Operator Signs 7-Unit Deal With PJ's Coffee of New Orleans

Steve Estepp, founder of Estepp Energy and Coffee Dudes, signed a 7-unit license agreement to develop PJ's Coffee of New Orleans throughout convenience stores in Central Kentucky.

A locally owned and family-operated business, Estepp Energy has built a strong reputation throughout Kentucky's convenience store industry over the past 50 years by emphasizing operational excellence, customer service, and strategic growth. Estepp learned the business working alongside his father, who began operating convenience stores in the Lexington area in 1975. Today, the company operates more than 13 convenience stores across Central Kentucky and continues expanding its portfolio with complementary brands, including Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Little Caesars, and now PJ's Coffee.

"Over the years, we've always looked for ways to make our stores better and provide our guests with stronger food and beverage options," Estepp said. "The beverage category has changed tremendously over the last decade, and we saw an opportunity to launch a higher-quality, distinctive coffee concept in our stores. PJ's Coffee stood out to us because the product is excellent, and the brand has a strong reputation throughout the Southeast. Plus, the flexible format truly made it a seamless fit with our stores."

Alongside the company's operating partner, Brendon Farrar, the group plans to introduce PJ's Coffee to its stores through a combination of full cafés with drive-thrus, end-cap locations, and in-store counters. The agreement expands PJ's presence in the Bluegrass State, where the brand has already built a following through its location on the University of Kentucky campus.

"Steve, Brendon, and the entire Estepp Energy team have years of operational excellence under their belts," said Ryan Stansbury, CFE, executive vice president of franchise development for PJ's Coffee. "Their deep understanding of convenience retail and hospitality, combined with PJ's flexible format and premium coffee experience, makes them an ideal partner to introduce the PJ's Coffee brand to more guests throughout Central Kentucky. We've seen strong results with our convenience store and travel center operators across the country, and the Estepp team is well positioned to build on that success."