PJ's Coffee brewing national franchise opportunities

PJ's Coffee of New Orleans is hoping to take a venti-sized piece out of the $100 billion-a-year coffee industry, anticipating 100 locations open by the end of 2017. The 90-unit chain has been prepping for a nationwide expansion by launching a franchising plan, according to a company press release.

"PJ's Coffee has seen incredible success and growth in the southeastern part of the nation, so we are ramping up our development efforts on a national and international level," Ballard Brands President Peter Boylan, said in the release. "The business model of PJ's Coffee has been built to be incredibly versatile and easily replicated in both traditional and non-traditional markets in order to bring the NOLA spirit to other parts of the nation."

PJ's has signed agreements and multi-unit deals in Colorado, Texas, Maryland, Virginia and Vietnam with its first franchised unit opening in Pueblo, Colorado. Additional target cities for expansion include Mobile, Alabama; Atlanta; Houston; Lafayette, Louisiana and Jackson, Mississippi.

The coffee chain, which serves a variety of iced, frozen, hot, cold brew, and nitro-infused coffees along with organic tea and breakfast pastries, relies on a process created by founder Phyllis Jordan to produce coffee that is two-thirds less acidic, according to the release.

Also, PJ's works with partners from farms in all parts of the world to identify and source the highest-quality coffee, PJ's Coffee Roastmaster Felton Jones, said in the release. It has adopted the El Terrerito Farm in Honduras, owned by Al Lopez and supported by 26 families, who work on the farm and harvest Arabica coffee plants.

"It has always been a top priority to establish direct trade relationships to ensure we're providing the highest-quality products, and as we celebrate our fortieth year, we know our farm-to-cup philosophy will be welcomed by communities and cities across the nation," Jones said. "We are always looking for entrepreneurs who have a passion for excellence in hospitality and embody the New Orleans spirit that the PJ's Coffee brand encapsulates."

The investment

Perspective franchisees can expect an investment between $166,400 and $440,000 for traditional and non-traditional units, according to the release. 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 2,200 square feet. 

PJ’s Coffee was founded in 1978, and acquired by Ballard Brands in 2008, spearheaded by brothers Paul, Scott and Steve Ballard.