At PJ’s Coffee, supporting veterans isn’t just something we talk about—it’s part of who we are. Each year, our team looks forward to selecting the recipient of our Veteran Franchise License Giveaway, a program created to honor the leadership, grit, and service that veterans bring to entrepreneurship. This year, we’re proud to welcome U.S. Navy Veteran Arthur Cunanan as our ninth annual winner.
Our commitment to empowering veteran entrepreneurs is also being recognized outside our walls. We were recently named one of Entrepreneur’s Top Franchises for Veterans in 2025, a reflection of the strong support, financial incentives, and opportunities we offer to those who have served. Arthur’s story is a reminder of why this work matters, and why veterans continue to thrive within the PJ’s Coffee system.
A New Mission: Continuing Service Through Entrepreneurship
U.S. Navy Veteran Arthur Cunanan knows what it means to lead with purpose. After five years in the military following the events of 9/11, Arthur built a reputation shaped by discipline, resilience, and an unwavering commitment to service.
When his time as a Reactor Propulsion Division Officer in the U.S. Navy came to an end, those instincts didn’t fade. Instead, they led him toward a new mission: finding a business opportunity where he could serve his community in a different way.
Like many veterans, Arthur was drawn to franchising because it offered structure, support, and a clear playbook to follow. Along the way, he saw that PJ’s Coffee offered something more: a culture rooted in community, values that aligned with his own, and a brand that invests in the success of our veteran franchise owners. When Arthur learned that he had been selected as the winner of this year’s Veteran Franchise License Giveaway, he described the moment as both humbling and energizing.
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Leading With Purpose at PJ’s Coffee
As a future franchisee, Arthur plans to bring his steady, people-focused leadership style into his PJ’s Coffee shop. His vision includes a welcoming space for families, meaningful support for local groups, and a team culture built on camaraderie and mentorship.
For Arthur, this isn’t just about running a coffee shop. It’s about translating the values he learned in the military into lasting local impact.
“Arthur’s story represents everything this program stands for: passionate service, commitment, and the drive to create opportunities for others,” said David Mesa, President of PJ’s Coffee’s franchise division and an eight-year U.S. Marine Corps veteran. “The leadership and focus Arthur developed in the Navy align perfectly with our values at PJ’s. We’re honored to welcome him to our franchise family and look forward to supporting him throughout each step of his onboarding process.”
Why PJ’s Coffee is a Great Veteran Franchise Opportunity
Arthur’s story embodies why veterans thrive at PJ’s Coffee: they bring operational excellence, mission-driven focus, and a deep sense of responsibility to their communities. For us, helping entrepreneurs like him launch their next chapter is one of the most meaningful parts of our work.
- Clear Systems and Structure: The PJ’s franchise model offers the playbook that helps veterans excel with defined processes, strong leadership guidance, and proven operational frameworks.
- A Brand Built on Service: PJ’s Coffee focuses on becoming a neighborhood hub, and veterans often naturally embrace this “serve first” mindset.
- Multi-Unit Growth Potential: Veterans who thrive in operational excellence often expand into multi-unit ownership—one of the strongest wealth-building pathways in franchising.
Start Your Own Entrepreneurial Journey
PJ’s Coffee is committed to empowering more veterans to become thriving entrepreneurs. Whether you’re exploring your first business or considering multi-unit ownership, now is the perfect time to learn how PJ’s can support your next chapter.
Ready to learn more? Fill out our inquiry form.
