How John & Mandy Lindberg Turned a Long-Awaited Opening Into an Instant Community Favorite The excitement surrounding a grand opening that has been months in the making carries a unique energy. For John and Mandy Lindberg, the owners of the new Pecan Jacks at the Commons at Lago Mar, Texas, this anticipation had been growing for a long time. Now that their doors have officially opened, the overwhelming community response has truly proven that the wait was worthwhile. A Long Wait, Then a Whirlwind Ask the Lindbergs how it feels to finally be open, and the word that comes up first is overwhelming, in the best possible way. “It seemed a little bit overwhelming right away,” they shared, “because there was just such a long wait. We could kind of sense this community, how there was just kind of a crunch, how people have been waiting and waiting and waiting for this store to get opened.” Now that the wait is over, the pace hasn't exactly slowed down. “It's a lot of fun. It's kind of a whirlwind, but we feel that we're prepared and we're really excited for everybody to come in.” The Neighborhood Has Noticed If the first few weeks are any indication, Lago Mar has been waiting for this one. Mandy Lindberg described a town that's been talking nonstop since the doors opened: “Everybody's talking about it. Everybody's telling their neighbors. We had somebody tell them when they were at Walmart, and they said they had to come. They were super excited that we're finally open.” The word of mouth has taken on a life of its own. “Neighbors are hopping in their golf carts and coming down, and then going back and getting their other neighbors and coming down,” Mandy said. “It's been a wonderful way to be part of the community.” That enthusiasm shows up in the numbers, too. Even a few weeks in, repeat visits and referrals are already stacking up. “Even though we've only been open for a couple of weeks, people are like, ‘I've been here six times, and I've told so many people about you already.’ That is just music to our ears. We know that we're doing something right.” With Lagoon Fest opening next door, the Lindbergs are already seeing steady traffic build, and they expect it to climb even further once that neighboring attraction is up and running. From an Unlikely Background to a Family Business The Lindbergs weren't originally looking at ice cream franchising at all. What changed their minds was the people. “I think the biggest thing was, it felt like family right away. When we met Tim and Ronnie, it really felt like a family concept, something we could wrap our arms around. That's kind of the way that we want to do our business as well.” What sealed it was the level of support built into the model from day one. “We felt it was a franchise that had everything designed for you. They will train you, show you everything you need, give you all the tools you need, and be with you every step of the way. It isn't just, you signed up, great, best of luck to you.” That support hasn't let up since. “Anytime that I need them, they're available, which is unbelievable considering all the people they have to help. They're heavily invested in the store. You can see that with their attention to detail. We're just kind of an extension of what they want to do, and it's a great feeling. They have the winning formula, and we're just being part of that winning formula.” First-Time Franchisees, Backgrounds in Medicine and Culinary Training This is the Lindbergs' first venture into franchise ownership, and between them they bring an unusual mix of experience to the counter: one an emergency room physician, the other trained in the culinary world. By their own admission, the road from signing to opening wasn't simple. “The process seems long, obviously, trying to find a property, trying to get the lease, trying to get the build-out, trying to do all the things. But we had Ronnie and Tim guiding us all the way, and you guys as well, just making it a lot easier. I'm a doctor. I don't know the first thing about business or opening a franchise.” What kept them going was a belief in the product and its mission. “If I'm going to put my money and my time and my heart into something, it has to mean something. This is kind of how I feel with medicine, as an emergency room doctor. It may be the worst day of your life, but maybe I can make it just a little bit better. I wanted that same feel with our side venture.” A Family Franchise, Not a Number in Line Before landing on Pecan Jacks, the Lindbergs looked at other franchise concepts. What set this one apart was the sense of belonging. “This is a franchise, but it's also a family-run franchise. People are more likely to come down here than go to a big national chain where you're just a number. You actually know everybody's name. They're coming back, and we know what flavors they like. That is important to me.” Already Planning What's Next One store in, and the Lindbergs are already looking ahead. “We're just doing one at a time, we're not doing anything too crazy, but that really is the dream, to get one, two, three of these things going. Once the name brand is out here in the greater Houston area, the next ones we feel are going to succeed that much quicker and that much easier.” Join the Pecan Jacks Family From a first taste on vacation to a first day of ownership, the Pecan Jacks story keeps coming back to the same thing: people who fall for the brand, then build a business around sharing it with their community. The Lindbergs' launch in Lago Mar is the latest proof that when the product, the people, and the support system all line up, the community notices fast. Watch the full interview with John and Mandy Lindberg here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=1isr1X7NIiM
We are incredibly excited to officially welcome the Spiker family to the Pecan Jacks family as they bring our award-winning premium ice cream and artisan candy concept to Colorado! From day one, we believed Colorado would be an exceptional market for Pecan Jacks. Its thriving communities, strong family-oriented culture, year-round tourism, and appreciation for high-quality, handcrafted experiences make it a natural fit for our brand. We have no doubt that Colorado is going to embrace what makes Pecan Jacks so special. To the Spiker family—thank you for believing in our vision and trusting us with your entrepreneurial journey. We couldn’t be more excited to partner with you as you introduce Pecan Jacks to communities across the Centennial State. This is another exciting milestone in our continued national growth, and we can’t wait to watch the Spiker family create unforgettable memories, serve incredible treats, and become a destination for families and visitors alike. Please join us in giving the Spiker family a warm welcome to the Pecan Jacks family! 🎉 The sweetest days in Colorado are just getting started.
Taste the "Best of Georgia" now in Sarasota! Pecan Jacks Fruitville Farms offers artisan ice cream, alcohol-infused flavors, and handmade pralines. Visit us today!
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.
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.
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.
