food franchise

New Orleans-Based Coffeehouse Franchise Earns Prestigious Franchise Award.

NEW ORLEANS — PJ’s Coffee, the New Orleans based coffee concept, has been recognized as a top franchise by Entrepreneur Magazine, once again earning their way onto their Franchise 500 list. The southern hospitality-centered brand is part of Ballard Brands, a family-owned hospitality and food service company.

The unique coffee concept was ranked No. 175 out of 500 other highly vetted franchise concepts on the list. The brand rose 105 spots compared to last year, which can only be attributed to the brand’s dedication to growth, financial stability and franchisee success. The annual rankings are research-based, where cost, support and size are all factors that are taken into consideration.

“We have made significant efforts towards growth and development as a whole, and it is rewarding to be recognized with this prestigious ranking,” said Ryan Stansbury, PJ’s Coffee Vice President of Franchise Development. “Every single team member in our franchise system plays a role in our success, and we look forward to the progress we have planned for 2023.”

The recognition follows the company’s strong development year, including an increase in sales. Read more about the great achievements at PJ’s Coffee in 2022 and momentum in: A Year of Great Achievements at PJ’s Coffee.

The franchise known for its southern hospitality experience awarded 53 franchises representing 67 licenses and had a total of 23 new store openings throughout Louisiana, Missouri, Texas, Alabama, Kentucky, Colorado, Maryland, and South Carolina. Stansbury added, “We are on track to outshine this number and continue onwards for our growth.”

Entrepreneur magazine’s Franchise 500 is the world’s most comprehensive franchise ranking, and has become an essential source for prospective franchisees. The ranking each franchise earns is a direct testament to its strength as a franchise opportunity, and has large influence in the space.

PJ’s Coffee has managed to stand out not only within the beverage industry, but more specifically the coffee category. Over the past three years, PJ’s has awarded 234 licenses, opened 64 new locations and has achieved double digit same store sales year over year. With a strong pipeline of franchisees in development, the brand anticipates 40 new store openings this year.

New Orleans-Based Coffeehouse Chain Awards Franchisees for Excellence, and Recognized for Company-wide Impact on the Veteran Community.

NEW ORLEANS — PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans, the coffeehouse known for its “southern hospitality” experience, is celebrating being named to the 2022 Top Franchises for Veterans by Entrepreneur. This news follows the brand’s annual conference, where PJ’s Coffee recognized their top performers and other notable achievements.

PJ’s Coffee believes in brewing up small business opportunities for military veterans, which is why it was ranked 147 of 150 franchises on Entrepreneur’s Top Franchises for Veterans List of 2022. This award is targeted towards franchises that work to setup veterans for success and get them involved in the franchising space. The ranking is based on the company’s veteran incentive, the support system and how the company scored in the 2022 Franchise 500.

“Helping veterans prosper as business owners after they have sacrificed so much for our country, it’s the least we can do, and we want to do everything in our power to set these vet-preneurs up for success,” said Ryan Stansbury, PJ’s Coffee Vice President of Franchise Development. “Over time we have continued to see veterans thrive in this role as a franchisee, and we welcome the interest of others with open arms.”

In addition to their national recognition, the leading coffee brand also honored their own franchisees for their involvement with the community. The following recipients received The Community Involvement Award: Stephanie Chambliss (New Orleans, LA), Ever and Maraleana Saenz (Monahans, TX), Tyra and Mike Harris (Bowie, MD), John and Angie Lambert (Brookhaven, MS), Bobby and Kristy Mounts (Ruston, LA), Harry and Dalton Dodich (Spanish Fort, AL), Mark and Parker Sheets (Grand Prairie, TX) and Amanda Bennett (Hammond– SW Railroad, LA). These award winners were honored for how they have used their business ownership to be a force for good within their communities. These acts of service include hosting community events, partnering with local small businesses and other outreach efforts to make their communities a better place for everyone.

Over 50+ franchisees, locations and individuals were spotlighted for their outstanding performance for a variety of achievements including top sales in the first year, the highest annual net sales of 2021, the greatest same store sales increase, brand ambassadors, franchisees expanding in emerging markets, exceptional customer service, most improved, top tier compliance all-star, the Phyllis Jordan award (female leader representing the brand well), and more.

