Caribou Coffee announced at the end of April that it has signed its largest domestic franchise development deal to date. Covelli Enterprises, headed up by CEO Sam Covelli and his three children Albert, Candace, and Danielle, will open more than 100 Caribou Coffee locations in the northern half of Ohio, western Pennsylvania, and Florida, including Orlando and the east coast from West Palm Beach to Miami.
The match between Caribou, which belongs to the Panera Brands portfolio, and Covelli Enterprises, the largest Panera franchisee, is a natural one.
“When we were initially approached by Panera Brands to get involved in the concept we were intrigued, but after visiting Caribou coffee houses, speaking with their leadership team, and tasting the quality of their products it became obvious that Caribou is the future of the coffee industry,” a representative told What Now in an email conversation on Tuesday. “Not only are Caribou Coffee’s products the best tasting in the coffee business, but the fact that the brand uses real, clean, premium ingredients is what differentiates it from other coffee concepts.”
Covelli Enterprises began in 1959 when founder Albert Covelli Sr. opened his first McDonald’s in Warren, Ohio.
“By 1997 Covelli Enterprises had 50 McDonalds and was one of the largest franchisees in the country,” the representative said. “Eventually our company realized consumer trends were changing and people started to become interested in fast casual concepts that had healthy options. We sold our interest in McDonalds and opened our first Panera Bread in Boardman, OH and the rest was history.”
Caribou Coffee’s handcrafted beverages include Espresso Shakers with Oatmilk, Iced Crafted Press with Oatmilk Cold Foam, Mochas and blended Coolers. Its menu also features a variety of breakfast choices and baked goods, along with seasonal offerings that keep the menu dynamic.
“We are still in the early stages of looking at real estate. However, once we open our first location, we are confident we will see great success and then expand rapidly along the east coast and Orlando,” said the representative.
