Ballard Brands and Entegra: A partnership driving growth for PJ’s Coffee

For nearly two decades, Ballard Brands and Entegra have cultivated a strong and strategic partnership, working together to optimize supply chain operations and drive growth for the PJ’s Coffee franchise.

The Ballard/Entegra partnership has been so successful that the PJs coffee brand presented Entegra with their Vendor of the Year award for 2024!

Trust, collaboration and a shared commitment to finding innovative solutions form the foundation of this team. 

^{Watch the video to see how Vice President, Supply Chain, Brad Graham of Ballard Brands characterizes their relationship with Entegra.}

Why work with a restaurant GPO?

With a focus on quality, operational excellence and expansion, Ballard Brands has successfully grown PJ’s Coffee into a thriving franchise, offering premium coffee and exceptional service to customers across the country.

Managing the supply chain and manufacturing product for a growing franchise network presents unique challenges, which is why Ballard Brands recognized the value of joining a group purchasing organization (GPO).

Brad, who oversees this process for Ballard Brands, explains: “It was a natural fit for us to join a GPO.” Entegra’s expertise and resources have played a pivotal role in helping PJ’s Coffee streamline operations and identify new opportunities for growth.

How does Entegra approach problem-solving in procurement?

One of the standout moments in the partnership came when Ballard Brands tasked Entegra with conducting an operational overview of PJ’s Coffee. “Entegra sent a dedicated team to New Orleans to visit multiple locations, meticulously taking notes and analyzing operational efficiencies,” said Graham.

“Following their visits, they shared the results through their Entegra Performance Kitchen (EPK), offering product recommendations, ideations and different limited-time offerings (LTOs). They sent us back with the information we needed to go and execute those plans.”

Entegra Performance Kitchen results

1. Provided solutions that could be implemented across the franchise.
2. Introduced product selections that met quality and cost specifications.
3. Enhanced offerings from PJ’s coffee.

Check out Entegra Culinary Consulting to learn how the EPK can help solve your operational challenges.

The partnership: GPO technology solutions and weekly collaboration

Over the past two years, Ballard Brands has tapped into the reengineered Entegra PurchasingIQ, Entegra's client platform, and the overall data and digital solutions tools for food service operators. “It’s been great to see some of the technological advancements Entegra has introduced.”

Along with advanced data and digital tools and analysis, PJ’s also appreciates the open lines of communication between their internal teams and Entegra.

Communication is a cornerstone of this partnership. Ballard Brands relies on key Entegra team members for input and guidance on both big and small initiatives. “One of the current initiatives taking up a lot of our time is a major cup transition project. We integrate well. They’re great communicators.”

“We have a cadence where we go over different objectives and challenges, different projects we’re working on that require weekly follow-ups.”

Engaging in consistent, solution-oriented discussions ensures that both Ballard Brands and Entegra remain aligned in achieving shared goals.

Ready to elevate your operations with Entegra? Learn more about Entegra’s restaurant services or contact us.