By Kenneth Books
Christmas came July 25, rather than Dec. 25, for those with a sweet tooth, as Pecan Jacks, a wildly popular ice cream and candy store, opened its doors on the site of the old Hog’s Breath store. The same artisan ice cream and candies found on 30a are now available in Destin!
“It’s been good,” said Ronnie Wyatt, who with her husband, Tim, operates the sugary enterprise.
Pecan Jacks is a new incarnation of its Santa Rosa Beach location, where it had been tickling taste buds for nearly five years. Ronnie said the new store’s opening rivaled that of the older version.
Pecan Jacks is a family affair, with Dustin and Samantha Wyatt, Tim and Ronnie’s grown children, pitching in to make it a success.
“There’s nothing similar,” said Tim. “We set ourselves apart with quality and customer service that are second to none.”
Pecan Jacks ice cream is like nothing most people have tasted before. Among the most popular, said Ronnie, are banana pudding, Oreo and “the liquored-up flavors.” Many of the flavors were handed down from Tim’s and Ronnie’s parents.
Dustin said the company has a 24-hour ice cream production schedule, making thousands of gallons.
Prices, Ronnie said, are competitive with the area. But, she adds, “You’re getting a premium product.”
But ice cream isn’t the only reason tourists and locals alike are finding Pecan Jacks to their liking. There’s candy – lots of candy, including unusual flavors like southern praline and plenty of brittle, which the Wyatts stretch and package themselves. And, it’s not just kids’ stuff, either. Among the candy flavors are Caribbean run, amaretto, bourbon and espresso.
Separate but connected rooms for ice cream and candy purchases reduce congestion. And the youngsters haven’t been forgotten, either. A raised area will let kids access the candy area, while a funhouse-style mirror will entertain them as they arrive.
And, on the heels of the crowds visiting and coming back for more, are plans for another new product. “In the fall, we’ll have a new venture – premium coffee,” Tim said. “We’re bringing new flavors to the area.”
Have you met Theo the turtle? Theo plush turtles are now available for purchase in Destin exclusively at the new Pecan Jacks location. With each purchase, receive a free scoop of ice cream!
Stop by to sample and check out the new location next to Beach Camp Brewpub in Destin. Hours are 2-9:30 p.m. daily. Follow on Facebook at facebook.com/pecanjacksDestin. For online orders or more information, visit pecanjacks.com.
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