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Born and raised in New Orleans, Maggie Sauter’s love for PJ’s Coffee started early, as the local café was just around the corner from her home. For Sauter, PJ’s isn’t just a place to get a good cup of coffee; it’s a taste of home — a piece of her community.
After finishing her schooling in Louisiana she researched different franchises she might be interested in working in.However, her father Richard, who was already working with PJ’s, helped advise her in a choice that would change her career. So, when it came time to make her dream of owning a business a reality, PJ’s was the natural choice — where she can put her drive and devotion into a place she cherished as a young lady.
In December, Sauter and her family made the big move to Farmers Branch, embracing the challenge of starting fresh in a new city. It’s been a bit of an adjustment, but she’s embracing it — one cup of coffee at a time.
Sauter said she is extremely proud and happy to bring a little piece of New Orleans to Texas, with her PJ’s Coffee serving as a warm haven for fellow Louisianans who find themselves longing for a taste of home.
The store even stayed open on Christmas Day, offering a comforting escape for those who are far from their families and familiar traditions.
Many customers and regulars of the shop said the same thing when asked what they enjoy about the shop: The calm environment and kindness of the staff including the owner. When you walk in, its calm atmosphere and good vibes make it perfect for relaxing, studying or meeting with friends.
Maggie’s journey into the world of business has been a family affair. Her father, Richard Sauter, works alongside her in the coffee shop, offering advice and guidance. While their strong-willed personalities sometimes lead to a bit of head butting every now and then, their bond only strengthens as they collaborate.
Sauter’s entrepreneurial spirit also was shaped by growing up in the family business—she spent her childhood helping in the kitchen of her father’s pizza restaurant, learning the ropes of running a successful business from an early age.
When she’s not managing the day to day at PJ’s, Sauter savors the little joys of life, including indulging in multiple cups of coffee a day. Cappuccinos kick start her mornings.
Additionally, because Sauter is all about community, she’s created a work culture at PJ’s where the staff can experiment and get creative with new drinks, some of which make it onto the official menu as a “Barista Feature.” The environment at PJ’s is one that offers comfort and those simple pleasures of life not only to the customers but to those that work there as well. Sauter has big plans to keep building connections, both locally and beyond, and said she’d love to collaborate with a local brewery someday.
Despite the challenges that come with running a business and moving to a new city, Sauter’s best moments come from the positive feedback she receives from her customers. There’s something heartwarming about seeing someone light up when they realize they’re talking to a fellow Louisianan or catching the familiar 504 area code when they check in for rewards.
As Sauter said, “All that kind of community has flocked down here in a way.”
When it comes to coffee quality, Sauter can’t say enough good things about Felton Jones, the master roaster who’s been handcrafting the coffee beans for PJ’s for 25 years. Jones’ passion for his craft extends beyond the roasting process — he travels to coffee bean farms, recently visiting one in Honduras, to ensure every cup is perfect.
Outside of work, Sauter enjoys spending time with her husband, a local Texan, and their three dogs. She looks forward to bringing them to the Barney Wood Bark Park soon. Between balancing work, family, and her love for coffee, Sauter is truly living the dream and sharing the heart of New Orleans with her new Farmers Branch community.
