Quick summary

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®.

• Caribou Coffee offers franchise opportunities in three formats: chalet, cabin, and kiosk.
• Training includes a Certified General Manager program and emphasizes core company values.
• Initial investment ranges from $249,100 to $1,146,300, depending on the venue type.
• Franchise fees range from $15,000 to $30,000, with multi-unit experience required for qualification.
• Annual revenue per franchise ranges from $500,000 to $1,000,000, with personal profits depending on location and management effectiveness.

Is Caribou Coffee a Franchise?

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.

How Many Caribou Coffee Locations Are There?

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.

What Training Is Required to Open a Caribou Coffee?

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.

Core Training Values

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.

How Much Does It Cost to Open a Caribou Coffee?

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

Additional Costs:

• 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

What Is the Caribou Coffee Franchise Fee?

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.

How Much Does a Caribou Coffee Franchise Owner Make a Year?

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.

Pros and Cons of Owning a Caribou Coffee Franchise

Pros:

• Sustainable and eco-friendly brand with strong consumer appeal

• Multiple venue options for varying investment levels

• Comprehensive training and support programs

Cons:

• High financial qualifications for franchisees

• Significant competition within the coffee industry

• Strict adherence to corporate guidelines

Why Choose Caribou Coffee?

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!