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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

Grayton Beach has officially been named one of the top destinations in the 2026 Hot Spot Awards, recognizing its continued impact as a premier location along Florida’s scenic 30A corridor.

The journey to owning a Pecan Jacks franchise often begins with a single, memorable customer experience. For many owners, the transition from "super fan" to business owner is driven by a passion for the brand's artisanal quality, the unique liquor-infused flavors, and a family-oriented support system. By following a proven business model and comprehensive support, vacationers and locals alike are turning their love for Southern-inspired sweets into thriving, community-centric businesses. A Sweet Discovery in Santa Rosa Beach For Deborah Wilson and her daughter Annie, the path to business ownership didn’t start in a boardroom; it started on vacation. Three years ago, while enjoying the white sands of Santa Rosa Beach, they walked into a Pecan Jacks and experienced the "aroma of artisan chocolates" and "creamy ice cream" that defines the brand. The Journey from Customer to Franchisee. Many prospective business owners worry that the transition from a fan to a CEO is a mountain too steep to climb. However, Deborah and Annie found that the Pecan Jacks discovery process felt less like a sales pitch and more like "talking to an old friend." Key milestones in their journey included: The "Facebook Connection": Rediscovering the brand through social media and learning that franchising was now available. Transparent Communication: Direct access to leadership (like executive director Ken) to answer "all of the questions" with patience and clarity. The Support System: Moving from the "interest" phase to "ownership" via a structured training and site selection process. What Drew Them to the Brand: The "Three-Year" Connection What made Pecan Jacks brand stick in their minds for three years? The Product: It wasn't just "ice cream." It was the artisan quality of the chocolates and the unique, creamy texture of the small-batch scoops that set a benchmark they couldn't find elsewhere. The People: From their first interaction with the founders to their discovery calls with Ken Lynch, the experience felt personal. Deborah noted that talking to the leadership team felt like "talking to an old friend"—a level of comfort that is rare in the high-stakes world of franchising. The Branding: They were drawn to the vibrant, coastal aesthetic that makes every Pecan Jacks feel like a "sweet sanctuary" for the community. The "A-Ha!" Moment When Deborah and Annie realized that franchising was an option, the decision became clear. They weren't just buying a business; they were investing in a brand they had personally vetted as consumers. This "Fan-to-Founder" pipeline is a cornerstone of the Pecan Jacks family, ensuring that every new owner is as passionate about the pralines as the founders themselves. Advice for Future Franchisees: Deborah & Annie’s Top Tips For those currently "on the fence" or researching their next big move, Deborah and Annie shared these key pieces of advice: Ask the Questions: Don't hold back. Deborah found that the leadership team was incredibly patient and understanding with every concern she raised. Trust the "Gut" and the Flavor: If you love the product as a customer, your community likely will too. Authentic passion is the best sales tool. Look for Support, Not Just a System: They emphasized that Pecan Jacks offers a "partnership," not just a handbook. From Pecan Jacks University to hands-on site selection, you aren't doing this alone. Why Now is the Time for Confectionery Growth. The "indulgence food sector" is remarkably resilient. Whether the economy is booming or shifting, people consistently seek small, affordable luxuries. Pecan Jacks provides a unique dual-revenue stream—ice cream for immediate gratification and boxed confections for gifting—making it a versatile investment. Join the Pecan Jacks Family. Are you ready to turn your passion for premium treats into a rewarding career? Like Deborah and Annie, you can bring the joy of Pecan Jacks to your neighborhood. Author Bio: Cory Mosley is the Vice President of Growth and Franchise Development at Pecan Jacks. With years of experience in scaling retail concepts, Cory specializes in helping entrepreneurs navigate the journey from initial inquiry to Grand Opening.

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 .

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, January 7, 2026 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Pecan Jacks Ice Cream & Candy Kitchen has been named a 2025 Best of Georgia Award winner in the Regional Ice Cream category, an honor presented by the Georgia Business Journal as part of its annual Best of Georgia awards program.

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

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