Joel Libava
Pecan Jacks is growing and opening a new store in Panama City Beach, Florida, this October. But it’s not just another scoop shop. It’s a corporate training center.
The brand sells ice cream and handcrafted candy.
“Artisan desserts inspired by the charm of the seaside.”
And Pecan Jacks now operates across 10 states. This is a big move for a growing franchise system.
Key Takeaways
- The new store is more than 1,400 square feet, up from about 900.
- Franchisees will train inside a working store.
- A taste lab will develop new ice cream and candy flavors.
- The original Santa Rosa Beach store closes after 10 summers.
- A training store is a good sign, but it’s only one data point.
Bigger and better
The new Pecan Jacks store/training center sits in the Vintage Lake Powell development. It showcases the brand’s latest design. Guests get more room. Future franchisees get a look at what their own store could be.
Training on the ground
Here’s what caught my eye. Franchisees will train inside this working store. They’ll learn how the team makes products and creates the guest experience.
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That’s hands-on learning. Not a slide deck in a hotel conference room.
A goodbye on 30A
The move comes with a change. The original Santa Rosa Beach store on 30A will close after 10 summers. The building it occupies changed ownership.
I always tell prospective franchisees the same thing. Training matters. A lot.
What Pecan Jacks Buyers Should Take From This
A dedicated training store shows the franchisor is investing in support. But don’t stop there. If you’re looking at Pecan Jacks, ask smart questions:
- How long is the training, and what does it cover?
- What ongoing support follows opening day?
- What do current franchisees say about it?
- Is the franchise agreement clear on fees and obligations?
Talk to existing owners. Read the Franchise Disclosure Document carefully. Have a franchise attorney review it before you sign anything.
A shiny new store/training center is nice. Real, documented results are better.
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And I can’t wait to see them.
Learn more about Pecan Jacks franchises here.
About the Author
Joel Libava is The Franchise King® — an independent franchise advisor with 25+ years in the industry, two published books on franchising, and his writing has been featured in The New York Times, Forbes, CNBC, Entrepreneur® Magazine and others. In addition, he wrote exclusively for the U.S. Small Business Administration blog for eight years. He doesn't sell franchises. Instead, Joel helps you figure out if franchise ownership is actually right for you — and if it is, teaches you his powerful, proven-to-work franchise research techniques, so you can make a smart, informed decision on a franchise to own and be your own boss.
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