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Characteristics of an Exceptional Franchisee

By: PJ's Coffee

Category:About PJ's Coffee

PJ's Coffee Franchisees

PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans is actively pursuing motivated, passionate entrepreneurs who are enthusiastic about fresh, hand-crafted beverages. We seek individuals who embrace the structured business model that aligns with their financial and lifestyle aspirations and are committed to actively participating in their local community.

Our Ideal Candidate

Certain qualities stand out above the rest when scouting new franchise owners. Starting a PJ’s Coffee shop requires hands-on operating owners willing to invest the time and effort needed to get their business off the ground — these are the people who roll up their sleeves and lead by example instead of simply taking the backseat and overseeing their store from a distance. The ideal franchisee displays a commitment to stepping up to the leadership role and is willing to go the extra mile to ensure the success of their coffee franchise.

A franchisee’s passion for the product is paramount in pursuing a coffee shop business opportunity. At PJ’s, we value those who possess a genuine love for what they sell instead of settling for a run-of-the-mill roast. Being able to recognize high-quality, freshly roasted coffee and take pride in serving superior goods to their local community are the kinds of qualities we want our franchisees to embody. While PJ’s provides comprehensive training on the coffee-roasting process and product knowledge, enthusiasm for the topic is a big plus.

While possessing an entrepreneurial mindset is essential for owning a PJ’s Coffee, it is not the sole factor that defines a firm business owner. Franchisees must understand and be willing to work within the framework of PJ’s proven franchise system to succeed and thrive. While PJ’s franchisees enjoy the flexibility to customize and tailor their stores to meet their community’s needs and desires, they also understand the importance of adhering to a structured framework that has stood the test of time.

“Having an involved and engaged franchisee is crucial to the success of the business in our eyes, as that’s what makes PJ’s unique,” said PJ’s Director of Franchise Development Tori Bermond. “We operate locally but draw on 45 years of proven success in serving great coffee and even greater experiences. As a PJ’s franchisee, you are equipped with the tools to be in business for yourself, but not by yourself.”

PJ’s Coffee Stand-Out Franchisees

PJ's Coffee Franchisees

PJ’s franchisees Harry and Dalton Dodich have certainly fulfilled their mission of making all guests feel welcome at their three PJ’s Coffee shops. The father-son duo has put their expertise in business operations to good use in order to create memorable experiences for their community, eventually earning themselves the 2023 IFA Franchise of the Year Award. They were also recognized by PJ’s Coffee with their Franchisee of the Year award in 2022 for their success, ingenuity and strength as partners.

Meanwhile, Andrew Jones and his partner Teddy Amar took a leap of faith by leaving their corporate financial consulting jobs to pursue their dreams and open their first franchise. Starting their entrepreneurial careers by franchising with Georgia-based Zaxby’s, the duo pursued a franchise with strong Louisiana roots and opened their PJ’s store in New Orleans. The partners were drawn to PJ’s for its strong brand culture and the “feel-good factor” it provides guests. Additionally, PJ’s knew Andrew and Teddy would be exceptional franchisees because of their eagerness to get involved with the community in combination with their knowledge and practice of business leadership skills.

Franchise owners Smanvi and her husband Raj leveraged their background in the medical field to excel in the franchising industry. While they entered the business with some existing knowledge of the franchising industry, they also embraced learning whatever it would take to ensure the success of their coffee shop. Their relentless work ethic and commitment have paved the way for them to thrive and prepare to open a second franchise location this year.

How These Traits Transfer Into Successful Store Ownership

Hard-charging franchisees who take the time to work on and in their store tend to have a flourishing business by actively participating in local events and fostering strong relationships with their customer base. Without the loyalty of guests, no company can succeed. Therefore, being present, getting involved and following the lead of successful franchisees like Harry and Dalton, Andrew and Teddy, and Smanvi and Raj make it possible for a PJ’s Coffee franchise to survive and thrive.

PJ's Coffee Franchisees outside of store

  • $1,042,644*

    Average Unit
    Volume (AUV)

