NEW ORLEANS (AP) - An Atlanta-based company is selling a chain of coffee
shops that started in New Orleans 30 years to a group of New Orleans
businessmen, the company said Monday.
Raving Brands says it has agreed to sell its interests in PJ's Coffee, a
privately owned franchise chain and roaster, to the Ballard family and their
partners.
The new owners say they intend to bring the chain's headquarters back to New
Orleans and focus on the Southeast.
"We're going to make it a more regional brand throughout the Gulf South,"
said Paul Ballard, a partner of New Orleans Roast LLC. and New Orleans Brew
LLC., the companies buying PJ's.
There are 48 PJ's coffee shops throughout the nation, but the majority of
them are located in the New Orleans area. In 1999, the chain expanded into other
markets, such as Florida and California, because of competition from the arrival
of Starbucks in New Orleans.
The sale is expected to be completed this spring, Raving Brands said.
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