franchisees Sherika and Mae Ekpo unlock the doors each morning to Pecan Jacks Ice Cream & Candy Kitchen in West Midtown, it’s not just another workday—it’s a chance to make someone’s day a little sweeter. Since opening their Atlanta shop just eight months ago, the husband-and-wife team has watched a steady stream of customers discover (and quickly develop an appreciation for) the vibrant, beach-born brand that has become a Georgia favorite over time.

Now, their efforts—and the enthusiasm of their loyal guests—have earned Pecan Jacks a notable “Best of Georgia” nomination from the Georgia Business Journal in the Ice Cream category.

From Virginia Roots to the Florida Coast

Before it became a Gulf Coast sensation, Pecan Jacks began much farther north — in Virginia, where founders Veronica “Ronnie” and Tim Wyatt first started experimenting with small-batch sweets and hand-poured chocolates. What started as a creative outlet gradually evolved into a full-fledged passion project built on craftsmanship, flavor, and fun.

Seeking sunshine and inspiration, the Wyatts relocated their growing confectionery concept to Santa Rosa Beach, Florida, where Pecan Jacks truly flourished. There, they began blending the art of ice cream making with their love of Southern hospitality — creating a brand that aims to celebrate joy in every scoop.

“From day one, we wanted to create something that could make people happy,” Ronnie Wyatt recalls. “Ice cream and chocolate have a way of bringing people together — and that’s what we wanted Pecan Jacks to be about.”

From its colorful coastal storefront, Pecan Jacks gradually built a loyal following among both locals and vacationers. And for years, many of those devoted fans happened to be Georgians.

“Atlanta was a natural fit,” says Cory Mosley, VP of Growth and Franchise Development for Pecan Jacks. “So many of our loyal guests are from Georgia. Bringing Pecan Jacks to Atlanta was a way to give them that vacation feeling all year long.”

Meet the Ekpos: The Heart Behind West Midtown’s Sweetest Shop

That feeling now lives on at 800 Marietta Street NW, Suite E, where Sherika and Mae Ekpo have turned their corner of West Midtown into a hub of happiness. Walk inside and you’re greeted by a cheerful burst of color, the hum of laughter, and the scent of freshly made waffle cones. Behind the counter, gleaming tubs of small-batch ice cream tempt with flavors that range from nostalgic to daring.

For the Ekpos, owning a Pecan Jacks franchise was a chance to merge their love for community with a business built on smiles.

“We didn’t just want to run a store,” Sherika explains. “We wanted to create a space where people could feel good the moment they walk in.”

That passion is paying off. Locals have embraced the shop as a neighborhood favorite—families stop in after dinner, couples linger over scoops, and Georgia Tech students make it a daily escape from the academic grind.

“Sherika and Mae are a perfect example of what makes our brand special,” says Mosley. “They’re committed to quality, connection, and creating joy. Their dedication has been instrumental in earning this nomination.”

Flavors Worth Celebrating

Ask any fan what keeps them coming back, and the answer is simple: the ice cream. Pecan Jacks’ menu is a love letter to flavor, crafted with meticulous attention to detail. Each batch is churned with high-quality ingredients and a touch of Southern indulgence.

There’s Butter Pecan, a Southern classic made with creamy vanilla ice cream and roasted Georgia pecans for a rich, nutty finish. Key Lime Pie brings a burst of tangy key lime flavor blended with buttery graham cracker crumbles for that perfect balance of sweet and tart. And Red Velvet delivers a decadent twist on a bakery favorite — smooth red velvet ice cream swirled with ribbons of cream cheese frosting for a luscious, cake-inspired treat.

Then comes the brand’s signature twist — the 21+ liquor-infused ice creams — where dessert meets happy hour. Flavors like Bourbon Pecan Praline, Chocolate Whiskey, and Kahlúa Espresso offer an elegant, adults-only indulgence that feels both fun and refined.

Beyond ice cream, Pecan Jacks is equally celebrated for its handcrafted chocolates, pralines, and brittles, each made in-house with the same small-batch precision that defines the brand.

“Everything we do is about quality and creativity,” says Ronnie Wyatt. “We make it by hand, we make it with love, and we make it to be shared.”

A Celebration of Community

The Best of Georgia nomination is about more than ice cream. It’s a testament to how quickly Pecan Jacks has become part of the fabric of Atlanta’s food scene. The Ekpos have built relationships with their neighbors, supported local events, and created a space that feels both familiar and new.

“When you walk in, you might see a group of kids with chocolate-stained smiles next to a couple on a date night,” Mae says with a grin. “It’s everyone together, enjoying the same thing. That’s what makes it special.”

For Mosley, that sense of connection is exactly what Pecan Jacks hopes to bring to every market.

“Our franchise owners aren’t just running businesses—they’re creating community hubs,” he says. “It’s about sharing joy and building something meaningful.”

Building Sweet Futures

The brand’s fast success in Atlanta has also sparked interest from entrepreneurs looking to join the growing Pecan Jacks family. With its proven systems, recognizable brand, and hands-on support, the company’s franchise program offers an opportunity for people who want to blend business ownership with fun, creativity, and community impact.

“People are drawn to Pecan Jacks because it’s not just profitable—it’s personal,” Mosley says. “It’s something you can be proud of. You get to build a business that may make people smile every day.”

As Pecan Jacks continues to expand, new Georgia locations are already being explored. But for now, the West Midtown shop remains the crown jewel—a place where locals can experience the joy that started in Virginia, blossomed in Florida, and now thrives in the heart of Atlanta.