“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 of Caribou Coffee. “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.”
In March 2022, Caribou Coffee signed its first multi-unit development agreement with Mike Mariola Restaurants to open locations in Ohio, the release explained. Mike Mariola Restaurants opened its first Ohio location in Nov. 2022 in Wooster.
“We are very excited to be bringing Caribou back to Ohio,” said Michael Mariola, president of Mike Mariola Restaurants. “Our first location in Wooster has been a welcome addition to our town and I am thrilled that devoted fans can get their fix if they are willing to drive (Wooster is well worth a trip, by the way).”
Caribou Coffee left the Dayton area in 2013 when two of its remaining stores were rebranded as Peet’s Coffee & Tea shops. The company cited corporate wide cost-cutting as the reason for the closures at that time.
“We have three locations currently under development in Columbus market,” Mariola said. “We have been looking in the Dayton market and although we have seen a few sites we like we don’t have anything under contract yet.”
According to the release, Caribou Coffee credits its restaurant design as one of the reasons the company is ready for nationwide expansion. In 2019, the company rolled out a drive-thru focused Caribou cabin prototype with a smaller footprint, designed to offer speed and convenience, the release said. The company still has traditional coffeehouse locations.
Caribou Coffee expanded its franchise program in Oct. 2021, sparking the start of franchise growth. As of March 28, Caribou Coffee has 330 company-owned, 141 non-traditional and 294 traditional franchise locations in 11 countries, the release said.
“We are passionate about the Caribou brand,” Mariola said. “We think we have the best beverages around and we are proud that our coffee is 100% rainforest alliance certified. This is an important commitment to Caribou and we are the only major coffee brand who has been able to accomplish this.”
For more information about Caribou Coffee, visit www.cariboucoffee.com.
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