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How PJ's Coffee is making a name for itself on High School Campuses

By: PJ's Coffee

Category:PJ's Coffee Franchisees

At Walker High School, Principal Jason St Pierre has introduced students to a new way of learning by opening a non-traditional PJ’s Coffee franchise on the school campus. This PJ’s Coffee has opened new doors as an opportunity for students to gain real-world experience through working at PJ’s Coffee.

Principal Jason St Pierre has a vision that allows high school students to learn basic job skills that are found beyond the classroom. At Walker High School students are learning management skills, customer-service relations, time management, budgeting, and much more. Job responsibilities range from cashier, and barista, to manager of the PJ’s Coffee shop.

PJ's Coffee at Walker High

Operating a non-traditional PJ’s Coffee Franchise 

Jason signed the franchise agreement with PJ’s Coffee in 2019, in hopes of providing jobs for students who lacked, or would not have the opportunity to receive, real-world job experience. He believed that bringing PJ’s Coffee to Walker High School would encourage and motivate students to apply for their very first job to earn certifications or class credits. The goal is to make sure students are receiving the proper real-world experiences to succeed in adult life.

The non-traditional coffee shop is managed by one of the special needs teachers and is catered towards the special needs students to handle daily operations. It is fully staffed by rotating classes of 10th and 11th grade students from 7 a.m. until 1 p.m., on school days, as part of their elective study skills classes. Due to the high volume of customers at the coffee shop, three to four students are also trained to be managers to assist the special needs teacher. The student managers also train incoming students to ensure the coffee shop is fully operated by students. 

In addition to learning job skills, students are taught the importance of customer service and treating others with respect. “We teach our students that customer service is a way of life and that’s an important part of running a business,” said Jason. Not only is this opportunity teaching students valuable workplace skills, but it is also teaching them valuable people skills. 

Success that leads to Expansion

The outcome of this new program has been nothing short of positive. Parents and community members have expressed what a wonderful addition PJ’s Coffee has been to the campus and the impact it has on the students at Walker High School. “Parents are proud to know that their kids are gaining these skills and are able to run a coffee shop despite some of them having disabilities,” said Jason. Although the program was instituted to assist special needs students in their educational and personal development, all students on campus are welcome to apply to work at PJ’s Coffee. 

In fact, students have enjoyed this opportunity so much that they are expanding their business by creating a “coffee trailer.” This new addition will allow students to sell PJ’s Coffee at various locations such as businesses, schools, venues, etc. This has truly been an all-inclusive community opportunity. 

PJ's Coffee at Walker High

Unwavering Support from PJ’s Coffee

Jason has expressed the incredible support he has received from the PJ’s Coffee Corporate Team. The team at PJ’s Coffee has made this opportunity both possible and successful, as they have continued to provide ongoing support to ensure continued success for the longevity of PJ’s Coffee on high school campuses. 

By the time these students graduate and enter the real world, they will have more work experience than most kids their age. Students will also be able to apply to any PJ’s Coffee location and already have the necessary skills and training needed to succeed. Through this program, PJ’s Coffee and Walker High School are creating more successful futures for students.

If you’re interested in opening a non-traditional PJ’s Coffee franchise to help high school students gain work experience, contact us today!

  • $1,042,644*

    Average Unit
    Volume (AUV)

  • 19.8%

    4-year Same-Store

    Sales Increase

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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
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