News

Caribou opening 1st US-based franchise

Provided

November 15, 2022

Caribou Coffee, a Panera Brands company, is opening its first domestic franchise since the chain announced its domestic franchise program in October 2021. Located in Wooster, Ohio, the store opens Thursday under the direction of franchisee Mike Mariola, who will develop locations in the Columbus, Dayton and Cincinnati markets.

"We've been anticipating the day when we could welcome guests to Caribou's first U.S.-based franchise location," Caribou Matthew Walls, chief franchise officer, said in a company press release. "We couldn't be more excited to work with Mike and his team who have built such a strong reputation in the hospitality industry throughout Ohio."

Walls joined Caribou Coffee in July 2022 as the brand's first chief franchise officer to lead its domestic and international franchise businesses.

Founded in 1992, Caribou Coffee has opened 749 locations systemwide, including 325 company-owned primarily across the Midwest.