PJ's Coffee Impressive Franchise Growth
February 20, 2021
Coffee Geography MagazineEven 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."
Ryan Stansbury, Vice President of Franchise Development
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.
PJ's Coffee of New Orleans was founded in 1978 by Phyllis
Jordan, a pioneer in the coffee industry. The coffeehouse was acquired by
Ballard Brands in 2008 which was spearheaded by brothers Paul, Scott and Steve
Ballard. The New Orleans-based coffeehouse demonstrates that better beans,
superior roasting techniques, and pure passion for the art of coffee-making
matter. The brand serves a wide variety of hot, iced and frozen coffee beverages
using only the top one percent of Arabica beans, as well as organic tea and
fresh breakfast pastries, sandwiches and a New Orleans inspired beignet. With
42 years as an established brand, it continues to remain an authentic
coffeehouse with a New Orleans spirit. PJ's Coffee has over 125 locations open
and operating nationally and internationally.