Article Text

PJ’s Coffee has opened in the Penn Daw area of Mount Vernon, bringing New Orleans-style beignet bites, small-batch roasted coffee and seasonal drinks to the South Alex apartment complex.

The café at 6220 N. Kings Highway is locally owned and operated by Ronald and Sofiya Ali Parker, a husband-and-wife team who have long lived in Alexandria’s Burgundy Village area. Ronald works as an IT program manager, while Sofiya is a Delta Air Lines flight attendant.

Coffee has played a meaningful role in the couple’s daily lives and family culture. Sofiya’s family roots extend to Ethiopia, widely recognized as coffee’s birthplace, and the Ali Parkers have spent years enjoying coffee shops themselves.

Ronald said his sister first suggested that he open a café and allow her to run it. After exploring franchise opportunities, the family chose PJ’s for its welcoming décor, coffee and distinctive menu, particularly its beignets.

The owners also plan to work with nearby schools, community centers and service organizations to support youth programs, education and other local initiatives.

Located on the ground floor of the 400-unit South Alex development, the standalone café adds a new business to an area that has recovered from a major fire several years ago.

PJ’s takes its name from founder Phyllis Jordan, who established PJ’s Coffee of New Orleans in 1978. New Orleans natives Paul, Steven and Scott Ballard purchased the company in 2008.

Its menu includes hot, iced and frozen drinks made with Arabica coffee beans, along with organic tea, breakfast pastries and its signature beignets.