Entrepreneurs Kyle and Jennifer McElhaney, are bringing PJ’s Coffee to Memphis, TN

As active members of their community, Kyle and Jennifer McElhaney knew they were lacking a unique coffee shop that differed from other coffee brands. Given their entrepreneurial experience, they were certain they could discover the best investment opportunity that would bring a new coffee experience to Memphis, TN - which led them to PJ’s Coffee.

Kyle and Jennifer were immediately impressed by PJ's Coffee upon their initial visit. The menu offerings combined with their branding, and family-like store experience led them to act fast on their ownership. “After we tried the product there was no turning back. We knew that the PJ’s Coffee family was where we wanted to settle in,” said Kyle. 

In April 2022, Kyle and Jennifer executed a multi-unit option agreement to own and operate two PJ’s Coffee locations within the Memphis area, with the first unit scheduled to open by the end of 2022. 

Taking Advantage of New Opportunities 

Along with their PJ’s Coffee investment, Kyle and Jennifer have found great success as entrepreneurs - owning and operating several businesses. Over the years, they have discovered a passion for investing in businesses that are in high demand in the Memphis area.

Their first business was a logistics company known as Mid-South Area Carriers which specializes in delivering Amazon packages. In addition, the couple opened a full-service interior design support business, as well as a fleet cleaning business. 

Becoming the go-to coffee Franchise in Memphis 

With their store openings on the horizon, Kyle and Jennifer predict their PJ’s Coffee franchises to be known as “the coffee of Memphis.” Kyle and Jennifer know that one of the key assets to reaching this goal is hiring a solid team of like-minded individuals.  Because they already own several other businesses, Kyle and Jennifer know what to look for when hiring.

E.A.T. is a motto that stands for Effort, Attitude and Teamwork - all of their employees are expected to abide by this when they come to work. Putting in the maximum effort, having a positive attitude, and working together is what makes a solid team of employees. 

In addition to having great employees, Jennifer and Kyle also understand the benefit of being humble enough to know that they can’t do it all. 

“Two important lessons that we’ve learned since becoming entrepreneurs are: We don’t have to seek the opportunity but we must be prepared when the opportunity shows up and to surround ourselves with people that can do things that we can’t or don’t want to do,” said Kyle. 

Surrounding themselves with people who have the same goals has resulted in great success for their other businesses, therefore, they plan to have the same approach for their PJ’s Coffee franchises. As franchise owners, The McElhaney’s practice servant leadership and always cater to the needs and goals of each person.

As they gear up to open their two locations, the couple will also be welcoming the newest addition to their family in June 2022. As the McElhaney family continues to grow, so does their portfolio. 

Adding PJ’s Coffee to their Portfolio

Though their PJ’s Coffee franchise locations have not opened yet, the corporate team has provided the couple with more support than they ever could’ve imagined. At PJ’s Coffee, the franchise owners are always encouraged to provide feedback to better help the franchise as a whole. “They always let us know that we’re valued as franchise owners and that makes us feel like family in the most organized, professional and fun way,” said Jennifer. 

Being a part of the PJ’s Coffee family has meant a lot to Kyle and Jennifer. When Kyle and Jennifer first met, they both had children from previous relationships. Kyle is a dad to three boys and Jennifer has one daughter and a son. As parents of five children and one on the way, they’ve made it their mission to build generational wealth as a way to leave a legacy to their children. “We never want to be a one-man show. We enjoy having a portfolio of businesses to build something for ourselves and our children,” said Kyle. 

If you’re interested in growing your portfolio with PJ’s Coffee then contact us today!