If you haven’t driven by their adorable gift shop on Main Street, you have probably seen their pecans on multiple menus throughout Pensacola including Global Grill and The Grand Marlin. J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company is more than a Pensacola staple, it is part of Pensacola history. So, when they invited me out to take a look at their operations at their Main Street locations (located across from Joe Patti’s seafood) it was a no brainer.
J.W. Renfroe Sr., began buying and selling in-shell pecans in Troy, Alabama in the 1930’s. As a supplier to processors and major food companies throughout the U.S., the company grew to be one of the largest wholesalers of in-shell pecans in the country.
J.W. (Jake) Renfroe, Jr. grew up in his father’s business, and in the mid 1950’s, he moved his young family to Florida to open a pecan buying facility in Pensacola, as pecan production and growing conditions were good in North Florida and coastal counties of South Alabama.
In the mid – 1970’s, the Renfroe family built a pecan shelling and processing plant adjacent to the buying warehouse and gift shop (off of Fairfield!). Little Jake’s wife, oversaw that operation which added two new dimensions to the business; mail order and shelled pecans for fundraising organizations. Following the family tradition, the brother/sister team of Jake Renfroe, III and Dee Renfroe are now at the helm of much of the operation, while J.W. Renfroe, Jr. and nephew Geoff Hamil remain as one of the largest in-shell pecan accumulators and brokers in the industry.
In addition to having the best pecan products in the South, they also offer nearly all varieties of nuts; simply natural, whole or chopped, candied or roasted – perfect for any kitchen, nut bowl or gift. Their candy kitchen makes dozens of flavors of creamy fudge, toffee and New Orleans style Pralines. Through three generations, J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company remains true to its family values of integrity, honesty and providing the absolute best quality products and services.
Last week, I had the opportunity to visit their Main Street location where I sampled their variety of fudges — including Jalapeño Nut Fudge (to my surprise, it was delicious!), made my own Bavarian Pecans and learned how to make the perfect gift basket. Did you know you can pick out a variety of gifts at their Main Street location and for just $10 (plus the cost of the items) they will make the most beautiful gift basket — and she will even show you how she does it! Watch my Behind the Scenes Video here.
Shop every kind of pecan and nut you can imagine, Renfroe Pecan coffees, kitchenwares, cutting boards, candles, garden accessories and MORE! And then put them together in the most beautiful basket. Fun fact: Amy, local artist and Renfroe Pecan team member, on average makes 5,000 baskets just between November and December! That is a lot of baskets! Easter is right around the corner, and trust me, Amy’s baskets are impressive.
Go visit my friends at Renfroe this Spring and pay homage to a local, family-owned business and a part of Pensacola history. Thank you to the Renfroe family for sharing your legacy with the Local Pulse team and Pensacola.
