PJ's Coffee to expand in Kentucky via C-store partnership
PJ’s Coffee is expanding its presence in the convenience chain sector.
The coffee chain has signed a seven-unit license agreement with Estepp Energy to expand throughout the company’s convenience stores in Central Kentucky. Estepp Energy operates more than 13 locations across the region and continues expanding its portfolio with complementary restaurant brands including Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers, Little Caesars, and now PJ’s Coffee.
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“Over the years, we’ve always looked for ways to make our stores better and provide our guests with stronger food and beverage options,” said Steve Estepp, founder of Estepp Energy and Coffee Dudes LLC. “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.”
PJ’s Coffee’s expansion in the Bluegrass State will feature full cafés with drive-thrus, end-cap locations and in-store counters at the seven Estepp Energy locations. The coffee chain currently operates one shop in the state on the University of Kentucky campus.
"The entire Estepp Energy team have years of operational excellence under their belts," said Ryan Stansbury, executive VP 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."
Originally founded in 1978 in New Orleans, PJ’s Coffee operates more than 185 stores, including four international locations.
