During my recent visit to Caribou Coffee, I was impressed by their dedication to breakfast and lunch. They open their doors early in the morning and remain available until the mid-afternoon. I found their spread of coffee and tea options incredibly delightful.
It was fascinating to learn that Caribou Coffee was founded way back in 1992 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, where it still has its headquarters. Their commitment to premium quality coffee drinks got me hooked. From various coffee making styles to lattes, cappuccinos, and so much more! They do have a few non-coffee items, and even a select offering of food items, which cater to a variety of taste buds.
Interested in finding out what makes Caribou Coffee stand out from the crowd? Stick around!
Where can I spot a Caribou Coffee?
Caribou Coffee has a strong presence all over America. They're practically in all 50 states with over 700 locations! Fascinating, right? They hold a strong presence in Minnesota, and their wings are spreading across the country, albeit, they are not yet outside the United States.
What makes Caribou Coffee's coffee special?
The ethical sourcing of quality ingredients by Caribou Coffee sets them apart. I found out that they are all about supporting Rainforest Alliance Certified Farms, reinforcing biodiversity and connecting with their coffee bean farmers! Plus, they don't use artificial sweeteners and back up Cage-Free eggs, which is impressive.
At Caribou, they believe in three core pillars:
- Robust Coffee - Emphasizing quality in all the varieties, starting from sourcing ethically to perfect roasting and skilled baristas.
- Inclusive Culture - With a focus on respect, equality, and career advancement, they aim to create an unbeatable work environment.
- Community Engagement - They strive to support both local and global communities, all the while leaving as small a footprint as possible.
Something I found particularly unique about Caribou Coffee was their primary brew method - Cold Press coffee process. It gives their coffee a distinctive flavor that sets them apart from other coffeehouses.
The Caribou Coffee menu goes beyond lattes, cappuccinos, and americanos. They stir up fantastic cold-press coffees, in sizes as large as a 64oz Growler! Seasonal flavors and a solid selection of teas, from black tea and fruit teas to chai, are also on offer.
What left me really intrigued was their "Boy-Sted" line–a more caffeine-rich alternative that offers drinks somewhat like smoothies or iced like lemonades. As for their food menu, they offer a variety of breakfast and brunch items, and even offer gluten-free options. I was particularly pleased with their waffle sandwiches!
Any options for those with dietary restrictions?
I found that Caribou Coffee is highly considerate to those with dietary restrictions. They offer gluten-free bread along with alternative milks for coffee drinks. They also serve coffee and tea without dairy. Do take note, they only use natural sweeteners like cane sugar.
How is the ordering process at Caribou Coffee?
Their ordering process is incredibly convenient and made to be customer-centric. You have the option of ordering at a register, through the website, app, or even through a drive-thru. I was particularly impressed by the personal attention and service at my local Caribou!
What options does Caribou Coffee offer for children and non-caffeine lovers?
Caribou Coffee definitely caters to all. They have decaf options along with fruit and herbal teas having no caffeine. For the little ones, the hot or iced Apple Blast and hot chocolate are sure to be a hit. Animal lovers aren't forgotten either with their pup-cup option!
What are the operating hours?
Caribou Coffee mainly caters to the breakfast and brunch crowd, operating from 6:30 AM to around 3 or 3:30 PM. They are usually open seven days a week, but timings might differ from one location to another, so it's best to check the specific local timing. However, if you're a night owl, Caribou Coffee might not meet your needs. That said, if you're looking for a great start to your morning, they are a perfect choice!
Can I enjoy Caribou Coffee at home?
The good news is, yes, you can! I discovered you can buy a bag of beans online, or you can stop by a store and ask them to grind to your preferred coarseness. Additionally, they sell growlers of some of their best-seller beverages to take home and enjoy or to bring to a party.
Pros:
- Ethically sourced coffee with an emphasis on quality.
- Wide variety of coffee and tea options.
- Inclusive workplace culture.
- Wide spread across the U.S.
- Options for those with dietary restrictions.
- Personal service and convenient ordering process.
Cons:
- No overseas locations.
- Limited operating hours (not ideal for night owls).
- No artificial sweeteners (could be a con if you prefer them).
- No available options for purchasing seasonal flavors or special ingredients.