Caribou Coffee Celebrates Its 20th Anniversary

MINNEAPOLIS, Dec. 10, 2012 /PRNewswire/ -- Caribou Coffee Company, Inc. (NASDAQ: CBOU) is proud to announce that it will officially celebrate its 20^th anniversary later this week, marking two decades of roasting exceptional coffee and offering warm and inviting meeting places for guests.

(Photo:  http://photos.prnewswire.com/prnh/20121210/NY26325 )

Brooklyn Center, Minn.-based Caribou Coffee was founded by Kim and John Puckett in 1992. While the first Caribou coffeehouse – located at 44^th and France in Minneapolis – is still welcoming customers today, the company has since grown to more than 600 locations in 22 states, the District of Columbia, and 10 international markets.

Caribou's 20^th anniversary, which will take place on Dec. 14, 2012, caps off an exciting year for the company, which is known for its handcrafted beverages, innovative menu, and cozy coffeehouses. Caribou increased its domestic and international footprint in 2012, opening 56 new locations with 6 more to come yet this year and celebrating its 100^th international operating location this 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," Caribou Coffee founders Kim and John Puckett 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 this milestone, Caribou introduced a special 20^th Anniversary Blend coffee on Nov. 25, 2012, which features the original Caribou Blend recipe. Caribou's Anniversary Blend, commemorative ceramic mug and stainless steel tumbler will be available for purchase in stores and online through January. These limited-edition anniversary items are available alongside Caribou's expanded holiday menu, which features new, seasonal drinks made with real caramel – the Salted Caramel Budino and Salted Caramel Mocha – and a festive retail collection for guests to "gift" to their loved ones this season.

Additionally, the brand is in the midst of thanking 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. Throughout the campaign, fans who text BOU20 to 65017* or "like" Caribou's Facebook page are alerted of daily deals. Offers include discounts on a range of Caribou's best-in-class beverages and beans, delicious food items and branded merchandise. The promotion will officially conclude on Caribou's anniversary, Dec. 14, 2012.

"With our 20^th anniversary, this holiday season is a particularly important one for all of us at Caribou, and for our fans," said Mike Tattersfield, president and CEO of Caribou Coffee. "We couldn't be more thrilled to celebrate with customers and Caribou team members throughout the country with our "20 Feel Good Years" program, and we look forward to continuing to grow, and to offer the Caribou experience in 2013 and for years to come."

For more information about Caribou Coffee, please visit Caribou Coffee's Facebook page at www.facebook.com/cariboucoffee or follow Caribou on Twitter at @Caribou_Coffee.

About Caribou Coffee
Founded in 1992, Caribou Coffee Company is one of the leading branded coffee companies in the United States, with a compelling multi-channel approach to their customers. Based on the number of coffeehouses, Caribou Coffee is the second largest company-operated premium coffeehouse operator in the United States. As of September 30, 2012, the Company had 610 coffeehouses, including 202 franchised locations, in 22 states, the District of Columbia and ten international markets. The Company's coffeehouses aspire to be the community place loved by guests who are provided an extraordinary experience that makes their day better. Caribou Coffee provides the highest quality handcrafted beverages, foods and coffee lifestyle items with a unique blend of expertise, fun and authentic human connection in a comfortable and welcoming coffeehouse environment. In addition, Caribou Coffee's unique coffees are available within grocery stores, mass merchandisers, club stores, office coffee and foodservice providers, hotels, entertainment venues and e-commerce channels. Caribou Coffee is a proud recipient of the Rainforest Alliance Corporate Green Globe Award and is committed to operating practices that promote sustainability and environmental protection. For more information, visit the Caribou Coffee web site at www.cariboucoffee.com.

CONTACT:
Blythe Posner
Ruder Finn, Inc.
(212) 593-6306
[email protected]

SOURCE Caribou Coffee Company, Inc.