What It's Really Like to Own a Coffee Franchise

Opening a coffee shop is a dream shared by many entrepreneurs, but for Michele Carlton, that dream became reality with PJ’s Coffee. Today, Michele and her husband, alongside their son, are proud franchise owners of the PJ’s Coffee shop in Pensacola, Florida, where they’ve created a welcoming space for their community and a legacy for their family.

A Dream Rooted in Louisiana

For Michele, a Louisiana native, PJ’s Coffee immediately felt like home. She saw the brand as the perfect blend of her entrepreneurial drive and her lifelong passion for coffee. “I grew up with PJ’s Coffee, so it was just a natural thing for me to gravitate towards,” Michele explained.

Michele connected with the way PJ’s honors its NOLA roots while creating welcoming spaces where people gather, and she wanted to bring that same experience to her own Florida neighborhood.

Therefore, when the opportunity came to open three PJ’s Coffee shops in Pensacola Beach—a town she grew up visiting on family vacations—Michele knew it was the perfect place to merge her love of coffee and hospitality.

What began as a dream stretched into a long journey to open the first location, but Michele says it was worth every step. With the full support of her husband, Michele dove into franchising with PJ’s Coffee, excited by both the business model and our brand’s values.

Life as Coffee Shop Entrepreneurs

So, what does day-to-day life look like for coffee franchise owners? For Michele and her family, it’s a mix of building relationships, managing operations, and making sure every guest leaves with a smile (and a perfectly brewed cup in hand).

Running a coffee shop franchise is hard work, but Michele says the support of the PJ’s Coffee franchise system makes it easier. From training to marketing to operational guidance, franchisees have the backing of a proven brand while still making their business uniquely their own. “We’re still small business owners,” Michele said. “There’s a lot of pride in that.”

The Benefits of Franchising with PJ’s Coffee

Michele’s story highlights what many entrepreneurs find when they choose PJ’s Coffee:

• Proven Brand Recognition: A trusted name with deep Louisiana roots and a growing national presence.
• Network of Franchisees: A long list of fellow franchisees to reach out to for guidance or support is an invaluable asset for our entrepreneurs.
• Ethical Sourcing: Direct partnerships with coffee farmers that ensure sustainability and social responsibility.
• Franchise Support: Ongoing training, marketing tools, and operational guidance to set our franchise owners up for success.
• Unique Products: Innovative menu items like our award-winning beignets and Velvet Ice^®beverages that differentiate PJ’s from other coffee shop franchises.

For Michele and her family, franchising with PJ’s Coffee has brought about more than they expected. They’ve created a business that reflects their values and brings people together.

Ready to Brew Your Franchising Future?

With PJ’s Coffee, you’re not just buying into a business—you’re joining a family that’s passionate about people, coffee, and community. Are you ready to own your own coffee shop franchise? Fill out our inquiry form today to join PJ’s Coffee.