PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans: Servicing Communities with Veteran Franchisees

Since 1978, PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans has been dedicated to small-batch roasting and coffee craftsmanship. With over 180 locations currently operating across 14 states, the brand has earned the trust of the communities it serves and has become a prominent presence in the coffee industry while brewing small business opportunities for its franchisees — particularly for veterans.

At PJ’s Coffee, the belief in veterans’ potential to excel as franchise partners is unwavering. Veterans are natural leaders, a trait developed through military training and experience. This ability to lead by example and motivate their teams mirrors the essential skills of successful business owners. Veterans’ resilience, honed through overcoming adversity during their service, uniquely equips them to navigate the challenges of business ownership. Discipline, a fundamental aspect of military life, translates into the efficient execution of tasks and adherence to procedures, crucial for running a successful franchise. Attention to detail ensures operational efficiency and customer satisfaction, key elements in the franchise business.

Veterans, with their uncommon experiences, qualities and commitment to service, are natural fits for the brand’s franchise system. PJ’s Coffee also emphasizes community involvement as a cornerstone of its operating model, resonating with veterans and civilians alike. By harnessing these shared values, veterans thrive as franchise partners, contributing to the brand’s success while honoring their service to the country.

At PJ’s Coffee, the commitment to veteran leadership and supporting veterans starts at the top. Peter Boylan, President of PJ’s Coffee since 2016, previously served as a paratrooper in the U.S. Army with the 101st and 82nd Airborne Divisions. David Mesa, Chief Development Officer since 2016, served eight years in the U.S. Marine Corps. Their impactful leadership embodies the strength, discipline and dedication that America’s military members exemplify every day — and underscores the depth to which PJ’s Coffee’s belief in veteran leadership is ingrained in the company.

Commitment to Supporting Veterans

Recognized as a “Top Franchise for Veterans” by Entrepreneur in 2023, PJ’s Coffee’s dedication to honoring U.S. veterans and military members is profound. As a longtime five-star member of the International Franchise Association’s VetFran, the brand offers qualified veterans a 20% discount on their initial franchise fee year-round. Additionally, PJ’s Coffee hosts an annual Veteran Franchise License Giveaway — which is now open for 2024 — to help provide deserving veterans with the opportunity to own their own PJ’s Coffee franchise.

To be eligible for the brand’s eighth annual Veteran Franchise License Giveaway, candidates must meet PJ’s minimum financial requirements and submit a two-minute video sharing more about themselves and how their military experience will make them a dedicated franchisee. For more details and to enter, visit pjsfranchise.com/veterans. The deadline for entries is Monday, Sept. 30. The winner will be announced on Monday, Nov. 11 — fittingly for Veterans Day — and will receive a waived $35,000 franchise fee.

Success Stories of Veteran Franchisees

The PJ’s Coffee team takes immense pride in its veteran franchisees who have contributed their dedication, leadership and sense of community to the brand. Among the standout stories is Bobby Mounts, a Marine Corps veteran and former police officer who opened his first PJ’s Coffee in Ruston, Louisiana, with his wife, Kristy. They received the Rookie Franchisee of the Year award in 2022 for their professional growth and community engagement, which consistently has elevated their store’s success. The following year, Bobby and Kristy were honored with the PJ’s Coffee Franchisees of the Year award.

2023 Veteran Franchise Giveaway Recipient, Rob Smith

Other notable veterans include Rob Smith, a U.S. Navy veteran and the 2023 giveaway recipient set to open his PJ’s Coffee franchise in Clinton, Maryland, whose leadership and commitment to a service-oriented environment reflect his military background. Wayne Heaton, along with his wife Jean, has transformed their PJ’s Coffee in Linwood, New Jersey, into a community hub by offering complimentary beverages and beignets to veterans. Ennis Weber, a newly awarded franchisee, is also in the process of bringing the PJ’s Coffee experience to his Texas community and showcasing the values that make veterans like him ideal franchisees.

A Legacy Brewed to Rise

PJ’s Coffee, founded by industry pioneer Phyllis Jordan, created a concept with an emphasis on quality products, memorable guest experiences and an environment for the community to gather. These core values contributed to a 19.8% increase in same-store sales over the last four years.

Phyllis’ vision of using better beans, superior roasting techniques and pure passion for coffeemaking set the foundation for PJ’s enduring excellence. Acquired in 2008 by New Orleans natives Paul, Steven and Scott Ballard, PJ’s Coffee has expanded its legacy, serving a diverse range of hot, iced and frozen beverages crafted from the finest Arabica beans, alongside New Orleans-style beignets and fresh pastries. The signature PJ’s Original Cold Brew™, which uses a unique cold-drip process, preserves the flavor and strength of the beans while reducing acidity — a technique perfected by Phyllis and maintained for over 45 years.

With a proven business model and vast appeal to coffee consumers and aspiring entrepreneurs, the New Orleans-born coffeehouse is rapidly expanding and focusing on new and existing markets throughout the Southeast and up the Northeastern corridors.

Embracing Passion and Community

At PJ’s Coffee, the skills, integrity and leadership that veterans bring to the franchise family are immensely valued. However, one does not have to be a veteran to be a franchisee. The brand looks for franchise candidates who are passionate, community-oriented and committed to

upholding its values. Together, PJ’s Coffee and its franchisees can continue to honor the nation’s heroes while building successful cafes across the country and celebrating the vibrant flavors and rich history of New Orleans.