Caribou Coffee Marks 20-Year Anniversary

Caribou Coffee Co. Inc. has marked two decades of roasting coffee and offering meeting places for guests with the introduction of an Anniversary Blend and additional store openings.

Brooklyn Center, Minn.-based Caribou Coffee was founded by Kim and John Puckett in 1992. While the first Caribou coffeehouse in Minneapolis is still welcoming customers, the company has since grown to more than 600 locations in 22 states, the District of Columbia and 10 international markets.

Caribou’s 20th anniversary, which took place on Dec. 14, capped an exciting year for the company. Caribou increased its domestic and international footprint in 2012, opening 56 new locations with six more yet to come this year and celebrated its 100th international operating location in May. Additionally, the coffeehouse was recently ranked Top Overall Chain among quick refreshment brands in Zagat’s Fast-Food Survey, as voted on by consumers.

“Twenty years ago, Caribou Coffee was inspired by a long climb to the summit of the Denali range,” the Caribou Coffee founders said. “We wanted to do something special with our lives and realized this dream through Caribou Coffee: a place where people can enjoy a great cup of coffee in the company of good friends. We are touched that, 20 years later, Caribou has become a part of the lives of so many people across this country and internationally.”

In celebration of its milestone, Caribou introduced a special 20th Anniversary Blend coffee in November, which features the original Caribou Blend recipe. Caribou’s Anniversary Blend, commemorative ceramic mug and stainless steel tumbler are available for purchase in stores and online through January. These limited-edition anniversary items are available alongside Caribou’s expanded holiday menu.

Additionally, the brand thanked its loyal fans with a 20-day anniversary celebration. On Nov. 25, Caribou launched its “20 Feel Good Years” program, offering 20 deals for 20 days.