Established
1978
Franchise Units
136
Minimum Investment
$450,000
Franchise Fee
$35,000
Total Investment Range
$550,000
Home Based
No
Description
In a world of mass-produced coffee and hurried transactions, PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans stands as a beacon of Southern hospitality and craft-driven excellence. Since its inception, PJ’s has moved beyond the "quick caffeine fix" model to create a "neighborhood hub" atmosphere that resonates deeply with American consumers. As the specialty coffee industry continues to soar—valued at over $96 billion annually in the U.S. alone—PJ's has carved out a unique market position by blending the rich, cultural heritage of New Orleans with a modern, scalable business model.
What sets PJ’s apart isn't just the iconic Original Cold Brew™ or the fresh-fried beignets; it’s the brand's commitment to the "farm-to-cup" philosophy. By sourcing only the top 1% of Arabica beans and utilizing a small-batch roasting process, the franchise offers a premium product that justifies customer loyalty. For an investor, this translates to a brand with high emotional equity and a proven ability to compete against global giants by offering something they cannot: authentic soul.
Why Invest in a PJ’s Coffee Franchise?
Investing in PJ’s Coffee is more than just opening a cafe; it’s partnering with a brand that has spent over 45 years perfecting its operational blueprint.
Diverse Revenue Streams: Unlike many competitors, PJ’s offers a versatile menu including hot and cold espresso drinks, organic teas, fresh pastries, and their famous New Orleans-style beignets.
Flexible Footprints: Whether you are looking for a traditional free-standing unit with a drive-thru, an inline/endcap shopping center location, or a non-traditional kiosk in airports or hospitals, PJ's has a model to fit your local market.
Vertical Integration: With their own roasting facility in New Orleans, PJ's ensures consistent product quality and cost-effective distribution for every franchisee, protecting your margins from supply chain volatility.
Proven Growth: PJ’s is currently undergoing aggressive expansion across the USA, maintaining a strong presence in the Entrepreneur Franchise 500 and showing resilience in various economic climates.
Background
- Founded: 1978
- Franchising Since: 1989
- Founders: Phyllis Jordan
- Current Ownership: New Orleans Brew, LLC (Acquired in 2008)
Active Units: 136
Company-Owned Units: 11
- Registration Status: Pending registration in all registration states except North Dakota, Washington, Rhode Island, and South Dakota
- Canada Franchises: No
- International Franchises: Yes
Industry Category: Food & Beverage / Specialty Coffee
The journey began on Maple Street in New Orleans, where Phyllis Jordan revolutionized the industry with her unique cold-drip process. In 2008, the brand returned to its roots under the ownership of New Orleans Brew, LLC, led by the Ballard family. Today, the brand is spearheaded by President David Mesa, Jr. and Roastmaster Felton Jones, ensuring that every expansion maintains the high standards established nearly five decades ago.
Support Training
Financial Assistance Provided: No
Site Selection Assistance: Yes
Lease Negotiation Assistance: Yes
Recruiting Assistance: Yes
Co-Operative Advertising: Yes
Training Program (Comprehensive & Ongoing)
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Barista Training prior to opening
(also offered year-round for existing locations) -
Management Training prior to opening
(also offered year-round for existing locations) -
On-site prep and training for Grand Opening
(year-round for existing locations) - Grand Opening Day On-Site Support
- Ongoing video training available 24/7 via the franchisee intranet portal
-
Annual PJ’s Conference
- Largest training event of the year
- Focused breakout sessions targeting system-wide improvement areas
- Ongoing consulting throughout ownership with a dedicated Operations Consultant
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Documents Library
- Full library of files needed for daily operations and training reference
Additional Operational Support
Proven, simple business model supported by:
- Site Evaluation & Lease Negotiation
- Design & Construction Support
- Training & Education
- Product Distribution
- Ongoing Operations & Consulting
- Marketing, Advertising & Promotions
- Franchise Development & Multi-Unit Expansion Guidance
Special Support for Investing Owners
- Additional operational support for franchisees who are investing owners or unable to operate the store directly
-
Provided through the in-house sister company OMG (Outstanding Management Group)
- Helps run locations
- Adds operational stability for semi-passive or expansion-focused owners
Ideal Candidate
PJ’s Coffee seeks passionate entrepreneurs and business owners who:
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Have a love for coffee and community building.
-
Possess strong leadership and people management skills.
-
Have business acumen and a desire to be involved in daily operations.
-
Are financially qualified with liquid capital and net worth that align with investment requirements.
-
Multi-unit ownership experience is a plus but not required.
Financial Detail
Cash Requirement: $100,000
Total Investment: $450,000 – $550,000
Minimum Net Worth: $450,000
Franchise Fee: $35,000
Royalty: 5%
Ad Fund: 2%
Average Number of Employees: 10–12
Item 19: Yes
Ownership & Eligibility
Visa Candidates: Yes
Passive Ownership: No
Home-Based: No
B2B: Yes
Master Franchise Opportunities: Yes (Paused currently)
Veteran Discount: Yes – 20% off franchise fee (VetFran members)