PJ’s Coffee also honors the franchisee that has gone above and beyond for the year, and grants them the “Franchisee of the Year” award. This year, father-son team Harry and Dalton Dodich were recognized for their positive attitudes, work ethic, innovation, rapid growth, and overall passion for the brand. As multi-unit owners, the pair own three locations in the Mobile, AL market and are one of the fastest growing franchisees in the system. In addition, the brand also chooses to recognize the achievements of franchisees that have been open for less than 12 months. Known as the “Rookie Franchisee of the Year,” Mark and Parker Sheets of Grand Prairie, TX received this acknowledgement for their dedication to growth and providing a memorable customer experience. Also, a father-son team, the pair have been applauded for the time and effort they put into developing their staff, dedicating time to speak with potential franchisees on behalf of the brand, and assisting with testing various tech platforms.

“It is a privilege to take the time to recognize all within the system who make PJ’s Coffee stand apart across communities,” said Stansbury. “From Baristas of the Year, Managers of the Year to the leaders within our Franchisee Advisory Council to the Corporate Brand Champions, we’re all working together to serve a superior product, serve one another, and find ways to give back to the people that lift us up.”

New Orleans-Based Coffeehouse Chain Awards Franchise License to Deserving Veteran Family.

NEW ORLEANS — PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans, the coffeehouse known for its “southern hospitality” experience, the freshest products, and better beans with superior roasting technique, has announced its annual Veteran Franchise License Giveaway, which was most recently awarded to a husband and wife team, Kyle and Jen McElhaney.

The franchise believes in brewing up small business opportunities for military veterans, who are looking to join the ever-growing $100 billion a year global coffee industry. PJ’s Coffee seeks hardworking, passionate applicants who align with its core values of delivering best-in-class coffee with the highest regards to service and hospitality.

“With many of our previous veteran franchisees, we’ve seen a seamless transition from military life to entrepreneurship, so we started this initiative to attract like-minded individuals to our concept, and as a way of saying ‘thank you for your service,'” said Ryan Stansbury, PJ’s Coffee Vice President of Franchise Development. “We’ve found that our veteran franchisees have an extra attention to detail and level of care when it comes to how they present themselves and our brand.”

In April 2022, Kyle and Jennifer executed a multi-unit option agreement to own and operate two PJ’s Coffee locations within the Memphis area, with the first unit scheduled to open by the end of 2022. After that, the pair would like to introduce about a dozen locations to the tri-state area. Kyle attended the University of Mississippi ROTC and then served as an Army Officer and helicopter pilot for 8 and a half years. He piloted an AH-64 Apache Attack Helicopter, and was deployed to Jalalabad, Afghanistan in support of Operation Enduring Freedom from 2010-2011. He then spent two years in the Mississippi National Guard where he left service at the rank of Major. Kyle then became a military recruiter for Northern Kansas before going to work for ADP, and eventually opening his own businesses.

“I am incredibly fortunate to have been awarded this opportunity,” said Kyle. “As coffee consumers in the community, once we tried the product, we knew there was a need for this. We’re thrilled to be the ones to debut PJ’s menu offerings and family-like atmosphere in Memphis.”

The couple are heavily involved within their community and have owned and operated several businesses. Together, they have invested in high demand concepts throughout Memphis, including a logistics company, a full-service interior design support business and a fleet cleaning business.

The PJ’s Coffee brand is passionate about giving back to the veteran community in any way it can. The company is a five-star VetFran member, proudly offering qualified veterans a 20 percent discount on the initial franchise fee.

The company also ranked No. 48 within the 2022 Fast Casual Top 100 Movers & Shakers list of innovative restaurant brands and executives shaping the fast casual segment. The judges look at profitability, growth, innovation, nimbleness and creativity. To learn more about the franchise opportunity, and to request your free franchise information booklet, please visit http://www.pjsfranchise.com.

National Coffee Franchise is recognized for unwavering growth, even through pandemic.

NEW ORLEANS — For the 16th year in a row, Fast Casual has released their Top 100 Movers & Shakers list, with PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans ranking at #71 due to their impressive growth and resilience, even during the COVID-19 pandemic.

