PJ’s Coffee Conference 2024 Highlights: Celebrating Growth, Global Partnerships and Franchisee Excellence

The PJ’s Coffee Annual Conference returned to its roots in New Orleans, where the rich culture, vibrant energy and unmistakable spirit of the city set the perfect stage for a dynamic gathering. This year’s event brought together franchisees, corporate leaders and key partners to celebrate PJ’s heritage while highlighting the innovative spirit that’s driving our brand forward.

Guided by the conference theme of “GAME ON!,” sessions were structured like game levels, providing franchisees with interactive, hands-on experiences to learn, strategize and connect. At the event’s conclusion, attendees left New Orleans armed with fresh tools, insights and relationships to propel their businesses to new heights.

A Global Partnership: Empowering Women and Supporting Sustainability

A key highlight of the conference was PJ’s Coffee’s ongoing partnership with Cafe De Mi Pueblo, a coffee company dedicated to supporting independent Honduran farmers. From cultivation to harvesting, women are at the heart of every stage of coffee production in Honduras. Through its connection with the Asociación de Mujeres Procesadoras de Café la Labor (AMPROCAL), an association of coffee women producers, Cafe De Mi Pueblo also supports initiatives focused on environmental sustainability, climate resilience and uplifting communities. For example, AMPROCAL has a school for children of coffee growers to learn and play throughout the harvest. Both organizations’ dedication and expertise are shaping the future of regional coffee workers in the region, aligning perfectly with PJ’s values.

This partnership is not only a way for PJ’s Coffee to source responsibly but also a commitment to supporting women-run businesses. Just as PJ’s Coffee was founded over four decades ago by a woman, Phyllis Jordan, the company continues to empower women in the coffee industry today. Together, we’re brewing a future that’s as sustainable as it is flavorful — one cup at a time.

Celebrating Franchisee Excellence

While education and growth were central to the event, the annual conference also celebrated the outstanding achievements of its franchisees. Several awards were presented, recognizing individuals and teams who exemplify the spirit of PJ’s:

• The Phyllis Jordan Award — named in honor of our founder — was awarded to Robin Lewis, a long-time franchisee from Destrehan, Louisiana, and a breast cancer survivor who has been with PJ’s for nearly a quarter of a century. As a member of the Franchise Advisory Council since its inception, Robin has witnessed firsthand the resilience of the brand and its people, having navigated the challenges of both Hurricane Katrina and Hurricane Ida. Her journey is a testament to the strength and dedication that define the PJ’s Coffee family.
  
   
• Franchisee of the Year was awarded to the TAM Group — Andrew Jones, Ted Amar and Mateusz Dabrowski — who own multiple PJ’s locations across Southeast Louisiana. Their dedication to developing their teams and providing memorable customer experiences earned them this prestigious recognition.
  
   
• The Top Sales in the First Twelve Months award went to the Alexandria, Louisiana, location, which achieved an impressive $1.2 million in net sales during its first year of operation. This recognition highlights the incredible potential for success within our brand.
  
   
• Community Involvement Awards were given to several locations that have gone above and beyond to improve their local communities. Franchisees from Madison, Huntsville, Spanish Fort and Mobile, Alabama; Ruston and Lutcher, Louisiana; Linwood, New Jersey; Lake St. Louis, Missouri; and Ridgeland, Mississippi were recognized for their volunteerism, civic responsibility and dedication to making a positive impact — the spirit of Southern hospitality.
  
   
• The Rookie Franchise of the Year Award went to Tance Hughes, Seth Hughes and Dallas Morris of Natchez, Mississippi. Despite being new to the PJ’s family, this group has already made a significant impact, even achieving the highest net sales on their soft opening day in 2023.

Looking Forward

Our franchisees’ dedication is the driving force behind PJ’s Coffee’s continued success and growth. With each new franchise location, we strengthen our brand’s sense of family, support and community — ensuring that PJ’s remains an industry leader for generations to come. As we move forward from the 2024 annual conference with empowered franchisees and strengthened partnerships, we are filled with optimism and excitement for our future.

Thank you to every franchisee, partner and team member for making this year’s conference a success. The future is bright for PJ’s Coffee — Game On!