Caribou Coffee, a global premium coffeehouse and Panera Brands company, announced the opening of its first Florida location. Owned and operated by Wake Up 727 under the leadership of Michelle Mathis, the coffeehouse opened on Friday, November 24 in St. Petersburg, and is the first of many locations that Caribou Coffee intends to open in the state.
“I fell in love with Caribou Coffee as a guest many years ago and am thrilled to bring such a beloved brand to the St. Petersburg area and beyond,” says Michelle Mathis, CEO of Wake Up 727. “From using real, premium ingredients in our handcrafted beverages, to sourcing 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee, Caribou Coffee’s commitment to purpose, experience and innovation will differentiate the brand in this market.”
In addition to the multi-unit franchise agreement Caribou Coffee has with Wake Up 727, the brand signed development agreements with Kevin Ricci, owner of Covelli Family Partnership, and Sam Covelli, CEO of Covelli Enterprises – to deepen the brand’s roots throughout Florida. Earlier this year, Caribou Coffee announced the signing of several multi-unit development agreements to franchise more than 300 new locations across the U.S. The brand’s rapid expansion is fueled by company-owned location growth and Caribou’s successful domestic and international franchise model, which is comprised of like-minded partners with a common vision and sophisticated operational experience.
“Since we got our start in 1992, Caribou Coffee has emerged as a leader in the coffeehouse segment, and we have been anticipating the day we open our doors to guests in new states,” says Matthew Walls, chief development officer of Caribou Coffee. “We look forward to celebrating the success of our newest location in St. Petersburg and further growing love for the Caribou Coffee brand throughout the state of Florida.”
The new location in St. Petersburg is a full-service coffeehouse with both indoor and outdoor dining spaces. The space features comfortable seating and coastal-inspired designs. Located at 701 Central Ave., St. Petersburg, FL 33701, the coffeehouse is open daily from 7 a.m. to 6 p.m.
Guests can enjoy handcrafted drinks using real ingredients, like real chocolate chips and caramel sauce. They will taste the difference in the signature Mochas, crafted with real chocolate chips melted into steamed milk and espresso; or in the whipped cream that tops the brand’s signature Caribou Cooler blended beverages. Caribou also offers alternatives for non-coffee drinkers, including teas and Caribou BOUsted beverages made with caffeine from coffee plus guarana and ginseng. Additionally, guests can find delicious offerings from Caribou’s food menu, including a variety of high-quality breakfast sandwiches including gluten free and vegan options, baked goods and snacks.
