Real Estate Innovation: How to Start a PJ’s Coffee Business

At PJ’s Coffee, we understand that owning a coffee shop is about more than just coffee — it’s about creating a welcoming environment that fulfills customers' needs. We believe in empowering our franchisees to make decisions that are in the best interest of their business and their community, including selecting a real estate model. As experts in their target market, PJ’s Coffee franchisees have flexibility in choosing a prime location and the ideal model for their shop to make a difference in their community rather than settling on a place due to model requirements and restrictions.

Having the right real estate helps franchisees enter their local market with more ease. For example, a building model with a drive-thru option would be ideal for PJ’s franchises near schools and local neighborhoods because it would serve as a quick and easy option for families to stop by.

Popular building types include modular, standalone and a strip center featuring both end caps with a drive-thru and inline locations. While each structure has several benefits, some are more well-suited for certain demographics than others such as non-traditional locations, so franchisees must familiarize themselves with the key differences between each one before deciding what they should go with for their store.

Modular

Modular buildings are made up of rectangular sections that allow for a variety of floorplans and typically incorporate plenty of lighting and high ceilings while providing a fresh, modern feel. They are built at a manufacturing facility and are later transported to the desired location, where it takes a few days to construct. This allows for a much shorter construction period and for the building to be easily moved if needed. Modular buildings also come in many sizes and serve as a visually appealing addition to any neighborhood.

Standalone/Freestanding

Standalone or freestanding buildings are a popular choice for commercial real estate. Because there are no shared walls, owners have the freedom to customize the space as they see fit, which provides a great opportunity for PJ’s franchise owners to add an extra touch of New Orleans style to their store.

End caps with drive-thru

End-cap stores with a drive-thru are the most popular models for traditional coffee shops. They are located at the corner or end of a strip center and are the perfect model for adding a drive-thru for quick, convenient service.

Inline

Inline stores are found within a shopping center and share adjoining connected retail fronts.

This model is a great alternative for markets that cannot accommodate a drive-thru and provides increasing unit-level economics. Inline storefronts typically provide plenty of space for indoor seating, so guests can come in and enjoy their PJ’s in a warm, welcoming atmosphere.

“Being able to operate inline shops in areas with stringent zoning regulations or limited space for traditional drive-thru setups is crucial,” said PJ’s Coffee Franchise Development Manager Lory Schwartz. “Ultimately, the ability to offer franchisees multiple building models to choose from provides a competitive edge and enhances the overall success and sustainability of their PJ’s location.”

Learn more about how to start a coffee business and the steps to becoming a PJ’s Coffee franchise owner on pjsfranchise.com.