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
SANTA ROSA BEACH, FL, UNITED STATES, October 1, 2025 /EINPresswire.com/ -- Pecan Jacks Ice Cream and Candy Kitchen, the Southern-inspired premium ice cream and candy kitchen, proudly announces its official addition to the U.S. Small Business Administration (SBA) Franchise Directory. This milestone offers entrepreneurs
Everything is bigger in Texas—and now that includes the appetite for premium sweets. Pecan Jacks Ice Cream & Candy Kitchen, the beloved Southern-inspired dessert brand, is expanding rapidly across the Lone Star State, introducing Texans to handcrafted indulgence like never before.
Pecan Jacks, the fast-growing artisan ice cream and candy kitchen, is making its way to the Texas Panhandle. The Kimbrough family will bring the company’s signature mix of playful flavors, handcrafted chocolates, and southern hospitality to Amarillo, marking another bold step in Pecan Jacks’ Texas expansion.
Pecan Jacks, the beloved Southern-inspired ice cream and candy store known for handcrafted indulgence and a vibrant family-friendly atmosphere, is thrilled to announce its newest franchise location coming to Emerald Isle, North Carolina. The store will be owned and operated by the Lippert Family, who are joining the g
