New Orleans-born concept marks milestone with complimentary coffee and pastries, Voz De Niños fundraiser, plus a chance to win free coffee for a year
Laredo, TX (RestaurantNews.com) PJ’s Coffee, the beloved brand known for its small-batch roasting technique and high-quality beans, is officially hosting a community celebration for its South Texas location in Times Square Plaza at 1705 Del Mar Blvd., Suite 126A, on April 22.
The festivities will take place from 9:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m., inviting guests to stop by for a morning lineup of activities, including a ribbon-cutting at 10 a.m. alongside Chief Roastmaster Felton Jones. Attendees can sip a small hot or iced coffee and enjoy fresh pastries – on the house, while supplies last – and hear from Jones as he hosts an educational coffee chat, sharing insights into the craft and flavors behind each cup. The gathering also includes spin-the-wheel prizes, giveaways and a chance to win Free Coffee For A Year.
Locally owned and operated, this shop is the first for franchisees Rudy and Melanie Moreno. Both prior law enforcement – Melanie served with The Webb County Sheriff’s Office while Rudy served with The Department of Homeland Security. Rudy is also a veteran of the Armed Forces – the couple is now channeling their years of service into building a new kind of community gathering place. Melanie was also raised in Laredo, the very area they’re now proud to serve, while Rudy’s career brought him here in the early 2000s. They experienced PJ’s Coffee in New Orleans and were immediately drawn to the brand’s premium quality, welcoming atmosphere and Crescent City charm. What began as a post-retirement venture has grown into a way to connect with their community, with plans for a second coffeehouse already underway.
“When we first discovered PJ’s, it stood out for more than just the coffee. It was the hospitality, the consistency and the attention to detail behind every order,” said Rudy Moreno. “That sense of warmth stayed with us, and we saw an opportunity to bring something similar to Laredo. Seeing familiar faces and new guests walk through the door has been incredibly rewarding, and this grand opening is our way of saying ‘thank you’ to the community for supporting us from the start.”
Since its initial debut, the shop has become a go-to spot for both grab-and-go convenience and casual hangouts, offering a drive-thru for busy mornings and a dine-in space designed for everything from quick meetings to weekend catch-ups. Its arrival introduces the New Orleans-born brand to a new market while complementing a city known for its rich culture, scenic trails and culinary traditions.
The coffee shop is also giving back throughout April by spotlighting its limited-time Coconut Crush, an iced energy drink layered with blue raspberry flavor and topped with coconut sweet cream cold foam, with 25% of proceeds benefitting Voz De Niños in recognition of Child Abuse Prevention Month.
In addition to its seasonal offerings,