Three Reasons the Southeast is Ready for PJ’s to Stir Up the Coffee Scene

America’s appreciation for coffee is rising and growing stronger than ever. Daily coffee consumption is reaching a 20-year high, with nearly 40% of Americans drinking a cup a day, according to the National Coffee Association. In fact, 75% of American adults said they have had a cup of coffee in the past week, with 57% being specialty cups. These numbers reflect not only the appeal of the beloved beverage but also its value as a promising business opportunity for entrepreneurs.

The exciting journey of opening a coffee franchise begins with research, financial planning and securing capital, but one of the most critical early steps is choosing an ideal location. While we aim to bring our warm, comforting New Orleans offerings to communities nationwide, the Southeast is brewing with opportunity and will act as a focal region for future expansion strategies.

Establishment Matters: We're Already Here

PJ’s is committed to delivering exceptional experiences by prioritizing personalized customer service, employee retention and high-quality coffee. Operating in core markets such as South Carolina, Georgia, Florida, Alabama, Mississippi, Tennessee, Arkansas and Texas provide a strong foundation. Established brand awareness in the region ensures synergy and clear expectations for anyone looking to start a PJ’s Coffee business. The Southeast, a key region of the Sunbelt, has experienced significant economic growth in the last few years and is poised for continued rapid growth, making it an ideal area to drive our fast-growing development.

The easily accessible resources available to PJ’s in this region will allow our franchise system to confidently provide operational support and leverage pre-established distribution channels, making coffee franchise ownership attainable. Our focus on unique New Orleans-inspired flavors positions PJ’s Coffee as a leader in the industry and will play a vital part in standing out across various markets.

“With America’s passion for coffee at an all-time high and the Southeast brimming with opportunity, there’s never been a better time to grow with us,” said PJ’s Coffee VP of Franchise Development Ryan Stansbury. “We’re looking forward to bringing our one-of-a-kind New Orleans flavors to even more communities while also providing our franchisees with our support through our effective business model.”

Hitting Thriving Markets Like Atlanta, Charlotte, the DFW and the DMV

Atlanta and Charlotte, with over five million and two million residents, respectively, are prime markets for PJ’s Coffee’s expansion due to their vibrant economies, cultural richness and shared appreciation for Southern hospitality — qualities that closely mirror our brand’s roots in New Orleans. These metropolitan areas boast a strong coffee-loving demographic and a thriving food and beverage business scene, making them ideal for introducing PJ’s authentic Louisiana flavors. With a growing number of Louisiana transplants eager for a taste of home, PJ’s Coffee plans to capitalize on this by opening over 75 locations in the coming years, continuing to foster community connections through exceptional coffee.

Another ideal area is the DMV — Washington D.C., Maryland, and Virginia — due to its diverse populations, strong appreciation for unique culinary experiences and cultural connections to the South. Washington, D.C., in particular, has long been a city of coffee lovers, dating back to the nation’s early days after the Boston Tea Party — John Adams began drinking coffee every afternoon and famously renounced tea as it was considered “unpatriotic.” This historic reverence for coffee is still evident today, with a dynamic and ever-growing coffee culture that includes everything from fast-paced institutions to chic cafes.

The Dallas-Fort Worth Metroplex, boasting over 7.5 million residents, also offers a prime opportunity. Its diversified population of professionals, students and families embraces coffee as a daily staple, while the blend of urban hubs and suburban communities supports both boutique cafés and drive-thrus. The area is a business hub with nine PJ’s Coffee locations already and more than ten additional locations in development, making DFW a solidified home market for us.

The increasing demand for quality in these regions, paired with larger workforces, creates a significant need for coffee in their communities. The areas also see a high influx of visitors, making them go-to destinations for coffee enthusiasts. The DMV and DFW have vital cultural alignments, economic opportunities, and flourishing coffee scenes, making them perfect environments for anyone wanting to start a PJ’s Coffee franchise.

Booming Business in Southeast Markets

PJ’s offers a prime opportunity for franchisees seeking a well-established concept with significant growth on the horizon. Our signature blend of New Orleans charm, quality Arabica coffee beans and a community-first approach makes for an advantageous and adaptable business model for those dedicated to providing top-tier coffee experiences.

We prioritize supporting existing franchisees in established markets while welcoming first-time owners, fostering synergy and awareness for smoother distributions. Whether entering franchising for the first time or expanding an existing portfolio, this target region will work in tandem with our overarching approach, ensuring a collaborative path for franchisees looking to grow alongside a family-friendly brand rooted in innovation and support.

Join the Coffee Takeover Here

Are you ready to be a part of a thriving franchise network on track for explosive growth? Contact us to learn more about how these markets are prepared to embrace PJ’s Coffee’s signature New Orleans-inspired fare.