This annual ranking takes into consideration factors like leadership, innovation, and promise. Between PJ’s Coffee’s strong support to franchisees and their consistent expansion, Fast Casual has only confirmed their dedication to their product, customers, and franchisees.

This announcement comes amid PJ’s continuous booming growth. PJ’s drive-thru locations achieved a 12.1% same-store sales increase in 2020 compared to 2019, as well as setting several new records.

“Last year, we awarded 32 new franchises and opened 21 new locations, which was a first for the brand,” said Ryan Stansbury, Vice President of Franchise Development for PJ’s Coffee. “This year will be even better, as we’re projected to surpass those numbers and set another new round of records.”

In 2021, the coffee franchise is expected to award over 45 new franchises and open more than 40 stores. This, paired with their double-digital Q1 same-store sales increase, solidifies the influence the brand holds in the franchising world and sets the tone for even more sensational years ahead.

You can download the full list of 2021 Movers & Shakers on Fast Casual’s website.

For more information about PJ’s Coffee franchise opportunities and to request your free franchise information booklet, please visit www.pjsfranchise.com.

Gourmet Coffeehouse Franchise to Stimulate Economy in Key Southern States Over the Next Three Years.

NEW ORLEANS — PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans – a gourmet coffee company renowned for its fresh beans and superior-roasting techniques – announced the next phase of its franchise growth on Wednesday, which entails a reinforced presence in the ripe development states of Alabama, Florida, Georgia and Mississippi.

Currently, the quick-service restaurant (QSR) brand with a comforting coffeehouse experience that’s just as memorable as the beverages themselves has established locations in Mississippi (10), Alabama (2) and Georgia (2). When assessing the active and future development pipeline, PJ’s Coffee already has commitments from franchisees to introduce a total of 28 additional coffeehouses across the four states in the next two-to-three years.

One of the more prominent factors driving interest in PJ’s Coffee’s franchise opportunity is the heightened attraction to the QSR industry, specifically the coffee category. Its strength, stability and resilience has been on full display over the past 12 months, and PJ’s Coffee is in prime position to maintain its growth momentum as the economy and entrepreneurial interest picks up.

“We are just scratching the surface regarding development within these states and therefore, there is a great opportunity to continue our expansion into this region,” said Ryan Stansbury, vice president of franchise development for PJ’s Coffee. “Expansion into these four states will not only improve market share and brand awareness but also contribute to the success of each franchised location through improved supply chain and cooperative marketing strategies.”

This announcement comes on the heels of the International Franchise Association’s (IFA) annual franchising economic outlook, which takes a quantitative look at the health and sustainability of the franchise industry.

The 2021 report echoes Stansbury’s thoughts and aligns with PJ’s Coffee’s immediate expansion efforts. The IFA reports two of the top six states expected to sustain the highest franchise business growth this year are Florida (No. 2) and Georgia (No. 6).

Additionally, the report estimates franchise businesses will create nearly 800,000 jobs in 2021, bringing the industry total to 8.3 million employed. This includes the 12 to 15 news jobs each PJ’s Coffee restaurant accounts for.

Looking ahead over the next three years, PJ’s Coffee estimates it will add 60-75 new jobs in Alabama, 108-135 in Florida, 48-60 in Georgia and 120-150 in Mississippi.

A prospective franchisee can expect a total investment range between $190,775 – $391,000 for non-traditional franchise units and $200,775 – $582,000 for traditional units. The operating model and menu are adaptable to any environment with different options including kiosks and free-standing locations with a drive-thru, ranging from a few hundred square feet up to 1800 square feet. PJ’s Coffee offers a proven franchise structure with strategic corporate support.

For more information about PJ’s Coffee franchise opportunities and to request your free franchise information booklet, please visit www.pjsfranchise.com.

National Coffeehouse Franchise Kicks off 2021 with Prestigious Industry Award Recognition.

NEW ORLEANS — Even amid the pandemic, PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans continues to innovate and grow. Most notably, PJ’s Coffee ranked #437 on the prestigious Entrepreneur Franchise 500 list, improving its position by 41 slots. The franchise was also ranked as a Top Franchise Opportunity by Franchise Business Review.

