Kentucky c-store chain to introduce PJ’s Coffee

Estepp Energy plans to add the New Orleans java brand’s beverages to seven stores through a combination of full cafés with drive-thrus, end-cap locations and in-store counters.

• Kentucky-based convenience retailer Estepp Energy plans to bring popular New Orleans coffee chain PJ’s Coffee to seven of its c-stores, according to an emailed announcement.

• Estepp, which has about a dozen Estepp-branded c-stores in Central Kentucky, will integrate the concept through a combination of full cafés with drive-thrus, end-cap locations and in-store counters, per the announcement.

• This will expand Estepp’s list of QSR partnerships, which already includes Little Caesars and Freddy’s Frozen Custard & Steakburgers.

With foodservice more of a focus now for convenience retailers, operators are not only building and promoting in-house menus, but are also adding QSRs to their locations at breakneck speed. Estepp’s approach to foodservice signals that it’s not just major chains dipping into QSRs — smaller, regional players are also getting in on the action.

“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,” said Steve Estepp, founder of Estepp Energy. “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, which has about 185 coffee shops across over a dozen states, specializes in New Orleans-inspired flavors such as praline, king cake and café au lait for its coffee lineup. It also has a food menu that includes beignets, grab-and-go sandwiches and a variety of pastries.

The restaurant’s deal with Estepp expands its presence in Kentucky, where it previously opened a location on the University of Kentucky campus in Lexington.

"[Estepp’s] 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,” said Ryan Stansbury, executive vice president of franchise development for PJ’s Coffee. “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.”