More to Love: The Story Behind Renfroe Pecan's Main Street Location
Carrying On a Family Tradition For decades, our family’s business, the J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company, has been a beloved name on the Gulf Coast, known for our gourmet pecans, handmade fudge, and festive holiday décor. What began in the 1930s with my husband's grandfather, J.W. Renfroe Sr, has flourished through the dedication of multiple generations, each one adding something special to the legacy.
As a proud member of the third generation, my sister-in-law, Dee Renfroe, was instrumental in transforming J.W. Renfroe Pecan Co. from a primarily wholesale operation into the retail destination so many know and love today. With her sharp business acumen, a deep love for the company and a clear vision for its future, she worked to grow our gift offerings and retail presence, turning Southern hospitality into something you could taste, gift, and take home.
Growth and Expansion As the business continued to grow, Dee saw the need to better serve both our loyal locals and the many visitors who come to Pensacola every year. Dee asked me to team up with her to begin planning what would become our second storefront. Together, we shared a vision: to bring the heart of J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company to downtown Pensacola.
Dee and I poured our energy, creativity, and love for the family’s legacy into every detail. From the layout of the store to the product selection and seasonal displays, we wanted the space to feel like an extension of what Renfroe has always stood for; quality, warmth, and true Southern hospitality. This new location wasn’t just a business move; it was a heartfelt continuation of a dream generations in the making.
Why Main Street? Choosing Main Street felt like the perfect fit. Nestled near Pensacola’s waterfront and surrounded by the buzz of downtown, the location offered the visibility and accessibility we needed to share our seasonal treasures and signature sweets with more people. The new store also gave us the space to showcase more of our holiday décor for Christmas, Fall, and Halloween, and to create a warm, welcoming environment filled with true Southern hospitality.
In 2019, the Renfroe family purchased the former home of Sam’s Seafood, Steak and Spirits, a beloved local restaurant for 36 years. After Sam Camariotes announced his retirement, we were grateful for the opportunity to continue the legacy of that space, this time with pecans, fudge, and gifts that bring people together in a different but equally meaningful way.
A Downtown Favorite Located directly across from Joe Patti’s Seafood, our new store opened November 4th of 2019 and quickly became a favorite stop for both locals and out-of-town visitors. We often hear from customers about how convenient it is to grab world-famous seafood and world-famous pecans in one trip, especially when they’re heading out of town or preparing a special meal. Whether it’s a bag of candied pecans, a box of our buttery pralines, or a slice of fresh-made fudge, everything in our store is made with the same care and quality we’ve been known for since the beginning.
Still the Same Southern Flavor Even with all the growth, the heart of our business hasn’t changed. Our Main Street store continues to charm customers with nostalgic flavors, curated gifts, and the same personal touches we’ve always believed in. Whether you’re shopping for a last-minute treat or building a holiday basket, you’ll find something special waiting for you here.
Come Visit Us With two locations, in Pensacola and a thriving online store, J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company continues to grow, but our roots in family, flavor, and Southern hospitality remain as strong as ever. We invite you to stop by our Main Street location, walk in the door and smell the delicious aroma, and discover why this little store, born from a big dream, has become a treasured part of the community since 2019. Bring your friends and loved ones and build new traditions together!
We look forward to welcoming you, just like family. ~ Tammy Renfroe ~
Tammy Renfroe is the welcoming face behind the amazing variety of gifts and décor at J.W. Renfroe Pecan Company. With her fun, sweet spirit and creative flair, Tammy brings a special kind of magic to everything she touches. She has a true passion for sharing the best of our family’s pecan products, and for helping customers find just the right gift for any occasion.
With an eye for design and a love for discovering hidden treasures, Tammy travels across the country seeking unique and meaningful items to bring back to our stores. And if you get the chance to chat with her, you’ll not only find something delightful to take home, you’ll likely hear a story or two from our rich family history. Her warmth and knowledge are as rich as the tastes and aromas you’ll experience here at Renfroe’s.