Guided by faith and family, Austin Jacobs is growing a seasonal hub for the community.
When Jamie “Austin” Jacobs left a promising career with Chick-fil-A to buy a snowball stand in Pasadena, many thought he was taking a risk. But for Jacobs, the decision wasn’t just about business – it was about faith, family, and community. That risk has since grown into The Backyard, one of Pasadena’s most unique and fast-growing destinations for seasonal fun.
Jacobs’ story begins in 2022, when his longtime mentor, Dave “Snowball Dave” Rosage, offered him the chance to buy Dave and Jimmy’s Ice Shack. At the time, Jacobs was working as a general manager for Chick-fil-A, where he had spent nearly six years. “I prayed hard on whether I should completely throw in the towel at Chick-fil-A, or if I should pass on the opportunity,” Jacobs recalls. “Once I believed the Holy Spirit was leading me to go all in and bet on myself, I decided to buy the Ice Shack and leave Chick-fil-A for good.”
That leap of faith marked the beginning of The Backyard. What started with snowballs and açaí bowls quickly grew into something much bigger. Jacobs added Christmas tree sales in 2022, a farmers market in 2023, and by 2024, even a Valentine’s Day bouquet pop-up. Year after year, The Backyard continues to expand – always with something new for families to enjoy.
The Backyard now employs about 20 seasonal workers and offers a variety of experiences throughout the year. Summer brings açai bowls, smoothies, snowballs, and slushies. Fall transforms the property into a bustling farmers market filled with pumpkins, flowers, baked goods, apple cider slushies, and dozens of local vendors.
Jacobs’ approach to vendors reflects his community-first mindset. “I charge all of my vendors $20, and if they don’t at least make that money back, I give them a full refund,” he says. Winter turns The Backyard into a Christmas wonderland, complete with trees, wreaths, holiday décor, and a new Christmas trail featuring a live nativity scene.
And Jacobs is just getting started. By 2026, he plans to launch C3: Cookie Creamery Café, a coffee and ice cream food truck, along with a greenhouse and organic produce sales. In 2027, a barbecue truck –Austin’s Backyard BBQ – will make its debut. Long-term, Jacobs envisions a second location in Western Maryland, complete with farmland, wedding packages, hayrides, and trails.
For Jacobs, success isn’t measured solely by profits. “Living a life that is centered on Jesus – living with obedience, faithfulness, and growing spiritually – that’s how I define success,” he says. His Christian faith is central to his work, and he sees The Backyard as an opportunity to serve others. “We donate to local families who might be struggling. We may not always be able to help with cash, but we can certainly help with food or presents under the tree.”
The community has embraced Jacobs’ vision. “Sometimes I get discouraged when I see the big-box stores, but then I see people come back to me for pumpkins, mums, or trees over all the other options they have. To be honest, I get emotional just thinking about it,” he admits.
“Sometimes I get discouraged when I see the big-box stores, but when the community comes back to me for pumpkins, mums, or trees… I get emotional just thinking about it.”
Jacobs also credits his family for their constant encouragement, including his father Jamie, with whom he loves watching Ravens games, his mother Gail, his grandparents, and his siblings. “Their support means everything,” he says.
Jacobs is already dreaming big for the years to come. By 2029, he plans to build a barn on the property to house his businesses under one roof. By 2030, he hopes to expand westward with The Backyard West, offering even more attractions for families to enjoy.
But through all the growth, Jacobs remains committed to the heart of his mission: creating a place where families can make memories together. “My biggest dream is for The Backyard to be a family fun place where people can come to escape the hustle and bustle,” he says. “There’s nothing like that in Pasadena, and I want to bring it for generations to come.”
“My biggest dream is for The Backyard to be a family fun place where people can come to escape the hustle and bustle,”
For Jacobs, it all comes back to the simple slogan that guides his business:
“Hometown fun, right in your Backyard.”
The Backyard is located at 2616 Mountain Road in Pasadena. Currently, they are open Monday – Friday 11:00am – 9:00pm, Saturdays 8:00am – 9:00pm, and Sundays 10:00am – 9:00pm.
