David Mesa
PJ’s Coffee has been serving up the spirit of New Orleans through exceptional coffee and hospitality since 1978. With a commitment to high-quality beans, innovative beverage options and a growing network of dedicated franchisees, PJ’s has become a beloved brand that continues to expand across the U.S. and beyond.
At the heart of this growth is the company’s mission to deliver more than just great coffee — it’s about creating meaningful connections in each community it serves. Leading the charge in PJ’s expansion efforts is David Mesa, who serves as chief development officer and executive vice president of Ballard Brands’ franchise division and brings over 30 years of experience to the table. In this Q&A, we explore PJ’s growth, plans and what sets it apart in the world of coffee franchises and competitive industry.
For those who aren’t familiar, can you share a little bit about PJ’s Coffee?
PJ’s Coffee is a New Orleans-born coffee brand that serves only the highest quality products and provides superior hospitality. We pride ourselves on better beans, superior roasting techniques and a true passion for the art of coffee making — this dedication makes our drinks just that much better. PJ’s offers an array of beverages, including exceptional coffee, refreshing energy drinks and freshly made beignets and pastries daily, all designed to give our guests a taste of the Big Easy.
Our franchisees drive our success by bringing their unique energy to each store and helping make the brand what it is. PJ’s business model offers them a rewarding career and a fun, balanced lifestyle that allows for freedom and growth both in and outside the coffee shop.
Tell us the latest on growth at PJ’s.
Since our founding in 1978, PJ’s Coffee has expanded into a worldwide brand while remaining true to our roots in New Orleans and commitment to quality. Today, we have over 180 locations in 14 states and are also in two international markets. Even more exciting, more than 100 additional locations are in various stages of development, reflecting a significant period of growth for the brand.
PJ’s success is driven by over 225 dedicated franchisees, 51% of whom operate multiple locations. Their passion, coupled with our welcoming environment for new franchise partners, ensures PJ’s will continue to grow and thrive in the years to come.
What are the future plans for PJ’s?
PJ’s Coffee is poised for continued expansion, both nationally and internationally. With over 100 locations currently in development and more than 300 licenses awarded, we expect to reach 500 locations within the next five years. This growth will enable us to bring the warm, welcoming spirit of New Orleans to more communities across the globe.
Tell us about some trends PJ’s is seeing in beverage innovation and store real estate/development.
We’re seeing two major trends in beverage innovation among our guests: energy drinks and unique flavor profiles. In response, we’ve introduced new Red Bull infusions and Boosted Teas, and we continue to offer creative seasonal flavors like our Butter Pecan summer special and others that highlight our New Orleans traditions. These offerings give our guests fresh ways to energize and indulge while catering to their needs.
On the development side, there’s a growing demand for modular drive-thru locations. Our goal is to create a seamless, efficient experience for our guests and our focus on the latest drive-thru technology helps us achieve that. By combining speed with quality, we ensure that PJ’s is the most enjoyable stop of the day for our busy customers while staying up-to-date in the industry.
What makes PJ’s franchise opportunities attractive?
At PJ’s, we offer more than coffee — we offer community. Our franchisees are integral to creating that connection, making each guest feel like a neighbor rather than just a customer. PJ’s franchisees join a family committed to their success, where collaboration and support are at the heart of everything we do.
This partnership allows franchisees to build a successful business while staying true to PJ’s mission of bringing people together through great coffee and authentic experiences. It’s more than a business; it’s a meaningful lifestyle.
What sets PJ’s apart from other coffee shops?
At PJ’s Coffee, we’re proud to serve single-origin coffees with a focus on quality and passion, not cost. We use only top-tier Arabica beans and maintain strict standards for freshness, ensuring that our coffee is never on the shelf for more than 120 days. This attention to detail keeps our gourmet roasts bold and flavorful.
We also prioritize sustainability, working directly with coffee farms in Honduras and Nicaragua. These direct trade partnerships allow us to support our farmers with extra margins while maintaining the highest quality standards. And, of course, our unique New Orleans-inspired beignets are something no other coffee franchise offers.
What kind of individuals make ideal franchisees for PJ’s Coffee?
We’re always looking for franchisees who are passionate about premium, carefully crafted products and dedicated to community involvement. Our ideal franchisees understand the value of building relationships within their communities and are excited to be a part of PJ’s family and brand overall — each PJ’s location plays an active role in its community.
Our franchise system provides a proven path to success, and we’re eager to welcome individuals who share our values and enthusiasm for growth. To learn more about becoming a PJ’s Coffee franchisee, download the PJ’s Coffee franchise brochure today.
About David Mesa
David Mesa joined Ballard Brands in June 2016 and currently serves as the chief development officer and executive vice president of its franchise division, where he leads the growth of the company’s franchise brands, including PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans and WOW American Eats. With over 30 years of experience in the franchising and staffing industries, David previously played a pivotal role in expanding Planet Beach Franchising Corporation as its president of franchise operations. He also contributed to the success of Allegis Group, the largest privately held staffing company in the United States. In recognition of his expertise, David was appointed by U.S. Secretary Ross to the Louisiana District Export Council in 2019. Before his corporate career, David served eight years as an air traffic controller in the U.S. Marine Corps. He earned the Certified Franchise Executive (CFE) designation from the International Franchising Association in March 2005 and has maintained it since. David resides in Gretna, Louisiana, with his wife Brandi and their two children. He enjoys playing music and golf, though he modestly admits he’s not very skilled at either.
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Source : RestaurantNews