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Smart Investments: What To Know When Choosing Between a Full-Service Restaurant and a Coffee Shop Franchise

By: PJ's Coffee

Category:Franchise Opportunities

PJ's Coffee Shop exterior

Investing in a franchise can be a lucrative venture, but choosing the right type is crucial for success. For those considering entering the coffee shop industry, owning a coffee franchise like PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans offers significant advantages over operating a full-service restaurant. Here are some key factors to consider when deciding between investing in a restaurant and a coffee shop before starting or continuing your entrepreneurial journey.

Streamlined Operations and Simplified Supply Chain

When you decide to own a coffee franchise like PJ’s Coffee, you’re opting for a business model that is inherently more streamlined than that of a full-service restaurant. Unlike traditional restaurants, which require extensive cooking, managing a myriad of menu items, and overseeing complex kitchen operations, PJ’s Coffee focuses on a streamlined menu featuring top-notch coffee and light food offerings. This simplicity translates into a more manageable supply chain, reduced inventory, and lower overall operational costs.

For franchisees, this means fewer headaches related to food preparation and inventory management. A simplified menu helps shift the focus to quality and efficiency rather than juggling a broad array of ingredients and cooking processes. In turn, this reduces overhead costs while also minimizing the risk of spoilage and waste.

Teddy Amar, a seasoned entrepreneur from Louisiana who started his career as a financial consultant, is a prime example of the strategic decision-making that sets successful franchisees apart. Starting with a franchise investment in Zaxby’s, Teddy realized that the complexities of managing a restaurant — numerous products, moving parts and a large staff — were not aligned with his strengths or long-term vision. Seeking a more streamlined, scalable and local business that could stand the test of time, he opted to invest in PJ’s Coffee. Today, Teddy and his partners own and operate 10 PJ’s Coffee locations across southeast Louisiana and have one in development. His experience highlights the advantages of choosing a coffee franchise over a traditional restaurant, particularly for entrepreneurs looking to maximize efficiency and growth.

No Cooking? No Problem

Operational efficiency is one of the key reasons why PJ’s Coffee is an attractive franchise opportunity for those looking to enter the food and beverage industry with fewer hurdles, and it can be an appealing option for entrepreneurs who want to avoid the complexities of running a full-service kitchen. Offering premium coffee, fresh pastries and small bites not only allows for streamlined operations but also lets you concentrate on delivering an exceptional customer experience. Without the need to manage a complicated menu or oversee extensive food preparation, you can dedicate more time and energy to building relationships with customers, perfecting your coffee offerings and creating a welcoming environment that keeps them coming back.

Support and Training from Industry Experts

Starting a PJ’s Coffee business also comes with the advantage of comprehensive support and training. New franchisees benefit from the expertise of our operations consultants, who provide ongoing support and guidance to ensure that they not only adhere to the high standards of PJ’s Coffee but also benefit from industry best practices that drive success.

From initial training to daily operations, PJ’s Coffee offers a structured approach to running a coffee shop rooted in the values established by our founder, Phyllis Jordan, in 1978. A pioneer in the coffee industry, Phyllis Jordan embraced high-quality beans, superior roasting methods and a pure passion for the art of coffee-making — principles that continue to guide us today. This dedication to quality extends to our top-sourced coffee beans, which are roasted just blocks from the famous French Quarter in New Orleans, and to our carefully selected food vendors, guaranteeing that franchisees have access to premium products that meet customer expectations.

Drive-Thru Convenience

Another competitive advantage of owning a coffee shop franchise like PJ’s Coffee is the drive-thru option. Drive-thru service is increasingly popular among consumers who value convenience and quick service. Integrating a drive-thru into your coffee shop can attract a steady stream of customers who prefer the ease of grabbing their coffee without leaving their vehicles. This convenience can significantly boost sales and improve customer satisfaction.

The Verdict

The streamlined operations, simplified supply chain and limited cooking make owning a coffee franchise like PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans a compelling business opportunity compared to a full-service restaurant. Coupled with robust support and training, a drive-thru option and special benefits for veterans, starting a PJ’s Coffee business offers a promising path to entrepreneurial success.

For those interested in exploring the exciting business opportunity the coffee industry offers, PJ’s Coffee provides the ideal blend of support, efficiency and potential.

Want to learn more about PJ’s Coffee franchise opportunities? Contact us today!

  • $1,042,644*

    Average Unit
    Volume (AUV)

  • 19.8%

    4-year Same-Store

    Sales Increase

Invest in the Best
  • Direct Trade
  • Fair Trade
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  • Kosher
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  • 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
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  • Fast Casual
  • Entrepreneur Franchise 500 Ranked 2021
  • Vet Fran
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  • International Franchise Association
  • National Restaurant Association
Learn More About Our Available Markets

Want to bring the PJ’s community to your community?
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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
  • The Growth Path: Why PJ’s Coffee Franchisees Choose Multi-Unit Ownership View Blog
  • Smart Investments: What To Know When Choosing Between a Full-Service Restaurant and a Coffee Shop Franchise View Blog
  • What to Expect at the 2024 PJ’s Coffee Conference: A Journey of Growth and Connection View Blog
View All Posts
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