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How PJ's Coffee Is Boosting Franchisee Unit-Level Economics with New Beignets Initiative

By: PJ's Coffee

Category:PJ's Coffee Growth

When it comes to coffee franchises, PJ’s Coffee knows all about the importance of offering flavorful products that customers can’t get anywhere else. 

We are constantly developing and testing new menu options, from our Limited Time Offers to our premium Arabica beans. We recently rolled out the beignet program… and boy, it’s proven to be very popular!  A beignet is a fried French pastry sprinkled in confectioners’ sugar. While the beignets are not currently offered in every location, the goal is to have the program fully implemented system-wide within the next twelve months.  

Beignets

How the Beignet Initiative Began 

Beignets originated in France and were brought to New Orleans in the 18th century. Today, they are a staple at bakeries and dessert shops around the city. 

Rolling them out at PJ’s Coffee began as most of our initiatives do: by reviewing feedback from our guests and franchisees. With a brand centered around all things New Orleans, many were asking if we’d ever consider serving beignets with our infamous coffee flavors. 

Maryland-based franchisees Tyra and Mike Harris played a significant role in the initial rollout of these delicious, deep-fried pastries. Inspired by their passion for southern flavors, the two worked with the PJ’s Coffee corporate team to debut the beignet program, and the rest is history. 

It took eight months of experimentation to figure out how to make the rollout possible- from cooking them properly to preventing them from sticking together and keeping them fresh for in-store, to go and delivery orders. 

An Overnight Sensation 

Over the years, we have seen much success selling pastries. Our muffins, croissants, cookies and scones are all popular menu items. After all, it’s hard to resist ordering a fresh, warm treat with your daily cup of joe. They are perfect for an early morning breakfast, a quick afternoon snack, or a sweet, flavorful dessert. 

Just like our other pastries, our beignets were a success right from the start. At Tyra and Mike’s location, they ran out of a month's supply in just a few days. They credit much of this “frenzy” to the singularity of the product and hope to be the “go-to” place for beignets in their area. 

This led to PJ’s Coffee preparing for a major rollout in 2022. By 2023, we hope to be serving up beignets at all our franchise locations. 

How Beignets Are Boosting Profitability 

Speaking of unique, our brand’s one-of-a-kind “southern flair” continues to set us apart. Currently, no other coffee franchise sells beignets. 

This new product line isn’t just increasing our menu options; it’s also increasing our ticket sales. Beignets increased our average ticket sales by 15% during the testing process.  

The reason is quite simple- our made-to-order beignets pair perfectly with our premium coffee, and they take little equipment to prepare.  

In addition to increasing sales, they are also bringing in new customers looking to get sweet, southern flavors wherever they are. 

What’s Next for Our Innovative Coffee Franchise 

PJ’s Coffee dedicates the success of this rollout to our forward-thinking franchisees and loyal customers. Not only are we always open to feedback or suggestions, but we are all about taking action and bringing exceptional ideas to life. 

The beignet rollout has inspired us to experiment even more with new and diverse menu options, and we’ll be brewing up big things in the coming years! 

Are you looking to join a unique coffee franchise where your ideas will be heard? Contact us today to learn about opening a PJ’s Coffee in your area! 

  • $1,034,105*

    Average Unit
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  • 14.3%

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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: $406,000- $1,131,000
  • 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: $192,000 - $534,500
  • 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.

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    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)
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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
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