In a recent press release, Minnesota-based coffee chain Caribou Coffee announced plans to expand 300 franchise locations across the U.S. Mike Mariola Restaurants will lead the expansion into Ohio, and the group plans to open 60 locations across the Columbus, Cincinnati and Dayton markets. Last November, the company opened their first store in Ohio in Wooster, and their second is currently under construction in Reynoldsburg, at 7010 E Main St, with a projected opening time frame of late August or early September.
What Now Columbus spoke with Ethan Erickson, Chief of Operations for Mike Mariola Restaurants, about the organization’s decision to expand the coffee chain across the Columbus area.
“We have a passion for coffee and our decision was based on looking to expand our portfolio as well as our presence in the Columbus market,” Erickson tells What Now Columbus.
Although it’s too soon to say exactly how many locations will be in the Columbus market, Erickson explained that they’re currently trying to fill the pipeline of locations by actively working with real estate agents to find the ideal space for each coffee shop.
Caribou Coffee operates two types of locations, a drive-thru only model, or what the coffee chain refers to as a “cabin” and a “chalet,” which is modeled after a more traditional coffee house with inside seating as well as a drive-thru. The Reynoldsburg location will be a drive-thru only model.
In addition to selling a selection of bagged coffee beans, the drink menu features hot and iced espresso beverages and drip coffee, as well as tea and cocoa, and breakfast food items include bagels, pastries, with sandwich options for lunch.
