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.

Why Franchisee Randy Akies Chose the Pecan Jacks Franchise Opportunity

December 18, 2025

Welcoming Our Newest Pecan Jacks Franchisee: Randy Akies At Pecan Jacks , we believe the strength of our brand starts with the people who choose to own and grow it. That’s why we’re excited to officially welcome Randy Akies , our newest franchisee, to the Pecan Jacks family. In a recent interview, Randy shared his experience going through the Pecan Jacks franchise discovery process and what ultimately led him and his wife to bring a Pecan Jacks location to Newnan, Georgia . If you’re exploring an ice cream franchise opportunity or considering franchise ownership, his story offers valuable insight. A Franchise Culture Built on Team and Support From his first interactions with the Pecan Jacks leadership team, Randy noticed something different. “I am amazed at the team environment here. I’m amazed at how the owners of Pecan Jacks have brought this organization together.” Creating a collaborative, supportive franchise culture is intentional at Pecan Jacks. We believe franchisees shouldn’t feel like they’re doing business alone—they should feel like part of a growing brand family. A Transparent, No-Pressure Franchise Process Randy spent approximately four months in the franchise evaluation and discovery process, working closely with our franchise development team. “The process experience was amazing. I worked with Ken throughout that four-month process. He was very informative, the meetings were on point, and the way information was shared made everything clear.” For many prospective franchise owners, pressure during the sales process is a major concern. Randy addressed that directly: “There was no pressure at all. It was about being provided the information and allowing my wife and me to decide if joining the Pecan Jacks family was the right move.” This commitment to transparency allows future franchisees to make confident, informed decisions about owning a Pecan Jacks franchise . Why Pecan Jacks Was the Right Franchise Opportunity Beyond the business model, what stood out most to Randy was the energy and leadership behind the brand. “The energy and feedback I’ve gotten from the team—including Ronnie—has been amazing. That’s what I’m most excited about.” For Randy, bringing Pecan Jacks to Georgia isn’t just about opening a store—it’s about becoming part of the local community and delivering a premium ice cream and candy experience customers love. Expanding the Pecan Jacks Brand in Georgia Randy’s upcoming Pecan Jacks location in Newnan, GA represents another step forward in the brand’s strategic growth across the Southeast. We’re proud to partner with franchise owners who are passionate about: Community involvement Delivering exceptional customer experiences Growing a premium dessert brand with strong support Interested in Owning a Pecan Jacks Franchise? If you’re researching a franchise opportunity , exploring an ice cream franchise , or looking to bring a proven concept to your local market, we invite you to learn more. 👉 Visit: https://pecanjacksfranchise.com Be sure to watch the full interview above to hear directly from Randy Akies about his experience and why he chose Pecan Jacks.

Pecan Jacks Continues National Expansion With Odessa, Texas Opening

By Cory Mosley • December 9, 2025

Pecan Jacks expands to Texas with new Odessa location at Parks Legado; Grand Opening is Dec. 13. ODESSA, TX, UNITED STATES, December 3, 2025 / EINPresswire.com / -- Pecan Jacks Ice Cream & Candy Kitchen proudly announces the opening of its first-ever Texas location, bringing its beloved handcrafted ice cream, gourmet candies, and premium Southern-inspired treats to Odessa. The newest franchise location, Pecan Jacks Parks Legado , is officially open and will host its Grand Opening celebration on Saturday, December 13, at 12:00 p.m. The store is located at 7254 TX-191, Suite 103, Odessa, TX 79765. ”This store is something our whole family and the Odessa community can be proud of” — Russell Gilbert, Franchisee & Owner The Odessa location is owned and operated by franchisee Russell Gilbert, who brings a passion for community, hospitality, and entrepreneurship to the brand’s rapidly growing national footprint. “This opening marks a major milestone for our expansion into Texas, one of the fastest-growing markets in the country,” said Cory Mosley, VP of Growth & Franchise Development for Pecan Jacks. “Odessa is the perfect community to introduce our premium ice cream and candy experience, and we couldn’t be more excited for Russell and his team to bring something truly special to the area.” Pecan Jacks—founded by husband-and-wife team Veronica “Ronnie” Wyatt and Tim Wyatt—is known for its small-batch craftsmanship, elevated flavors, and a customer experience that blends fun, nostalgia, and premium quality. The brand continues to expand through franchise partnerships in high-growth markets across the U.S. “We’re thrilled to plant our flag in Texas officially,” said Ronnie Wyatt, Co-Founder of Pecan Jacks. “We’ve heard for years from customers who vacation near our Florida locations that they want Pecan Jacks in their hometowns. Seeing Odessa welcome us with open arms has been incredibly rewarding.” Co-Founder Tim Wyatt added, “Russell has been an amazing partner from day one. His commitment to creating a welcoming environment and delivering our signature Pecan Jacks experience makes him exactly the type of franchisee we’re proud to stand behind.” The Grand Opening Celebration on December 13 will include special promotions and the signature Pecan Jacks experience the brand has become known for. Guests can enjoy a free kids' scoop with any purchase, meet the franchise owner, and connect with the brand’s founders. “This store is something our whole family and the Odessa community can be proud of,” said franchisee and owner Russell Gilbert. “Pecan Jacks is more than ice cream—it’s a place where people make memories. We’re excited to finally open our doors and welcome everyone in.” About Pecan Jacks Ice Cream & Candy Kitchen Pecan Jacks is a premium handcrafted ice cream and candy brand known for its small-batch production, innovative flavors, and commitment to quality. With locations across Florida and now Texas, Pecan Jacks continues to expand through franchising, offering entrepreneurs a fun, profitable, and community-driven business opportunity. For more information about franchising, visit PecanJacksFranchise.com . Cory Mosley Pecan Jacks Franchising LLC +1 850-290-4913 Visit us on social media: LinkedIn Instagram

Exterior of Pecan Jack's Ice Cream store with A-frame sign saying

Pecan Jacks Franchise Opportunities: Where You Can Open Your Own Store

December 3, 2025

Discover available territories for a Pecan Jacks ice cream and candy franchise. Learn about our proprietary site selection process and find the sweet spot for your new business.

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