Today we’d like to introduce you to Ivonne Sims.
Hi Ivonne, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
When my husband Lenny and I opened PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans in Montgomery Texas and we did it from the heart. We wanted to create a place that was unique and comfortable. A place that was about the community and neighbors who could meet and feel at home. We have several groups who come to PJ’s to do just that. A ladies group called Beignet Babes meet every 3rd Monday, Nimble Fingers Knitting group meet to chat and knit, Bible Study groups come in and feel comfortable to have conversations and we have groups of people who bring games in to play. Community truly matters. We have worked with local schools to help motivate students by supplying teachers with “Super Student” coupons. These coupons allow a child to get 4 Free Beignet Bites on us for doing great job in school. We always honor our Veterans, First Responders, Teachers and Military with a 10% discount. We have supported numerous out reach programs like “Helping Hands” and the Civic Associations. In addition we have donated door prizes to the April Sound and Walden Ladies Association who do wonders for the community. We’ve tried to give back to our community and we have had the opportunity to donate silent auction items to the Houston Livestock Rodeo, helping raise money for student scholarships and to our local church to help send children to Bible Camp.
Inside the shop, we love creating and hosted fun activities for kids and adults like themed coloring contests and guess the beans in a jar. The contests worked like a raffle. Kids and adults would color their page, hang her drawings, and fill out a drawing ticket. At the end of the contest, we would randomly draw a ticket for a winner. The winner would receive a PJ’s Coffee Gift Card. The excitement of winning on their faces is truly priceless. We have also invited Santa to come to PJ’s so kids can stop by, visit with him and take pictures for free. Seeing the happy faces and the families gather reminds us why we opened PJ’s Coffee in the first place!
There are so many wonderful people who live in this community including many from Louisiana, so we created a place with a little New Orleans flair. A warm, vibrant, colorful and happy place like no other. Our staff is warm and welcoming and always greet each guest with “Welcome to PJ’s”. Many of our regular are greeted by name and often their drink is started before they reach the counter. We are very fortunate to have a wonderful team that make a big difference in the experience our customers have by taking a moment to chat, smile and simply be cheerful to brighten someone’s day. We also have a great manager, Michael, who helps make sure everything runs smoothly each day by supporting our team, keeping things organized and ensuring our customers can enjoy a warm and friendly environment.
At PJ’s Coffee, our mission is simple. We want a place where everyone feels welcome, comfortable and part of the community. A kind of home away from home where great coffee and delicious beignets are enjoyed with family and friends and our Baristas deliver everything with a smile!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Opening our doors wasn’t a simple task We had a few obstacles along the way. One of our biggest challenges was getting the actual building built, Construction always seems to have challenges and making sure everything was to code was important. We also had a few struggles with obtaining all the licenses and permits that were required. This being the first PJ’s Coffee store we have ever opened, it was definitely a learning curve. Looking back, those delays were part of our journey and definitely worth the wait.
In addition we had to learn the business side of running a coffee shop from the ground up. We had to learn how to create a vast variety of specialty coffee drinks, both hot and cold and a menu filled with teas and energy drinks. Along with learning all the variety of drinks, we also had to master the food side of the business. From Cuban, Turkey and Swiss and Club sandwiches to bagels piled high with ham, eggs and sausage , there was so much to master. We also offer a wide variety of croissants, cookies, muffins, and scones, and of course beignets, our specialty, which are all baked in house. We want everything to be fresh, consistent and delicious!
Learning every recipe, process and detail took time, but it is important to us that every person who walks through the door knows they are getting quality drinks and food made with care. We pride ourselves in creating consistency that everyone who walks through our doors our drives through the drive-through can count on the same great taste each and every time they visit. We want all to know that everything we serve is prepared with care and pride.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
Before opening PJ’s Coffee, I was an elementary school teacher for thirty six years primarily teaching fifth and sixth grade and I truly loved what I did. It was not just a job or career for me, it was my passion. I believe every day I spent with my students was a gift. I tried to create lessons that were engaging, hands-on and fun to motivate students to truly want to learn. My goal was to bring learning to life and keep students curious, build creativity and make them feel true sense of accomplishment in themselves. I enjoyed celebrating their achievements and accomplishments. Watching students grasp a concept, grow in expressing themselves and gain confidence was incredibly rewarding. I felt like I was able to show them their own worth, special talents, build their confidence and help give them a love for learning. What makes me proud is knowing that I had at least a small impact on their lives.
I believe what sets me apart isn’t just the years I taught, but the genuine interest I had in trying to get each student to recognize their unique talents and encouraged them to always believe in themselves. Something I hoped they would remember for years to come. Teaching was such a rewarding career and to this day it still makes me proud.
What are your plans for the future?
Looking ahead, our future plans include opening a second PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans and to continue to grow what we started. We’d love to keep serving our community and make Pj’s Coffee the place family and friends want to gather and spend time together. We want to not only build a business, but a place where people love to come, enjoy great small batch roasted coffee and delicious beignets, New Orleans style!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://locations.pjscoffee.com/tx/montgomery/coffee-shop-tx0055.html
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pjscoffeemontgomery/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PJsCoffeeMontgomery/
- Other: https://www.google.com/maps/search/?api=1&query=PJ%27s+Coffee+17128+Walden+Rd+Montgomery+TX
