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Caribou Coffee Franchise Costs & Profits (2024): Established by John Puckett, a former Boston-based management consultant, the first Caribou Coffee location opened in Minnesota in 1992. As a company dedicated to sustainability, all Caribou Coffee coffees and espressos are 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified. With a focus on clean-label ingredients, such as real chocolate and caramel sauce, each drink is crafted without artificial additives.
Caribou Coffee has also entered the retail space, offering K-Cup® Pods, ready-to-drink beverages, and specialty bagged coffee available online and in grocery stores across the U.S. The brand is part of the Panera Brands portfolio, which also includes Panera Bread® and Bagel Brands®.
Yes, Caribou Coffee began offering franchise opportunities in 2004 and provides three distinct formats for franchising:
Chalet: Traditional coffee house style with a full food and beverage menu and seating for guests.
Cabin: Drive-thru-only format emphasizing fast and friendly service.
Kiosk: The smallest model, featuring a limited menu and typically located in colleges, hotels, or entertainment venues.
For nearly 30 years, Caribou Coffee has prioritized quality, innovation, and global connection, inviting potential franchisees to join in delivering memorable experiences worldwide.
Caribou Coffee operates more than 750 locations worldwide, including 294 franchises. Of the 496 locations in the United States, 64% are in Minnesota, with additional concentrations in Wisconsin and North Dakota. Internationally, Caribou Coffee has a presence in 10 countries, primarily in the Middle East.
Franchisees must appoint a Certified General Manager responsible for daily operations and staff training. This manager undergoes up to six weeks of training at designated Caribou Coffee locations.
Caribou Coffee emphasizes its company culture through five core values:
Be Yourself
Make Fun Happen
Serve with Love
Support One Another
Take Ownership
Franchisees or approved management personnel must commit full-time to operations and adhere to Caribou Coffee’s product and pricing guidelines.
The costs to open a Caribou Coffee franchise vary based on the venue type:
Kiosk: $249,100 to $606,300
Cabin: $446,100 to $732,300
Chalet: $722,100 to $1,146,300
Initial franchise fee: $15,000 for kiosks; $30,000 for chalet and cabin locations
Architecture and design fees
Business licenses and permits
Training expenses
Signage and furnishings
Minimum royalty fees
Caribou Coffee’s franchise fees are:
$15,000 for kiosks
$30,000 for chalet and cabin locations
To qualify, prospective franchisees must meet these requirements:
At least $3 million in liquid assets
Multi-unit food and beverage experience
Commitment to opening 10 or more locations within a specified timeframe
These stringent qualifications reflect the brand’s emphasis on scalability and long-term partnerships.
Caribou Coffee reported record profits in 2023, with global sales reaching $262 million. Average annual revenue per location ranges from $500,000 to $1,000,000. Individual profits depend on factors such as venue type, location, staffing, and management effectiveness.
Sustainable and eco-friendly brand with strong consumer appeal
Multiple venue options for varying investment levels
Comprehensive training and support programs
High financial qualifications for franchisees
Significant competition within the coffee industry
Strict adherence to corporate guidelines
Caribou Coffee’s dedication to quality, innovation, and sustainability makes it a standout choice for franchisees. With its expanding global footprint and multiple revenue streams, Caribou Coffee offers opportunities for growth and profitability.
Interested in exploring more franchise opportunities? Check out our guide to 5 Low-Cost Franchises That Make $1,000,000 and discover how to maximize your investment potential!
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