The aforementioned rankings are dependent on factors like franchise recruitment, unit growth, franchisee satisfaction surveys and more. Franchise Business Review rankings are based solely upon feedback from the franchise system, with PJ’s Coffee ranking 3.8 on a 5.0 scale for overall franchisee satisfaction. Franchisors are ranked on every aspect of the business – from the leadership team, core values, employee health + wellbeing, to training + support and financial opportunities – all of which were tested this last year as the franchise navigated the challenges presented by the pandemic.

The food + beverage industry at-large has largely been impacted by COVID-19, having to close indoor dining and quickly enhance digital operations to meet consumer behavior. The pivot allowed PJ’s Coffee to focus on their drive-thru operations and pilot new programs, such as the roll out of a beignet program in certain locations, all while sustaining a steady pipeline of openings for the brand throughout 2020, resulting in a total of 20 new locations and an even more impressive 45 locations projected to open in 2021.

“We’re thrilled to receive this recognition from the industry and our franchisees after a tough year, proving that selective recruitment of franchisees who are a great fit, emphasis on store level performance, and a strategic franchise expansion plan are all important pieces of the puzzle for PJ’s Coffee,” said Vice President of Franchise Development, Ryan Stansbury. “What it boils down to, though, is our brand culture. That Southern hospitality flare is part of the reason we’ve continued to attract franchise candidates, break into new markets, and open new businesses despite the current economic climate.”

Currently, PJ’s has 126 open stores throughout the continental United States, Vietnam, and Kuwait and anticipates that total to climb to more than 170 by year-end with much of its expansion taking place in the southeastern quadrant of the U.S.

“Opening a food and beverage concept during the height of COVID doesn’t come without its challenges, but I felt nothing but support and proper guidance from the corporate office to get us up and running successfully,” said Harry Dodich, who opened his PJ’s location in 2020. “Similarly, the franchisee support system is unmatched. During a time where everyone was working to understand their own statewide mandates and obstacles due to COVID-19, they too, were available to help work through onboarding and make our opening in the community as seamless as possible – showing us day in and day out that this franchise system really cares about its people.”

As a result of COVID-19, all PJ’s Coffee locations are operating in compliance with and staying up-to-date on local and state guidelines.

PJ’s Coffee serves a wide variety of iced, hot, frozen, espresso-based and nitro-infused coffees using only the top one percent of Arabica beans. Pioneered by Founder Phyllis Jordan, PJ’s famous iced coffees are brewed daily using a unique, cold-drip process that protects the flavor and strength of the high-quality beans while producing a coffee that is two thirds less acidic. The coffeehouse also serves organic tea and fresh breakfast pastries.

A prospective franchisee can expect a total investment range between $190,775 – $391,000 for non-traditional franchise units and $200,775 – $582,000 for traditional units. The operating model and menu are adaptable to any environment with different options including kiosks and free-standing locations with a drive-thru, ranging from a few hundred square feet up to 1800 square feet. PJ’s Coffee offers a proven franchise structure with strategic corporate support.

For more information about PJ’s Coffee franchise opportunities and to request your free franchise information booklet, please visit www.pjsfranchise.com.

U.S. Army Veteran Wins Franchise; PJ’s Coffee Set to Open in Stockbridge.

STOCKBRIDGE, Ga. — PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans, a New Orleans-based coffeehouse that prides itself on their “southern hospitality” experience, the freshest products, and better beans with superior roasting technique, has awarded U.S. Army Veteran, Michael Adams, the winner of its annual Veteran Franchise License Giveaway.

PJ’s Coffee received more than 35 applications from veterans across the United States interested in becoming the next PJ’s Coffee franchisee winner. After a thorough interview process of all applicants, Adams was chosen as the lucky winner, becoming the third overall recipient of this giveaway. The two previous veterans to have been awarded franchises have seen great success in their communities and continue to fully immerse themselves in the brand.

Adams served in the U.S. Army for 22 years and has been a federal government employee for the past 14 years. In his free time, during active duty and as a civilian, Adams volunteers with the local youth by coaching little league teams, both here in the states and overseas. Adams’ military experience, mixed with his love for giving back to the community, is what makes him the ideal PJ’s Coffee franchisee.

