Dive Brief:
- Ballard Brands CEO and president Peter J. Boylan will retire in April, the company said in a press release emailed to Restaurant Dive this week. Boylan will continue on in an advisory capacity.
- Boylan has been with Ballard Brands, the parent company of PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans and Wow American Eats, since 2009 when he joined the board of advisors. In 2010, he assumed the role of chief development officer, ascending to the role of president and CEO in 2016.
- Ballard Brands has also appointed David Mesa, current executive vice president and chief development officer, as president of the franchise development overseeing the growth of both brands.
Dive Insight:
Under Boylan’s leadership, the restaurant brands expanded into 26 states and several international markets, and boasted double-digit unit and revenue growth. It joins other coffee chains like Dutch Bros, Biggby and Caribou Coffee that have significant growth plans. Starbucks, which has had a new CEO since September, also is planning to grow its domestic store count.
PJ’s Coffee, which has more than 180 locations, has at least 300 locations in development, according to its franchising website. In 2023, PJ’s Coffee opened 28 locations in nine states. Last year, the chain aimed to bring 39 new franchisees into the system that would result in over 85 licensed units, according to Nation’s Restaurant News.
The chain has also opened a number of non-traditional locations, including shops in military bases and government agencies, healthcare facilities and airports, a strategy that has helped increase sales and improve the company’s market position.
Mesa has been with the company for over eight years and has expertise in franchise development and operational strategy, according to the press release. Prior to Ballard Brands, he served as president of franchise operations at Planet Beach Franchising Corporation, which he helped grow from 60 units to over 350 units.
“David is the right leader to continue driving growth within the franchise division,” Boylan said in a statement. “His deep understanding of franchising, strategic mindset and dedication to our brands make him the ideal choice to guide the team into the future.”
