PJ’s Coffee Celebrates a Year of “Rebirth” in New Orleans

October 27, 2026 // Franchising.com // NEW ORLEANS – PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans brought its franchise community together in its hometown on September 9-11 for its 2026 Annual Conference, themed “Rebirth,” celebrating a year of strong growth while looking ahead to the brand’s next chapter, rooted in the New Orleans identity that has defined PJ’s for nearly five decades.

Throughout the three-day conference, franchisees and corporate team members participated in general sessions, breakout discussions and presentations focused on the state of the coffee industry, evolving consumer preferences and initiatives designed to strengthen café-level performance. President David Mesa shared the brand’s vision for what’s ahead in 2027, while Chief Roastmaster Felton Jones provided insight into the global coffee market forecasts and emerging beverage trends.

“Rebirth is about owning our unique identity in the coffee category and using that foundation to keep getting better,” said David Mesa, President of PJ’s Coffee. “The spirit and culture of New Orleans is at the heart of everything we do at PJ’s. As we approach 200 locations, we have an incredible opportunity to bring that experience to more communities while giving our franchisees the tools, technology and support they need to thrive in the months ahead.”

The conference comes during a milestone year for PJ’s Coffee, with the brand on pace to achieve more than 14% unit growth in 2026. PJ’s expects to open 23 to 24 new cafés this year and reach its 200th location by year-end, reflecting continued momentum across its franchise system.

A key part of that momentum is The Big Easy Initiative, a systemwide effort focused on strengthening PJ’s New Orleans identity while improving franchisee profitability and the guest experience. Through menu optimization, operational improvements and a renewed emphasis on the hospitality and culture that distinguish the brand, the initiative is helping position PJ’s for its next phase of growth. PJ’s commitment to franchisee success and innovation also earned national recognition at the STAR Awards: Franchise Innovation Awards for Franchise Development, held during the October Franchise Leadership & Development Conference in Atlanta, where the brand received the Innovation in Support of Franchisee Profitability and Validation award.

PJ’s also shared plans for its next generation of digital and operational technologies, including a new loyalty app and point-of-sale system expected to be fully rolled out in the first quarter of 2027. The new platforms will provide franchisees with greater visibility into local sales and loyalty data, enhanced labor planning tools and more flexibility to execute local promotions.

The event culminated in an awards ceremony where the NOLA-based coffee concept recognized the franchisees, café teams and corporate employees whose performance and commitment helped drive PJ’s forward in 2026. Twelve cafés received Community Involvement Awards, with PJ’s Huntsville and Madison, Alabama, receiving the Outstanding Community Involvement Award for their exceptional commitment to their local communities. Locations throughout the system were also recognized for achievements in sales, customer experience, operations and growth.

PJ’s presented its highest individual honors to team members and franchise owners who demonstrated exceptional leadership and commitment to the brand, including:

• Franchisee of the Year: Tance Hughes: Natchez, MS
• Rookie Franchisee of the Year: John-Michael Johnson: Fort Mill, NC
• Phyllis Jordan Award, recognizing a female leader whose impact embodies the legacy of PJ’s founder Phyllis Jordan: Bethany Webb: Crowley, LA
• Manager of the Year: Ryan Perrilloux: Pensacola, FL

The brand also inducted Phyllis Jordan, Felton Jones, Patrick Shaheen, Brian Beck, Doralene Quinn, Ashley Ogden, Robin and Tom Lewis, and Barry Prendergast into the PJ’s Coffee Hall of Fame, acknowledging their lasting contributions to the brand and franchise community.

Together, these recognitions reflect the people and relationships that have shaped PJ’s Coffee for nearly five decades and will continue to play an important role as the brand enters its next chapter of growth.

SOURCE PJ’s Coffee

###