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How PJ’s Family-Owned Model Breeds Generational Success

By: PJ's Coffee

Category:About PJ's Coffee

Ballard brothers smiling and holding PJ's Coffee cups

When Paul, Scott and Steven Ballard acquired PJ’s Coffee in 2008, they devoted themselves to bringing their familial values to the entire PJ’s system. At the time, the brothers weren’t aware that their uncommon business structure was a harbinger of future success. According to OnePoll, 64% of consumers trust family-owned businesses more than other privately held or publicly traded companies. This heightened level of trust leads to greater loyalty over time, which, in turn, produces stronger financial results.

More than 16 years later, being part of the family remains at the core of Ballard Brands and PJ’s Coffee. Guests and franchisees alike immediately sense the difference when they walk into their local PJ’s. Each sip of the expertly crafted coffee and every bite of fresh-baked beignets comes straight from the heart. The New Orleans-born brand’s family-centric, locally owned model distinguishes PJ’s from other coffee brands, contributing to the success of franchisees across the nation.

“At PJ’s Coffee, we prioritize relationships with guests, employees and franchisees, creating a welcoming and inclusive environment that feels like an extension of our own family,” said Steven Ballard. “Our involvement in the community, from Make-A-Wish to the Boys and Girls Club, also reflects our deep-rooted dedication to making a positive impact.”

Brewed with Tradition

Since its founding in 1978 by Phyllis Jordan, a revered pioneer in the coffee industry, PJ’s Coffee has eagerly welcomed family franchisees into its community. Currently, PJ’s locations are operated by a number of familial pairings, including husbands and wives, siblings and parents with their children.

Notable franchisees such as husband-and-wife team Lenny and Yvonne Sims and father-daughter duo Maggie and Richard Sauter and more have seen immense success. Built upon a culture of encouragement and collaboration, PJ’s family-run franchises foster a family legacy for generations to come.

Interestingly, the Ballard brothers were PJ’s franchisees themselves prior to acquiring the brand. In fact, they still are franchisees, owning 13 locations individually, while their mother manages a location in Covington, Louisiana. The corporate entity of PJ’s Coffee does not own any stores itself — each PJ’s location is operated and run by a member of the franchise family.

“For 46 years, we've stayed true to the standards set by Phyllis, sourcing the best coffee and avoiding becoming a commodity,” said Paul Ballard. “Our commitment to quality and authenticity remains because we control our destiny as a family-owned business.”

Join Our Family

Thanks to the Ballard brothers, PJ’s Coffee offers a uniquely supportive and nurturing environment. Franchisees aren’t just business partners; they’re part of the family. This close-knit relationship fosters a sense of pride and dedication unmatched by most other franchise brands – in the coffee industry, and beyond.

“Our family-centric culture fosters a shared purpose — trust, collaboration and support among franchisees — leading to higher employee morale, better customer service, and ultimately, a more successful and sustainable business model,” said Scott Ballard. “Each franchisee can cater to the unique needs of their community, ensuring that our values and personal touch resonate with guests across 14 states the brand is currently operating in.”

So, when you step into a PJ’s Coffee, you’re not just ordering a delicious beverage and fresh-baked treat, you’re experiencing the love, care and commitment of a family that’s dedicated to serving the best in a warm and friendly atmosphere. As the Ballards might say, PJ’s is “your home away from home.”

To learn more about owning a PJ’s Coffee franchise and joining the family, download the PJ’s Coffee franchise brochure today.

  • $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.

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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
  • It's just centered around fun, community, it's coffee, it brings people together in good times and bad times ... It was such a community-oriented love of coffee and we were able to take care of our home city. - Donna Miller
Featured Blogs
  • 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
  • PJ’s Coffee Set to Expand in Atlanta: Why This Market Is a Game-Changer View Blog
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