Open Accessibility Menu
Hide

A Guide To Choosing The Right Coffee Franchise

By: PJ's Coffee

Category:About PJ's Coffee

PJ's Coffee Shop Exterior

Whether you’re an aspiring entrepreneur or an experienced business owner, choosing the right franchise is critical to achieving both your financial and lifestyle goals. For many, a coffee franchise stands out as an ideal investment — and for good reason. Coffee is a daily ritual for millions in the U.S., and the industry’s consistent demand makes it a stable and rewarding venture.

If you’re already envisioning your next step into franchising and making one of your smartest business investments yet, here are key factors to guide your decision when selecting the right franchise.

The Benefits of Partnering With a Franchise Brand Over Going Independent

Franchising offers an opportunity to start your business with a proven system already in place. Instead of navigating the challenges of building an independent coffee shop from the ground up, a franchise provides:

  • A Recognized Brand Name: Established franchises give you immediate credibility with guests.
  • Proven Systems and Processes: From operations to marketing, franchises equip franchisees with a blueprint for success.
  • Ongoing Support: Unlike independent businesses, franchisees benefit from continuous guidance in finance, real estate, design, construction, training and marketing.
  • Lower Risk: Franchising with an established brand can mitigate many risks associated with launching a startup, thanks to a tested model and industry expertise.

Evaluating the Investment Level and Franchise Model

Every franchise opportunity comes with its own financial requirements, and it’s essential to understand what’s involved. Coffee franchises often offer flexible models, which makes it easier to find one that aligns with your investment capacity and goals:

  • Investment Flexibility: Numerous brands offer models suitable for both single-unit and multi-unit ownership, enabling you to expand your investment as your business grows.
  • Scalability: Consider franchises that allow unlimited unit ownership. These franchises illustrate how scalable and rewarding expansion can be within their systems.

The Role of Brand Reputation, Innovation and Growth

When choosing a franchise, the brand’s reputation and commitment to growth are paramount:

  • Industry Leadership: A trusted name in the competitive coffee industry gives you a head start in building guest loyalty.
  • Innovation: Look for franchises that stay ahead of trends to keep their franchisees competitive.
  • Expansive Growth: Consider franchises with locations across thriving markets, ensuring expansion opportunities.

The Importance of Culture in a Franchise

Beyond financial considerations, the culture of a franchise can significantly impacts your success and satisfaction as an owner. Key aspects to evaluate include:

  • Passion for the Industry: A franchise that emphasizes quality and community can make your business venture truly fulfilling.
  • Alignment With Lifestyle and Financial Goals: Ensure the business model matches your ambitions and personal values.
  • Supportive Culture: Being part of a network of individuals with similar interests encourages collaboration and growth.

Why PJ’s Coffee Stands Out

PJ’s Coffee embodies all the qualities mentioned above, making it a compelling choice for prospective franchisees:

  • Passion for the Industry: Recognized for our genuine Southern hospitality and exceptional coffee, PJ's nurtures a passion for the craft at every step.
  • Proven Systems and Processes: PJ’s Coffee equips franchisees with everything needed for success, from operations to marketing.
  • Support From Day One: We offer comprehensive support in finance, real estate, design, construction, training, marketing, and operations.
  • Scalability: With no caps on the number of units owned, 51% of PJ’s franchisees are multi-unit operators.

Ready to Take the Next Step?

With our passionate culture, robust support and limitless scalability, PJ’s Coffee provides all the tools you need to brew up success in the thriving coffee industry and celebrates franchisee excellence.

Contact us today to learn more about how PJ’s Coffee can help you brew up a business that aligns with your goals and passions.

  • $1,042,644*

    Average Unit
    Volume (AUV)

  • 19.8%

    4-year Same-Store

    Sales Increase

Invest in the Best
  • Direct Trade
  • Fair Trade
  • Rainforest Alliance
  • Kosher
  • Halal
  • USDA Organic
  • 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
  • Top Food Franchises
  • Fast Casual
  • Entrepreneur Franchise 500 Ranked 2021
  • Vet Fran
  • SBAReady
  • International Franchise Association
  • National Restaurant Association
Learn More About Our Available Markets

Want to bring the PJ’s community to your community?
We have opportunities around the country.

View Map
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
  • - Bobby Mount
Featured Blogs
  • A Guide To Choosing The Right Coffee Franchise View Blog
  • Recipe for Success: Top-Selling Items and Revenue Insights at PJ’s Coffee View Blog
  • Three Reasons the Southeast is Ready for PJ’s to Stir Up the Coffee Scene View Blog
View All Posts
Become a PJ's Coffee Franchise Owner!
  • Please enter your first name.
  • Please enter your last name.
  • This isn't a valid phone number.
    Please enter your phone number.
  • Please enter your city.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please enter your zip code.
  • Please make a selection.
  • Please make a selection.
*indicates required fields
View Privacy Policy
Brochure
Download