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PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans Looks Back on 45 Years of Coffee Craftsmanship

By: PJ's Coffee

Category:About PJ's Coffee

PJ’s Coffee has been at the forefront of small-batch roasting since 1978. Beginning as a coffeehouse in New Orleans, our commitment to producing exceptional coffee has stood the test of time for more than four decades — PJ’s Coffee is a trusted companion in multiple communities, with a notable presence spanning over 175 locations. As we proudly commemorate our 45th anniversary, PJ’s has added a special touch by inviting our guests to join us in remembering our journey by eating — and drinking — birthday cake with a special lineup.

A Steaming Legacy

PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans was founded by Phyllis Jordan, a pioneer in the coffee industry who embraced high-quality beans, superior roasting methods, and a pure passion for the art of coffee-making. PJ’s dedication to coffee quality continues to be the foundation of our roasting methods, which are done blocks from the famous French Quarter. From a single storefront on Maple Street serving carefully crafted coffee and building a community of loyal patrons, PJ’s has evolved into a full-fledged brand known for its commitment to quality, sustainability and Southern hospitality.

Savoring Excellence, One Brew at a Time

By sticking to our principles of flavorful food, premium beverages, and memorable experiences, we have grown our brand to include the East Coast, the Northeast, as well as many Southern states. PJ’s reach includes 116 traditional locations and has shown our dedication to inclusion, with 43% women-owned franchises while individuals from various racial and ethnic backgrounds own 26%. PJ’s can also be found in over 60 non-traditional coffee shop locations, such as airports, schools and hospitals.

From sourcing the top 1% of Arabica beans sustainably to using superior roasting techniques in small batches, we’re proud to deliver exceptional flavor profiles and cater to a diverse range of palates. In addition to your favorite cup of gourmet coffee, PJ's Original Cold Brew™ Iced Coffee, and beloved seasonal flavors, we have adapted and expanded our products to the tastes of each new generation while complementing our signature items. As younger Americans have looked for morning beverages other than coffee, PJ’s has answered the call with lines of drinks, including our new Boosted Teas and Red Bull® Infusion Drinks.

It’s a Birthday Celebration

What’s a birthday celebration without cake? For a limited time only, we’re providing the best mood-boosting drinks to help guests savor the party with every sip:

  • Birthday Cake Granita – The iconic PJ’s Granita gets a sweet limited-edition touch with the celebratory flavors of vanilla birthday cake, crowned with sprinkles and whipped cream.
  • Birthday Cake Shaken Espresso – PJ’s famous Cold Brew Espresso Dolce is shaken with a luscious vanilla birthday cake flavor over ice, creating a cold brew that is perfectly sweet, creamy and frothy.
  • Confetti Birthday Cake – Celebrate PJ’s birthday with a slice of perfection as this cake flawlessly blends the pleasing taste of birthday cake and fun with colorful confetti sprinkles baked in.

Celebrating 45 Years of Flavorful Moments

PJ's Coffee has a long tradition of involvement in the communities we serve — the heart of our success. That commitment continues daily, including raising money to aid the Children’s Hospital of New Orleans’ Light up the Season campaign. In addition to the $25,000 fundraising effort, one of our baristas was inspired to go above and beyond.

Most importantly, our 45th birthday is a tribute to the countless cups of joy and comfort shared with our guests, franchisees, team members, partners and communities across all locations. As we continue our mission to provide the New Orleans passion and experience, we pride ourselves in being a reliable source and space for people to enjoy quality coffee and Southern hospitality amid their busy lives.

A Future Brewed with Promise

PJ’s journey is far from over. With a focus on expanding our offerings, reaching new corners of the globe, and enriching the lives of even more coffee lovers, PJ's Coffee's 45th anniversary is not just a celebration of the past but a foreshadowing of the rich, flavorful future ahead. Cheers to many more years of the PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans experience!

  • $1,042,644*

    Average Unit
    Volume (AUV)

  • 19.8%

    4-year Same-Store

    Sales Increase

Invest in the Best
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Learn More About Our Available Markets

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

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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 Franchise FAQ: What You Need to Know View Blog
  • PJ’s Coffee Continues Expansion, Brews Up Three More Locations View Blog
  • PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans: Servicing Communities with Veteran Franchisees View Blog
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