When researching a coffee franchise opportunity or evaluating the cost of opening a coffee shop, prospective owners often focus on startup costs, operational support, and brand recognition. However, there’s another important factor to consider— whether the franchise system provides its franchisees with a real voice in the company. At PJ’s Coffee, that voice comes through a unified Franchise Advisory Council (FAC)—a key part of how the brand supports long-term growth and collaboration.
As PJ’s Coffee prepares for its annual franchisee conference this summer, it’s worth exploring how the FAC plays a role in shaping the franchisee experience and why it matters in the broader landscape of coffee shop franchising.
What Is a Franchise Advisory Council in a Coffee Shop Franchise?
A Franchise Advisory Council is a group of franchisees elected or appointed to provide feedback to the franchisor. The goal is to create an open line of communication between franchise owners and the corporate leadership team. It’s a common feature in well-established franchise systems and an important structure for long-term brand health.
FACs often weigh in on everything from marketing strategy and menu development to technology upgrades and operations. For example, at PJ’s, our FAC provides valuable input on the new experimental elements we’re implementing in cafés, such as our upcoming Project NOLA. When used effectively, they help improve system-wide consistency, foster trust, and ensure that decisions take franchisee concerns into account— an essential part of building a resilient franchise business.
What Are the Benefits of Having Only One Franchise Advisory Council?
Unlike some franchise systems that divide advisory groups by region, PJ’s Coffee strategically selects members of our FAC based on their geographic location to create one centralized FAC. This unified approach allows all PJ’s franchisees to be represented and have a consistent platform to voice their insights, share experiences, and influence the brand’s strategic direction. This inclusivity within our FAC fosters a strong sense of community and ensures that decisions reflect the collective wisdom of the entire PJ’s network.
Each year, as PJ’s prepares for our annual franchisee conference, the FAC looks forward to connecting face-to-face with fellow owners and the leadership team. It’s a valuable opportunity to brainstorm new ideas, address system-wide challenges, and celebrate achievements together. The FAC’s involvement guarantees that the event is not only collaborative but action-oriented, fueling continued growth for the PJ’s Coffee franchise system.
Why Do Franchise Advisory Councils Matter When Choosing a Coffee Franchise Opportunity?
If you’re exploring coffee shop franchise opportunities, PJ’s Coffee offers a compelling proposition: a brand deeply rooted in tradition yet forward-thinking in its operations. The existence of a single, inclusive FAC exemplifies our commitment to franchisee empowerment and cohesive growth.
Investing in a PJ’s Coffee franchise means joining a community where your voice matters, your insights drive innovation, and your success is a shared priority. Whether you're considering a drive-thru coffee franchise or a cozy café model, PJ’s provides the support, camaraderie, and strategic alignment to help your franchise business thrive.
Interested in taking the next step to learn more about franchising with PJ’s Coffee? Fill out our inquiry form today!