“I am so grateful for the opportunities to serve my country and all that they have taught me. However, I’m looking forward to this next chapter in my life,” said Michael Adams, the 2020 giveaway winner. “Being born and raised in Louisiana, I couldn’t think of a better business to get involved with. This endeavor isn’t just for me, but it is to support my family and allows me to get further involved in my community.”

Interested veterans should visit www.pjsfranchise.com/vets/ to enter their contact information and receive a franchise brochure. Once received, they will need to submit a one-minute video explaining how military service has prepared them to be a PJ’s Coffee owner. Next year’s application is now open and will run through January 31, 2021. The winner will be announced in February 2021.

“We are looking forward to working with Michael and welcoming him into our franchise system as the third winner of PJ’s Coffee’s franchise license giveaway. There are certain characteristics we look for in franchisees, and Michael checks every box,” said Ryan Stansbury, PJ’s Coffee Vice President of Franchise Development. “We have no doubt that Michael will proudly serve his community and exceed all of their expectations.”

PJ’s Coffee serves a wide variety of iced, hot, cold brew, frozen and nitro-infused coffees using only the top one percent of Arabica beans. Pioneered by Founder Phyllis Jordan, PJ’s famous iced coffees are brewed daily using a unique, cold-drip process that protects the flavor and strength of the high-quality beans while producing a coffee that is two thirds less acidic. The coffeehouse also serves organic tea and fresh breakfast pastries.

A prospective franchisee can expect a total investment range between $190,775 – $391,000 for non-traditional franchise units and $200,775 – $582,000 for traditional units. The operating model and menu are adaptable to any environment with different options including kiosks and free-standing locations with a drive-thru, ranging from a few hundred square feet up to 2200 square feet. PJ’s Coffee offers a proven franchise structure with strategic corporate support.

For more information about PJ’s Coffee franchise opportunities and to request your free franchise information booklet, please visit www.pjsfranchise.com.

National Coffeehouse will Donate a Bag of Coffee to U.S. Military Personnel with Every Coffee-Bag Purchase.

NEW ORLEANS — For coffee lovers around the country, their admiration and appreciation for their favorite caffeinated beverage peaks every year on September 29: National Coffee Day. PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans understands their passion better than anyone, and that’s why the nationwide coffeehouse is rolling out a thoughtful promotion to help them celebrate the day.

This year on September 29, for every bag of coffee customers purchase in store or online, PJ’s Coffee will donate one bag directly to active members serving in the United States military.

The New Orleans-based company will also make a monetary donation tied to the sale of its “Sunrise Salute” coffee bags on National Coffee Day. This donation will go toward the Fisher House Foundation: a non-profit organization building comfort homes where military and veteran families can stay free-of-charge while a loved one is in the hospital.

“National Coffee Day is one of the best days of the year for us, and we really wanted to make an impact outside our stores this year while getting our customers involved,” said Reid Nolte, Vice President of Brand Strategy at PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans. “By ordering a bag of coffee from PJ’s on September 29, not only are you providing yourself with much-needed supply of delicious coffee, but you’re also doing the same for the men and women defending our country. It’s just one way we can come together to show our gratitude for these brave individuals.”

PJ’s Coffee is constantly focused on giving back to and strengthening their relationship with military personnel both active and veteran.

Most recently, the franchise became the official coffee, espresso and blended-beverage partner of the United States Military Academy in West Point thanks to a new coffeehouse in Grant Hall. Additionally, PJ’s Coffee spent the entire summer installing coffeehouses following a franchise agreement with the U.S. Marine Corps. These military personnel now enjoy an array of PJ’s Coffee blends in 51 mess halls and 62 brew stations across nine bases.

The company is also an International Franchise Association VetFran member – proudly offering qualified veterans a 20 percent discount on the initial franchise fee – and famously gives away a franchise license to a lucky military veteran each year.

For more information about PJ’s Coffee, visit www.pjscoffee.com. Interested prospects can also learn more about this wonderful franchise opportunity by visiting www.pjsfranchise.com.