Some businesses don’t just sell food, they tell the story of a place. In Pensacola, J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company is one of those names.
The company’s roots go back to the 1930s, when J.W. Renfroe Sr. began his journey in the pecan industry in Troy, Alabama. What started as a humble wholesale pecan business eventually grew into something much bigger, a family legacy built on Southern sweets, roasted pecans, and recipes that have been passed down for generations.
Over the years, the Renfroe family helped transform the company into a nationally recognized brand, expanding retail stores, mail-order gifts, and specialty pecan treats that have become a staple for families across the Gulf Coast.
Today, that legacy continues through Dr. Ben Renfroe, along with his wife Tammy, who carry forward the traditions and values that helped make Renfroe Pecan Company a beloved Pensacola institution.
Thanks to our Food Crush sponsor, Pensacola Eggfest, Doug and I got the chance to step inside the Renfroe kitchen at their Fairfield Drive location and yes, that meant putting on the proper gear first.
Hair and beard nets on, we headed into the kitchen where all you could smell is toasted pecans and warm caramelizing sugar. It’s the kind of smell that instantly tells you something delicious is happening.
One of the highlights of the visit was watching the team make their famous pecan pralines. Hand mixed and poured before being carefully scooped into the signature praline shape while the mixture is still warm and creamy.
Yes, we were lucky enough to try one fresh in case you were wondering.
A warm praline is a completely different experience from one you pick up in a box. The texture is softer, richer, and packed with those famous Renfroe pecans in every bite. It’s the kind of sweet that reminds you why Southern candy traditions have stood the test of time.
While a fresh batch of fudge was being prepared in the kitchen, we wandered back up to the storefront to sample another side of Renfroe’s creations.
Spread across the counter were several new nut mixes the Renfroe team has been working on including their Grand Slam Mix, Five Flags Fiesta Mix and Honey Roasted Peanuts Mix and we got to try them all.
The best part?
You’ll soon be able to grab these mixes at Blue Wahoos games this season, bringing a locally made Pensacola snack to the ballpark.
Sweet, salty, crunchy, and packed with roasted pecans, they’re exactly the kind of snack you want while cheering on the hometown team.
While Renfroe’s roots began in wholesale pecans decades ago, the company has grown to serve generations of families with two retail locations, nationwide mail-order gifts, and handcrafted pecan treats.
But after seeing the process up close, one thing is clear, the heart of the business hasn’t changed.
Every praline, batch of fudge, and roasted nut mix is still made with the same care that started nearly a century ago.
Thank you to the entire team at Renfroe for having us and a special shout out to Keke in the kitchen for putting up with us and making the best pecan praline we have ever tasted.
