Big names like Starbucks and Dunkin' dominate the coffee shop scene in many parts of the United States. But this might change soon, especially in some areas, thanks to plans from a growing coffee chain.
PJ's Coffee of New Orleans is a chain known for spreading Southern warmth with coffee, lattes, frozen drinks, energy drinks, sandwiches, and pastries.
This includes their fresh beignets, a special nod to their Louisiana heritage. While PJ's Coffee has made its name mainly in the South, it has a few shops on the East Coast and the Midwest. They're preparing for a big move in 2024, aiming to open more shops nationwide.
PJ's Coffee Sets Sights on Nationwide Growth
PJ's Coffee of New Orleans has big plans for the future, as revealed in a recent update on its website. Last year, the chain opened 28 new stores across various states, including Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Texas, Alabama, South Carolina, Iowa, Florida, and New Jersey. But they're not stopping there. This year, they aim to surpass their previous achievements by opening more than 40 additional locations.
This ambitious expansion plan is set to speed up PJ's growth, which has been relatively rapid over the last few years. Last August, the company celebrated opening its 175th store in Pensacola, Florida, doubling its total number of stores in less than six years.
And it's not just the number of stores that's growing. PJ's Coffee is becoming a favorite spot for coffee lovers. According to QSR Magazine, customer visits in November were 91.6% higher than in November 2019, showing a significant increase in popularity among coffee enthusiasts.
This visit surge reflects the growing appeal of PJ's unique blend of Southern hospitality and quality coffee offerings.
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PJ's Coffee has recently shared the secret to its growing success: high-quality coffee and strong connections with local communities. According to a blog post on their website, the company gives credit to the excellent products they offer and the dedicated franchisees who manage the stores and engage with customers at a local level.
Looking forward to 2024, PJ's Coffee is excited about reaching new milestones, forming more partnerships, and further expanding its brand. They aim to be recognized not just for their superior coffee but also for their active involvement and positive impact on communities.
"As we head into the new year, we eagerly await the opportunity to continue growing our presence as a symbol of quality coffee and community engagement," the post stated, reflecting their commitment to excellence and local involvement.
Coffee Giants Eye Expansion: Dutch Bros and Starbucks Grow
PJ's Coffee is not alone in its ambitious expansion efforts. Dutch Bros. Coffee, another major player in the coffee industry, is also on a fast track to growth. In 2023, Dutch Bros. impressed the market by opening 159 new shops.
The company has now set its sights on opening 150 and 165 new stores in 2024. Ending 2023 with 831 locations, these new openings could bring Dutch Bros. closer to reaching 1,000 stores.
Meanwhile, Starbucks, the world's largest coffee chain, is not resting on its laurels. In November 2023, Starbucks announced a bold plan to open 17,000 new stores by 2030. The coffee giant aims to expand its global footprint to 55,000 locations, significantly up from its current count of more than 38,000 stores.
This move is part of Starbucks' ongoing effort to maintain and strengthen its position at the top of the global coffee market.
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