At a Glance

  • Estepp Energy, a convenience store retailer based in Kentucky, plans to introduce PJ's Coffee, a well-known New Orleans coffee chain brand, at seven of its convenience stores, according to an email announcement.
  • Estepp, which operates about a dozen proprietary convenience stores in central Kentucky, will integrate the concept through a combination of full coffee shops (including drive-thrus), endcap placements, and in-store counters.
  • This move will expand Estepp's list of quick-service restaurant (QSR) partners, which currently includes Little Caesars and Freddy's Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

Deep Dive

As the convenience store industry places increasing emphasis on foodservice, operators are not only building and promoting their own menus but also bringing QSR brands into stores at a rapid pace. Estepp's foodservice strategy shows that it's not just large chains getting into QSRs—small regional players are actively participating as well.

"The beverage category has changed dramatically over the past decade, and we saw an opportunity to introduce a higher-quality, specialty coffee concept in our stores," said Steve Estepp, founder of Estepp Energy. "PJ's Coffee stood out because of its quality products and the brand's strong reputation throughout the Southeast—plus, its flexible formats make it a seamless fit for our locations."

PJ's operates approximately 185 coffee shops across more than a dozen states, focusing on New Orleans flavors such as pralines, king cakes, and café au lait. Its food menu also includes beignets, grab-and-go sandwiches, and various pastries.

The restaurant's partnership with Estepp expands its presence in Kentucky, following a previously opened location on the University of Kentucky campus in Lexington.

"Estepp's deep understanding of convenience store retail and hospitality, combined with PJ's flexible formats and premium coffee experience, makes them an ideal partner to introduce the PJ's Coffee brand to more guests in central Kentucky," said Ryan Stansbury, executive vice president of franchise development at PJ's Coffee. "We've already seen strong results with convenience store and travel center operators nationwide, and the Estepp team is well-positioned to build on that success."