  • 19.8%

    4-year Same-Store

    Sales Increase

Invest in the Best
  • Direct Trade
  • Fair Trade
  • Rainforest Alliance
  • Kosher
  • Halal
  • USDA Organic
  • Top Food Franchises
  • Entrepreneur Franchise 500 Franked 2022
  • FBR top franchises 2022
Invest in the Best
  • Top Brand For Multi-Unit Owners 2024 Entrepreneur
  • FranServe 2024 Fran-Tastic Brand
  • Entrepreneur 2024 Franchise 500 Ranked
  • Entrepreneur Franchise 500 2023 Top Franchise for Veterans
  • Franchise Times Top 400
  • Entrepreneur 2023 Franchise 500 Top Brand for Multi-Unit Owners
  • Franchise Business Review 2023 Top Franchise Satisfaction Award
  • Entrepreneur 2023 Franchise 500
  • Entrepreneur 2022 Top Franchises for Veterans
  • Franchise 500 Top Food Franchise 2022
  • FBR top franchises 2022
  • Entrepreneur Franchise 500 Franked 2022
  • Franchise Business Review
  • Top Food Franchises
  • Fast Casual
  • Entrepreneur Franchise 500 Ranked 2021
  • Vet Fran
  • SBAReady
  • International Franchise Association
  • National Restaurant Association
Learn More About Our Available Markets

Want to bring the PJ’s community to your community?
We have opportunities around the country.

View Map
Investment Tiers
  • Traditional Model

    A larger scaled PJ's with a full service menu offering located within a strip mall or free-standing building likely featuring a drive-thru.

    • Size: 650sqft - 2,000sqft
    • Initial Franchise Fee: $35K
    • Initial Investment: $459,000- $1,152,000
  • Non-Traditional Model

    A smaller scaled PJ's possibly with a limited menu offering located within another business - College/University Campuses, Healthcare Facilities, Hotels, Government Facilities, Military Bases, Airports, Shopping Malls, Etc.

    • Size: 250sqft - 1,000sqft
    • Initial Franchise Fee: $25K
    • Initial Investment: $228,000 - $511,000
  • Multi-Unit Option Agreements

    PJ's offers opportunities to enter into a Multi-Unit Option Agreement to develop multiple PJ's over a specified development schedule in a designated market. The initial franchise fee for the first PJ’s location is $35,000. Subsequent PJ’s Units receive a reduced franchise fee. The fee for each PJ’s Unit numbered two or greater is $10,000.

  • Master Franchise Agreements

    PJ's offers opportunities to International Franchisees to enter into a Master Franchise Agreement to develop multiple PJ's over a specified development schedule in a designated country or countries.

    • Initial Master Franchise Fee: $250k minimum (Varies depending on size of country or countries)
    • Total Investment: Varies depending on the number of PJ's developed
A Few More...
  • PJs has provided me with the flexibility to prioritize my day-to-day responsibilities. While demanding, the work/life balance I have been able to obtain while owning my locations is invaluable. PJ’s is a family-oriented brand and that is evident every day - we have great working, as well as personal, relationships with many folks at corporate. It truly is a family centered culture that I am excited to grow with! - Andrew Jones
  • We loved the products and the business model, and it all worked out so well. The ability to work with them is what sets them apart. They are very reasonable people and it’s a solid company. When we went to meet the team, everyone was super kind, and it was very apparent that they provide a ton of support to their franchisees. It’s important to feel like you can always reach out to somebody when needed. - Angela Harmon
  • I think if someone is looking for a franchise opportunity they should find something that fits their lifestyle. If you're a morning person, a coffee business might be good for you. I'm a morning person so waking up at 4 A.M. is fine, the whole 'wake up and smell the coffee' thing - that's me. - Anthony Satterlee
  • I decided to look into coffee and probably spent about 3 years doing the investigation. I decided on PJ's because the quality of the product is just head and shoulders above everybody else. - Tom Lewis
  • It's easy to be successful. You can become part of your community in a way you can't otherwise in a lot of other businesses. I would highly recommend it. - Polly Fisher
  • The best part of being a franchisee is the freedom. It gives you the opportunity to provide for your family, but also be a part of your family. It gives you time to play with your children or take a vacation, but still have a fantastic business. - Kelly Songy
  • I decided owning a PJ's Coffee shop was the way to go. From start to finish, corporate was there for me when I selected a location, ordered equipment and furniture. - Mateusz Dabrowski
  • I fell in love with PJs Coffee and the brand, years before I ever owned a location and now I own two! I wanted a business that, with the right staff, would be able to operate successfully without me having to be there all day every day. PJs coffee gives you that flexibility and freedom. I also love the family atmosphere that corporate provides and the camaraderie between franchisees is wonderful! You are in business for yourself, but not by yourself, and that is a great sense of comfort and security. I love this business!

    - Roxanne DeNicola
Featured Blogs
  • PJ’s Coffee Set to Expand in Atlanta: Why This Market Is a Game-Changer View Blog
  • Boosting Returns and Elevating Metrics: How Franchisees Can Take Advantage of PJ’s Support Systems View Blog
  • PJ’s Coffee Franchise FAQ: What You Need to Know View Blog
View All Posts
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