Celebrating Women’s History Month at PJ’s Coffee with Tori Bermond

PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans is dedicated to giving everyone an equal opportunity to rise up and achieve greatness in the franchise business. Our Director of Franchise Development and Certified Franchise Executive, Tori Bermond, is one of many examples of that commitment. From the start of her career to now, she has positioned herself as a trailblazer in an industry where men are the majority.

A Louisiana native and Louisiana State University alumna, Tori interned with LSU Sports Properties while earning her bachelor’s degree. As an intern, she developed and refined her skills in client services, sponsorship sales and marketing.

In her first few years at PJ’s, she served as a franchise development coordinator, fostering franchise and franchisor-broker relationships. She also oversaw marketing efforts and handled lead generation platforms to analyze franchise recruitment processes.

Tori also took the lead in coordinating and hosting all franchising expositions, discovery days and consultant relationships during this time. In other words, she juggled many responsibilities at once and has done so with great success.

“It hasn’t been easy to climb the corporate ladder in the restaurant industry at such a young age,” said Tori. “Instead of letting that hold me back, though, I’ve used every obstacle along the way as motivation to challenge myself by continuing to work hard and aim for greatness.”

Because of her tenacious spirit, Tori recently shared with QSR that she never stopped seeking professional growth. She has maintained her status as a Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) since October 2020, a designation issued by the International Franchising Association. Her certification is one of many feats that demonstrate her commitment to continuing to work in and study the franchise industry.

After nearly three years, Tori moved up in the company to franchise development manager. Beyond her professional drive, she shares a deep personal connection to the brand. With her brother serving as one of the largest multi-unit franchisees for PJ's Coffee and her family's unwavering belief in its potential, Tori's involvement goes beyond working for corporate. In fact, she's an investor and minority owner of a PJ's location in Louisiana, solidifying her commitment to the brand's growth and success.

“We’re beyond grateful to have Tori in the PJ’s family,” said Vice President of Franchise Development Ryan Stansbury. “She’s not only done a wonderful job of helping grow PJ’s as a franchise but also serves as a great role model for young entrepreneurs looking to break barriers in the industry.”

Now, with over a decade of experience in customer service, sales and marketing, Tori looks forward to using her experiences and love for the brand to introduce others to franchise ownership opportunities.

You can find out more about Tori’s journey in QSR’s “Tips to Grow Your Career and Beat the Odds, from Women Restaurant Leaders,” which covers the challenges she and other women have faced and their advice for women seeking to break through the barriers in the restaurant industry.