How PJ's Coffee Extends their Southern Hospitality to Franchisees

PJ’s Coffee has an outstanding reputation that goes beyond their delicious coffee. Their reputation begins with their family-oriented in-store experience and extends to their franchisees. Franchisees have continued to rave about PJ’s Coffee’s top-notch development, opening and ongoing support as recognized by Franchise Business Review for the past 8 consecutive years as a Top-50 Franchise.  This recognition is a result of an annual franchisee satisfaction survey, and it is one of the many reasons entrepreneurs continue to invest in PJ’s Coffee. 

Site Selection & Lease Procurement

 The PJ’s Coffee corporate teams begin by working one-on-one with every new franchisee, guiding them through the site selection and lease procurement process. Franchisees not only work with the corporate team but also real estate brokers who are experts in site identification, site evaluation, letter of intent preparation, lease negotiations and lease review. Given that the viability of PJ’s Coffee locations are often determined by using site analytic tools, they ensure that every location is set up for long-term success.

Design & Construction

Once a location is determined, PJ’s project managers guide the franchisees through the design process to create an efficient workspace while maximizing revenue generating square feet.  The store is also designed with the customer experience in mind.  Creating an environment that is warm and welcoming and one that offers a variety of seating options to accommodate the needs of all guests. 

“When we went to meet the team, everyone was so kind, and it was very apparent that they provide a ton of support to their franchisees. It’s important to feel like you can always reach out to somebody when needed,” said franchisee, Angela Harmon.

Training

In preparation for opening day, a Store Opening Specialist will guide the franchisee through the pre-opening process.  This process includes completing the online training modules and attending franchisee and management training in New Orleans where franchisees learn how to run their business.  Once the business is ready to open, a member of the PJ’s Operations Team will visit the store to conduct a 10-day training program for the franchise owner and staff. The first half of the time is preparing and training the staff of baristas. The second half of the time is taking you through the soft opening to the public. At the completion of the onsite training, the franchisee will be comfortable running the PJ’s business.

 Continued On-Going Support

 Preparing the franchisees for the launch of their business and assisting them through the soft opening is just the beginning.  We believe in continuous education through guided learning by way of hands-on experience.  Thanks to the Franchise Business Consultants (FBC), each franchisee will receive ongoing support, coaching, and guidance. The FBCs are responsible for assisting the franchise owner in hitting their revenue goals while ensuring cost as a percentage of sales are within the correct ranges.  FBCs also visit the stores on a biannual basis to work with the franchisees on continuous improvement of their operations.

Franchise owners also receive year-round support to ensure the marketing and promotional campaigns, new or seasonal product rollouts, and new operational procedures are effectively communicated to the franchise owner and their team.

“When you think about opening up a business, there are several things on your mind and there’s a lot to figure out. It could take you months to do it by yourself, but PJ’s Coffee was always on top of things, knew exactly who to contact, how to market my new business and what forms to fill out,” said franchise owner, Bill Getchell.

The ultimate goal of opening and ongoing support is to provide the franchise owners with the guidance they need to operate a profitable coffee franchise. “PJ’s is happy to help us, and we have the support anytime. That’s another reason we chose PJ’s,” said franchise owners, Marcus and Aracely. Actions speak louder than words and PJ’s Coffee is all about fulfilling the promises they make to set all franchise owners on a path to success.

If you’re in search of a coffee franchise that will support you throughout your journey as a franchise owner, contact us today!