Harvest to Pour: Business of Beverages

PJs Coffee: Franchise, Family and Fun

Episode Summary

John and Jennifer Whitehead started their PJ's Coffee franchise in O'Fallon, Missouri and have grown it into a successful local business through hard work, building a strong team, and community involvement. They discussed their passion for coffee and desire to own their own business as a family.

Episode Notes

We discuss how the Whiteheads got started in the coffee business after having kids and drinking a lot of coffee. John did research on different franchise options and they chose PJ's. They talked about building their team, the challenges of getting started, and seasonal operations. The Whiteheads also toured the PJ's roastery and met the roast master. They aim to expand to multiple locations while continuing to serve their community.

"We want to make that community footprint. And we want people to know that, even though this is a franchise, this is very much locally owned and operated.” - Jennifer Whitehead

1. Background on how they got into coffee business after having kids

2. Research process on franchise options and what led them to choose PJ's

3. Touring PJ's roastery and meeting the roast master

4. Opening their franchise location in O'Fallon, MO

5. Building their team and emphasizing culture

6. Initial challenges like adjusting operations and unexpected volumes

7. Maintaining customer traffic over time through promotions

8. Involvement in the local community

9. Goals of expanding to multiple locations in the future

10. Advice for others considering franchise ownership

11. Their favorite drinks.

Connect with Jennifer and John