Nearly five decades after the brand began in the neighborhood, the Ballard brothers are celebrating its return with a new café, giveaways and a community-focused opening event.
- PJ’s Coffee holds a grand opening on Nov 18 at 7700 Maple St.
- Event includes free coffee, giveaways, and a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
- Ballard Brothers emphasize connection to the community and their Tulane roots.
PJ’s Coffee is returning to the New Orleans neighborhood where the brand first began, nearly five decades after opening its original Maple Street location. The company, led by Ballard Brands co-founders Paul, Steven and Scott Ballard, will celebrate the opening of a new café at 7700 Maple St. on November 18. The location sits between Carrollton Avenue and Broadway Street, a few blocks from the site where founder Phyllis Jordan established the coffee business in 1978.
The grand opening celebration will run from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m., with an official ribbon-cutting scheduled for 10 a.m. Guests can receive complimentary hot drip coffee or PJ’s Original Cold Brew, along with samples of selected pastries, coffee roasts and Granitas. The first 25 guests will also have the opportunity to receive free coffee for a year, subject to the promotion’s eligibility requirements. Additional merchandise and giveaways are planned for the event.
For the Ballard brothers, the return carries a personal connection. The three attended Tulane University and have longstanding memories of the Maple Street area. They said the new café represents an opportunity to reconnect with the neighborhood and create a gathering place for longtime customers, students and residents. The approximately 1,600-square-foot location features indoor seating, an outdoor patio and an updated design that combines contemporary elements with the brand’s New Orleans identity.
Customers can expect the familiar menu of hot, iced and frozen coffee beverages, including the signature Original Cold Brew, alongside classic beignets, breakfast pastries and other café offerings. The opening promotions are intended to introduce the new location to the surrounding community while welcoming returning customers. For franchise operators planning similar launches, the Competitions and Promotions feature available through Gorilla Dash can help organize customer-facing offers and promotional campaigns.
Since acquiring PJ’s Coffee in 2008, the Ballard brothers have helped expand the brand from its New Orleans roots to nearly 200 locations in the United States and internationally. The Maple Street café brings the company back to a neighborhood closely tied to its identity, allowing the brand to build on its history while serving a new generation of local customers.
Key Facts:
| Event Date | Grand opening on November 18, 2026, from 9:30-11:30 a.m. at 7700 Maple St. |
|---|---|
| Ribbon-cutting Ceremony | Official ribbon-cutting at 10 a.m. with free coffee for attendees. |
| Free Coffee for a Year | The first 25 guests receive free coffee for a year, with age and household limitations. |
| New Location Design | The new shop has a modern design with indoor seating and an outdoor patio. |
| Signature Offerings | Includes hot, iced, frozen coffee beverages, classic beignets, and pastries. |
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