The coffee shop industry has continued its strong momentum through 2025, reinforcing why coffee franchising remains one of the most resilient and opportunity-rich categories in the restaurant industry. For PJ’s Coffee, this past year was defined by thoughtful growth, strategic innovation, and meaningful milestones that continue to strengthen our position for both current and future franchises.
As interest in opening a coffee shop franchise grows nationwide, PJ’s Coffee is entering the next phase of its expansion with confidence, guided by our New Orleans roots and powered by a franchise model built to scale sustainability.
Why These Wins Matter for Franchisees
For entrepreneurs evaluating franchise ownership, systemwide growth is only meaningful if it translates into long-term opportunity. PJ’s Coffee’s 2025 progress demonstrates how we balance expansion, innovation, and franchisee support.
This year reinforced PJ’s Coffee’s commitment to:
- Sustainable franchise growth through strategic site selection and store formats
- Menu innovation that drives traffic without complicating operations
- Brand consistency rooted in New Orleans culture and Southern hospitality
- Scalable systems that support both single-unit and multi-unit ownership
- Veteran-friendly franchise opportunities that welcome mission-driven leaders
A Year of Strategic Coffee Franchise Growth
PJ’s Coffee continued expanding our national footprint in 2025 with more than ten new store openings across key U.S. markets. Notably, 80% of these locations featured drive-thru formats, reflecting the growing demand for convenience-driven coffee shop experiences.
This expansion highlights how the PJ’s Coffee franchise model adapts to changing consumer behavior while maintaining operational consistency. Including a drive-thru offers flexibility for franchise owners and strong throughput during peak dayparts; all of which are key factors for entrepreneurs looking to open a coffee shop with scalability in mind.
NOLA-Inspired Product Innovations Drive Brand Momentum
A major highlight of 2025 was the continued rollout of PJ’s New Orleans-focused brand initiative, which has now reached more than 130 locations systemwide. More than a marketing refresh, this campaign was designed to unify our identity across markets while reinforcing what has always made PJ’s distinct: our deep cultural roots and community-first approach to the coffee shop experience.
That momentum was further amplified by national recognition for PJ’s Coffee’s beignets, which earned an industry award for “Best New Product Introduction” in 2025. As the only coffee franchise to offer fresh beignets systemwide, PJ’s once again demonstrated our ability to turn cultural authenticity into a meaningful competitive advantage. Together, this campaign and the beignet award highlight how PJ’s continues to evolve with intention, introducing innovations that resonate with modern guests while staying true to the flavors, stories, and experiences that define PJ’s Coffee.
Beverage Innovation Meets Evolving Consumer Demand
In 2025, PJ’s Coffee also expanded its beverage menu with the introduction of energy drinks, an important move as the coffee shop industry continues to diversify beyond traditional offerings. Today’s guests are looking for more choices, and coffee franchises that meet those expectations are better positioned to capture incremental sales throughout the day.
By expanding beverage options without complicating operations, PJ’s gives franchisees additional tools to attract new guests, increase ticket averages, and remain relevant to a wider audience.
Continuing a Commitment to Veteran Franchise Opportunities
In 2025, PJ’s Coffee also announced the ninth recipient of our Veteran Franchise License Giveaway, further reinforcing our long-standing support of military veterans entering business ownership. Combined with PJ’s recognition as one of Entrepreneur’s 2025 Top Franchises for Veterans, this initiative reflects a franchise culture built on leadership, service, and community impact.
For entrepreneurs with a military background, this commitment adds another layer of strength to the PJ’s Coffee franchise opportunity.
Looking Ahead
As the coffee franchise industry continues to grow, brands that combine adaptability with authenticity will lead the way. PJ’s Coffee’s 2025 milestones show how we are investing in our future while supporting franchisees at every stage of ownership.
If you’re an entrepreneur considering whether now is the right time to explore opening a coffee shop franchise, PJ’s Coffee offers a proven, evolving platform built for long-term success. Fill out our inquiry form for more information.
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