Drive-Thru Success: How PJ’s Coffee Franchises Rev Up Higher Revenues

Every year on July 24, we join coffee enthusiasts nationwide to celebrate National Drive-Thru Day. The holiday is a testament to the convenience and joy that drive-thrus bring to our busy lives. For PJ’s Coffee, this day isn’t just a celebration; it’s a reminder of our drive-thru service's significant impact on our overall business performance.

In the ever-brewing world of coffee shops, standing out means more than just serving a perfect cup of joe — it’s about creating a seamless and efficient guest experience. As a prospective franchisee of PJ’s Coffee, understanding the impact and effectiveness of drive-thru service can be a game-changer for your business and help steer you toward success.

Drive-Thru Metrics and Innovations

1. Revenue Boost: Drive-thru locations at PJ’s Coffee tend to consistently outperform non-drive-thru locations by 38-45%, highlighting the undeniable advantage of convenience.

2. Resilience: During the challenging times of the pandemic, our drive-thru locations continued to thrive, achieving a remarkable 12.1% increase in same-store sales in 2020 over 2019. This resilience underscores the importance of drive-thru accessibility in maintaining steady business even in unpredictable circumstances, including inclement weather.

3. Sales Volume: Approximately 65-80% of sales in a traditional PJ’s Coffee shop come through the drive-thru, emphasizing the critical role that drive-thrus play in our business model.

4. Top Performers: As reflected in our Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD), the majority of our top performing PJ’s are drive-thru locations. These top-performing stores set a benchmark, showcasing the potential for success with a drive-thru service.

Drive-thru operations are much more than a sliding window and a friendly face. We are implementing timers across our locations this year to further enhance our drive-thru efficiency. These timers will help streamline operations, reduce wait times and improve overall guest satisfaction, ensuring an exceptional and friendly drive-thru experience.

Select PJ’s Coffee locations have also historically participated in a “Drive-Thru SurPRIZE” initiative on National Drive-Thru Day, offering guests an array of prizes and branded merchandise and celebrating the model’s success.

Why Choose a PJ’s Coffee Drive-Thru?

1. Convenience: In today’s fast-paced world, guests value drive-thrus because they allow them to grab their favorite coffee without leaving their car, making their daily routine smoother and more enjoyable — especially if they order through the mobile app. This is particularly true for guests rushing to work or class, and those looking for a pick-me-up while dropping off their children at school or after-hours activities.

2. Increased Traffic: Drive-thrus attract a broader customer base, including those who might not have the time to park and walk into the store, translating into higher sales and greater brand visibility.

3. Competitive Edge: With many coffee shops to choose from, offering a drive-thru could set your PJ’s Coffee franchise apart from the competition — depending on the location — and keep guests coming back.

Joining the PJ’s Coffee Family

At PJ’s Coffee, we believe in the power of community and the strength of family-owned businesses. Our drive-thru model is an extension of this philosophy, providing a convenient and efficient way to serve our loyal guests. Embracing the drive-thru model means tapping into a proven system of success and contributing to a legacy of excellence.

Ready to drive your PJ’s Coffee franchise to new heights? Join us today in celebrating the convenience, efficiency and profitability of our drive-thru service.