Caribou Coffee (Minneapolis) announced the signing of several multi-unit development agreements to franchise more than 300 new locations in the U.S. Caribou Coffee expanded its franchise program in October 2021, marking the first time interested candidates had an opportunity to own and operate traditional franchise locations in the United States.
In March 2022, Caribou Coffee announced the signing of its first multi-unit development agreement with Mike Mariola Restaurants to franchise locations in Ohio. Mike Mariola and his team opened their first Caribou Coffee location in November 2022, in Wooster, Ohio. Mariola plans to develop 60 locations in the Columbus, Dayton, and Cincinnati markets.
Caribou Coffee also executed a multi-unit development agreement with Wake Up 727 to franchise locations in Pinellas County Florida, most known for the cities of St. Petersburg and Clearwater. Wake Up 727 recently expanded that agreement to develop 35 locations.
Additional agreements have been executed with several Panera Bread franchisees. Caribou Coffee is part of the Panera Brands’ portfolio.
“Over the past 30 years, Caribou Coffee has refined and elevated the guest experience through an unwavering commitment to quality, as well as strategic investments in innovation,” said John Butcher, President and CEO. “With a shared vision and commitment to Caribou’s core values, we’re thrilled to be further expanding our footprint nationwide alongside such experienced and passionate operators, and we look forward to supporting their success.”
Founded in 1992, Caribou Coffee has more than 750 coffeehouses worldwide, including 330 company-owned, 141 non-traditional and 294 traditional franchise locations in 11 countries.