From Corporate Leadership to Award-Winning Success in Atlanta
For Sherika Ekpo, owning a business was a lifelong dream, but starting from scratch wasn't the goal. By aligning with Pecan Jacks Ice Cream & Candy Kitchen, she traded the uncertainty of a startup for a proven blueprint, eventually earning the title of "Best Regional Ice Cream" in Atlanta within her first year of operation.
When Sherika and her husband, Mae, decided to open the first Pecan Jacks in Georgia, they faced a unique challenge: how do you take a brand born on the Florida coast and make it thrive in the heart of West Midtown Atlanta?
In a recent interview with
Business Trends Today on ASBN, Sherika detailed the strategic "tweaks" and franchisor support that turned their West Midtown location into a local powerhouse.
The Power of the "Franchise Blueprint"
Coming from a background in corporate leadership, Sherika had no prior experience in the confectionery industry. She credits her rapid success to the
turnkey systems
provided by Pecan Jacks.
The franchise route was the right choice for us because it offered a blueprint," Sherika explained. This included:
- Intensive Hands-on Training: Learning the art of making pralines, brittle, and small-batch ice cream in-house.
- Operational Systems: Clear manuals for staffing, recipes, and growth strategies.
- Centralized Quality:
Maintaining the high standards of the Florida original while operating in a bustling metropolitan area.
Adapting the Brand: "Beach to the Peach"
Success in Atlanta required more than just opening the doors; it required local adaptation. Located near Georgia Tech, the Ekpos adjusted their model to fit a student-heavy demographic.
"We had to tweak things to meet our audience," says Ekpo.
By extending hours, curated music, and creating a vibrant "hangout" environment, they successfully attracted college students while remaining a favorite for families. They also leveraged a
year-round revenue strategy, using ice cream to drive summer traffic and artisanal chocolates and pralines to bolster sales during the fall and winter gift-giving seasons.
Strategic Growth and Community Roots
Location was paramount. By choosing a high-traffic, mixed-use building, the Ekpos ensured constant visibility. They further expanded their reach through:
- Diverse Product Mix: Offering alcohol-infused scoops for adults alongside vegan and dairy-free options.
- Off-site Engagement: Utilizing mobile ice cream carts at local markets and catering birthday parties.
- Digital Promotion: Using social media to turn digital followers into foot traffic.
With one successful year under their belt and a "Best Regional Ice Cream" award on the wall, the Ekpos are already planning to expand to three locations across the Atlanta area.
Watch the Full Story
To learn more about Sherika’s journey from signing her agreement to her 12-month path to opening, you can watch the full video and read the accompanying feature on ASBN.com
here.
