PJ’s Coffee Franchise FDD, Profits & Costs (2025)
PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans was founded in 1978 by Phyllis Jordan, who focused on high-quality beans and expert roasting.
The franchise is headquartered in New Orleans, Louisiana, staying true to its roots and embracing the city’s rich culture and flavors.
In 2008, the Ballard brothers—Paul, Steven, and Scott—took ownership. They have maintained the company’s commitment to excellence.
PJ’s Coffee started franchising to bring its unique coffee experience nationwide. The menu features signature cold brew iced coffee, brewed through a cold-drip process that reduces acidity, alongside traditional coffees, espressos, and teas.
The franchise is known for offering New Orleans-style beignets, adding a local flair. PJ’s stands out by sourcing top-quality Arabica beans, roasted in small batches to ensure premium quality. This dedication to craftsmanship and its New Orleans heritage sets PJ’s Coffee apart in the crowded coffee industry.
Initial Investment
How much does it cost to start a PJ’s Coffee franchise? It costs on average between $263,000 – $1,698,000 to start a PJ’s Coffee franchised restaurant.
This includes costs for construction, equipment, inventory, and initial operating expenses. The exact amount depends on various factors, including the type of restaurant you choose, the location, and whether the franchisee chooses to lease or purchase the property. PJ’s Coffee offers 3 types of franchises:
| Type of PJ’s Unit Model | Initial Investment |
|---|---|
| Traditional Inline/End Cap Model | $498,500 – $887,000 |
| Traditional Free-standing Model | $915,000 – $1,698,000 |
| Non-traditional Model | $262,500 – $556,000 |
We are summarizing below the main costs associated with opening a Traditional Free-standing Model. For more information on costs required to start a PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans franchise, refer to the Franchise Disclosure Document (Item 7).
| Type of Expenditure | Amount |
|---|---|
| Initial Franchise Fee | $15,000 to $40,000 |
| Real Estate Lease Deposit for Premises | $5,000 to $12,500 |
| Furniture, Fixtures, and Equipment | $191,500 to $243,000 |
| Opening Advertising | $12,500 |
| Travel and Living Expenses While Training | $3,500 to $5,000 |
| Insurance | $5,000 to $7,500 |
| Other Prepaid Expenses | $4,500 to $8,000 |
| Opening Inventory | $10,000 to $14,000 |
| Exterior Signage | $20,000 to $30,000 |
| Free Standing Building or Leasehold Improvements | $550,000 to $1,200,000 |
| Small Wares | $8,000 to $10,000 |
| POS System & Backoffice Computer System | $2,500 to $5,500 |
| Legal, Accounting & Organizational Costs | $2,500 to $5,000 |
| Construction Drawings | $55,000 to $75,000 |
| Additional Funds | $30,000 |
| TOTAL | $915,000 to $1,698,000 |
Download the Franchise Disclosure Document
Frequently Asked Questions
How many PJ’s Coffee locations are there?
As of the latest data, PJ’s Coffee operates a total of 182 locations. Out of these, 169 are franchise-owned, and 13 are company-owned. This reflects continued growth in recent years, as the company has expanded its footprint across various regions in the U.S.
What is the total investment required to open a PJ’s Coffee franchise?
The total investment required to open a PJ’s Coffee franchise ranges from $263,000 to $1,698,000.
What are the ongoing fees for a PJ’s Coffee franchise?
For a PJ’s Coffee franchise, the ongoing fees include a royalty fee of 5% of net sales. This fee is typical for franchises and covers the use of the PJ’s Coffee brand and operational support provided by the franchisor. Additionally, franchisees are required to pay a marketing fee of 2% of net sales, which supports national and regional marketing efforts to promote the brand.
Who owns PJ’s Coffee?
PJ’s Coffee is owned by Ballard Brands, LLC, a company founded by brothers Paul, Scott, and Steve Ballard. The Ballard family acquired PJ’s Coffee in 2008, and since then, they have been responsible for expanding the brand. Ballard Brands is based in New Orleans, Louisiana, and operates a variety of other food and beverage businesses alongside PJ’s Coffee.
Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This content has been made for informational and educational purposes only. SharpSheets is an independent educational resource and is not affiliated with, endorsed by, or representing any franchisor mentioned on this website. Where noted, figures are taken from the franchisor’s Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD). In some cases, we may provide independent calculations or estimates based on publicly available information. We do not make any representation or warranties with respect to the accuracy, applicability, fitness, or completeness of the information presented in the article. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other professional advice. Nothing contained in this article constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, advertisement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction.
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