Caribou Coffee prides itself on providing a warm, homely environment and high quality specialty coffees. All of their coffee is tended to by one of their ‘Roastmasters,’ ensuring they have a fantastic range of the fullest flavors. They also have a splendid choice of alternatives for the non-coffee-head.

Their company slogan is “Life is Short, Stay Awake for It”, and with their spectacular selection of espressos, this is something that you’ll definitely achieve. Caribou Coffee places a high priority on sourcing only the highest quality beans while ensuring that they’re sourced responsibly.

History

Caribou Coffee was started by husband and wife team Jon and Kim Puckett in Edina, Minnesota in 1992. The philosophy behind the brand is simple; great products, environmentally, socially and responsibly sourced. Their foremost focus is the quality, flavor and range of their beverages.

Their beans are all specially selected by a company ‘Roastmaster’ and the story begins in the fields with the everyday farmer.  These employees visit various exotic locations searching for the perfect quality and flavor. They then create signature blends by adjusting the coffee’s roasting profile. The chain insist that this is what sets them apart for their competitors and why their coffee is the best; they understand the importance of the drink and how integral it is in day to day life.

The company is in partnership with the Rainforest Alliance to ensure that from purchase to your cup they do all they can to ensure that fair practices are upheld; all of their beans are 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified. Through this enterprise, they’re able to ensure that these transactions are beneficial for: the farmers, their families and communities as well as the environment.

To ensure their customers can hold them accountable, in 2012 they began producing their yearly “Do Good” report. This report details all of the company’s accomplishments, progress and goals with regards to responsible sourcing, as well as noting all the partners that assisted in these efforts. The chain now has over 450 company-owned and franchised stores, these are located across 18 states in the US and 9 other countries.

Review

Entering any of this brands coffee-houses is like entering your own living room. The locations are warm, comfortable and inviting with a distinctly rustic theme. They have a variety of seating options: cozy arm chairs and sofas, table and chairs or you can always grab your beverage to go. The well-trained, professional, approachable staff ensure to make your Caribou Coffee experience a superior one.

While the chain is particularly proud of their impressive coffee selection they also offer alternative options: Caribou coolers, fruit shakes and smoothies, tea lattes, hot teas, iced teas. They also offer a fantastic kids range including: coolers, smoothies, sodas and hot chocolate. Plus, if you’re hungry they have a selection of snacks: breakfast sandwiches, oatmeal and baked goods.

They consistently feature new flavors to keep their customers coming back for more. Try a legendary mocha; they’re made with real chocolate and are a sensory delight. Their coffee is so popular that they also package and distribute their signature blends, which you can either pick up in store or purchase online. Also, if you join their online coffee club you’ll be privy to their coffee of the month delivered direct to your door each and every month.

Their prices are similar to that of comparable chains; a regular coffee costs from $1 to $2, a specialty one will be from $2 to $4, while a sandwich will cost around $4. Stop off at the next Caribou Coffee you spot for a friendly atmosphere, quality coffee, great service and all completely guilt free.