November 06, 2013 // Franchising.com // MINNEAPOLIS – Bruegger’s Bagels and Caribou Coffee have developed new co-branded locations to bring the best of both brands with greater convenience to Minnesota and soon-to-be national guests. On Nov. 15, the companies will open two stores in the Twin Cities, allowing guests to enjoy the highest quality coffees along with fresh-baked bagels and more -- all in one place in a single transaction.
The newly remodeled locations are the first among a number of planned national stores, opening Nov. 15, across from HarMar Mall in Roseville at 2111 Snelling Ave. North and at Sun Ray Shopping Center in St. Paul at 2133 Hudson Road. Each location has been retrofitted to deliver the high-quality, handcrafted offerings of both brands. The warm and welcoming interiors of each store will include a combined check-out station and a large seating area with a fireplace.
"We have enjoyed a strong partnership with locally based Caribou Coffee in Minnesota for many years," said Claude Bergeron, CEO of Bruegger’s Bagels parent company, Groupe Le Duff. "This is our largest market, and the co-branded locations are a natural evolution, strengthening both brands and giving our guests the best of both worlds."
Caribou Coffee and Bruegger’s Bagels are both independently owned, but have a long shared history. Caribou opened its first location in Edina, Minn. in 1992, with a door that connected it to Bruegger’s. Today, the two brands have 10 side-by-side locations in the Twin Cities and one in Raleigh, N.C.
Caribou plans to remodel and open its first co-branded location in Raleigh in December, and both Bruegger’s and Caribou will build new combined locations from the ground up in Minnesota in 2014.
"Our guests have long known that Bruegger’s Bagels and Caribou are the perfect combination, with our high quality, handcrafted beverages and Bruegger's Bagel’s authentic New York-style bagels," said Caribou Coffee CEO and President Mike Tattersfield. "We’re thrilled our new concept combines quality and convenience, and the partnership allows both brands to continue to focus on what each does best."
To celebrate the first of a number of planned co-branded stores, Caribou and Bruegger’s will treat its first 50 guests in line before 6 a.m. at both the Sun Ray and HarMar locations to bagels and coffee for a year (one medium coffee and bagel with cream cheese each week for a year). Everyone else in line prior to 6 a.m. will receive a coupon for a medium coffee and bagel with cream cheese. A ceremonial ribbon cutting will be held at 5:59 a.m. prior to doors opening at Sun Ray and HarMar.
Bruegger's Enterprises, Inc. (BEI), a leader in the fast-casual restaurant segment, operates more than 300 Bruegger’s Bagels bakeries in North America. Renowned for its authentic fresh-baked bagels, the chain also offers a wide variety of freshly prepared breakfast and lunch options made with high-quality, simple ingredients served with its unique brand of hospitality. Bruegger's Bagels is dedicated to the communities it serves and supports charitable causes locally and nationally. Founded in 1983, the company is headquartered in Burlington, Vt. and is a member of Le Duff America, Inc., parent of popular brands La Madeleine, Brioche Dore and Mimi’s Café and part of Groupe Le Duff S.A. For more information, please visit www.brueggers.com or become a fan on Facebook at www.facebook.com/brueggers.
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. 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.
SOURCE Caribou Coffee
Tracy Henderson
817-379-7000
tracy@spmcommunications.com
Laurie Cates
817-379-7000
laurie@spmcommunications.com
Megan Fraboni
763.592.2255
mfraboni@cariboucoffee.com
Bruegger's offers a warm, comfortable setting for guests to enjoy a wholesome meal with family and friends.