PJ's Coffee Returned to Original Neighborhood

The brand has opened a new coffee shop on Maple Street just one block from its 1978 original location.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Openings & Closings

Isometric editorial illustration of a historic brick building facade, representing a business location in New Orleans. — PJ's Coffee has opened a new storefront on Maple Street in New Orleans, returning to the neighborhood where the brand launched in 1978. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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PJ's Coffee has expanded its New Orleans footprint with a new storefront located at 7700 Maple St. The location marks a symbolic return for the brand to the Uptown neighborhood where it first launched in 1978.

Why it matters

Opening the new shop one block from its original site highlights the chain's deep roots in the local community. The move follows years of expansion across the region under the ownership of the Ballard brothers.

The new site at 7700 Maple St. sits just one block from the brand's first shop, which debuted in 1978. Since acquiring the company in 2008, the Ballard brothers have significantly grown the brand through franchising.

The players

PJ's Coffee

This is a New Orleans-based coffee house chain known for its signature roasts and local heritage.

Paul Ballard

He is one of the three brothers who acquired PJ's Coffee in 2008 to lead its expansion.

Steven Ballard

He serves as one of the three brothers who have owned and operated the brand since 2008.

Scott Ballard

He is a co-owner of the coffee chain alongside his brothers after the group purchased the business in 2008.

The details

The new coffee shop offers a return to the roots of the local institution, catering to the Uptown community near where the business began decades ago. The brand has evolved significantly since the Ballard brothers acquired the company in 2008, growing from a single local storefront into a broader franchise operation.

The original PJ's Coffee & Tea Co. shop opened on Maple Street in 1978.
Paul, Steven and Scott Ballard acquired the company in 2008.
The new location officially opened on October 6, 2026.
A promotional BOGO 50% off beverage deal runs from October 7-11, 2026.

Market Landscape

This opening follows the broader retail trend of legacy brands reclaiming historical neighborhood roots to solidify their local presence. By re-establishing a footprint near its founding site, PJ's Coffee reinforces its market position against newer competitors in the Uptown area.

Residents can take advantage of a BOGO 50% off beverage promotion running from October 7 through October 11, 2026. This new location provides a closer, more accessible option for local customers living in the Uptown neighborhood.

The takeaway

Revisiting an original neighborhood can be a strategic way for established chains to connect with long-term customers. Residents should check the new shop's hours to plan their visit during the ongoing promotional period.