Why did PJ’s Coffee dramatically cut back on its menu items?

This week’s episode of the Restaurant Business podcast A Deeper Dive features David Mesa, the president of PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans. 

PJ’s has 200 locations and is growing at a healthy clip. Mesa joins the podcast to talk about the company’s rebranding.

PJ’s is leaning into its New Orleans heritage with that rebranding, including its menu. Mesa provides the details but here’s one interesting nugget: The company dramatically pared down the number of food items from “hundreds” to 18. 

We talk about a wide range of other issues, including the state of the beverage sector, which is growing at a very rapid clip. We talk about how PJ’s fits.

We also talk about development and the barriers to growth PJ’s is experiencing, including interest rates and competition.

We’re talking coffee and beignets on A Deeper Dive so please check it out.