Ivan James Nickerson |
| Posted 2010-07-01 by susan |
| Businessman. Founded the chain of Nickerson Farms restaurants. Ivan James "I.J." Nickerson and his twin sister, Imo Jean, grew up in Missouri. He attended NW Missouri State College. He eventually became a franchisee of Stuckey's Pecan Shoppes in Eldon, Missouri. Stuckey's preference of a fast food service counter in its stores, in favor of a sit-down full service restaurant, led Nickerson to end his franchise and start Nickerson Farms. His stores were known for their barn style buildings with bright red roofs. Each store offered a full service restaurant, gas pumps, and gift shop featuring on-site beehives. Honey was collected from the hives and sold in the stores. Like Stuckey's, Nickerson Farms stores had a specialty product. Instead of pecans, Nickerson chose to specialize in honey. The idea was a success and as many as 60 stores were eventually built beside interstates across the country. All stores were company-owned in order to prevent franchisees from breaking off and starting competitive businesses. The chain was sold to investors after a few years but struggled to survive due to increased competition and poor management. This led to the chain filing for bankruptcy and all stores were closed in the early to mid 1980's. I.J. Nickerson's grave is located at Green Vally Mortuary and Memorial Gardens, which is in Green Valley, AZ. His ashes are interred with those of his wife, Ruby M. Nickerson (September 24, 1912-September 3, 2005). See Also: Find A Grave |
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