Mathews, originally from Baton Rouge, Louisiana, relocated to Knoxville, Tennessee, in 2019 after an impressive career spanning military service and civilian achievements. Enlisting in the U.S. Army in 2007, Mathews served in Germany and completed multiple combat deployments before transitioning to the Louisiana National Guard in 2012. In his post-military career, Mathews worked as an electrician in oil refineries, earned an associate degree in instrumentation and controls, and pursued a bachelor’s in biblical and theological studies with the goal of becoming a chaplain.
Currently a general contractor, Mathews balances his professional endeavors with family life, raising seven children with his wife, Candace, and recently celebrating the arrival of their first grandchild.
“Joining the PJ’s Coffee family is more than an opportunity — it’s a privilege to join a brand that values veterans,” Mathews shared. “This brand represents the values I’ve built my life on: hard work, community, and resilience. My family and I are excited to bring PJ’s Coffee to Knoxville and create a space that serves our neighbors in more ways than one.”
A Program Dedicated to Veterans
Established in 2017, PJ’s Coffee’s Veteran Franchise License Giveaway reflects the brand’s commitment to supporting those who have served. Each year, one veteran is awarded a franchise license with the $35,000 fee waived, creating a pathway to business ownership.
Mathews joins a network of veteran franchisees who have found success with the PJ’s Coffee brand. Among them is 2021 giveaway winner Bobby Mounts, who is set to open his second location this December. Last year’s winner, Rob Smith, recently signed a lease for his first location in Maryland, further expanding the brand’s presence on the East Coast.
“Dustin’s story is a testament to the perseverance, leadership, and grit that veterans bring to the table,” said Ryan Stansbury, Vice President of Franchise Development at PJ’s Coffee. “Veterans like Dustin bring unparalleled resilience and a commitment to bettering their communities, making them invaluable partners in growing our brand. We are honored to support his journey and welcome him to the PJ’s Coffee family.”
Empowering Veterans Through Franchising
PJ’s Coffee is a proud member of the International Franchise Association’s VetFran program, which provides veterans with resources, tools, and opportunities to succeed in franchising. The brand also offers veterans a year-round 20% discount on franchise fees as part of its dedication to empowering service members in their entrepreneurial pursuits.
With Mathews joining the PJ’s Coffee family, the brand continues to reinforce its values of community, resilience, and service while creating opportunities for veterans to achieve success in business ownership.