Operations

Caribou launches domestic franchise plan fueled by Panera

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October 11, 2021

Caribou Coffee, a Panera Brands portfolio concept with 714 locations, has launched a domestic franchise program. Leveraging the model that has fueled its growth for three decades, Caribou Coffee's domestic franchise launch marks the first time candidates in the United States have an opportunity to own and operate coffeehouses, which were previously only available internationally, through non-traditional or licensing, according to a company press release.

The chain's 2019 roll-out of the Caribou Cabin prototype featuring a smaller footprint and a focus on drive-thru has set it up for franchising, John Butcher, president and CEO of Caribou Coffee, said in the release. The streamlined design and efficient model immediately translated to success, with the first several stores reporting industry-leading customer satisfaction and strong sales and traffic even in the midst of the pandemic. Over the past two years, Caribou has leveraged this momentum to propel its expansion through the Caribou Cabin model with dozens of locations and more in development.

"Leveraging our unit growth and omnichannel performance, we've designed scalable processes and support services to enable franchisees' success," Butcher said in the release. "Recognizing Caribou Cabins' immense expansion potential, we've optimized this business model through our corporate-owned locations and are focused on replicating the success we've experienced in new markets in partnership with franchise owners."

Earlier this year, Caribou Coffee united with Panera Bread and Einstein Bros. Bagels as part of the launch of the fast casual platform, Panera Brands. While each company is independently operated, their partnership brings together word-class executive teams and brand, Niren Chaudhary, CEO of Panera Brand, said in the release.

"At Panera Brands, we are united by our shared values and our guest centered innovation," he said. "With their strong business model and new assets like the new drive-thru focused Caribou Cabin, Caribou Coffee is bringing an exciting new vehicle to potential franchisees while meeting their guests' desire for convenience."

Caribou Coffee is seeking experienced multi-unit operators to join its development efforts. Qualified candidates have extensive franchising and food and beverage experience, ideally with a background in multi-unit franchise ownership. Franchise opportunities are available in target markets throughout the U.S., including Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Colorado and the Southeast, among others.