MINNEAPOLIS, Usa – Caribou Coffee, a national premium coffeehouse and Panera Brands portfolio concept, announces the appointment of Matthew Walls as its first Chief Franchise Officer. Walls will join the executive leadership team and lead Caribou’s domestic and international franchise businesses.
“Walls has an exceptional reputation for creating lasting partnerships with franchisees in the restaurant industry, and we are tremendously grateful to add his talent, experience and leadership to our team,” said John Butcher, president and CEO of Caribou Coffee. “His proven track record of leading franchising and growth efforts while working with both domestic and international partners makes him uniquely qualified to spearhead Caribou’s franchise business as we continue to build on our recent success.”
Matthew Walls becomes Caribou Coffee first Chief Franchise Officer
Walls brings more than two decades of franchising experience to his new role. He was most recently the Chief Global Development Officer at CKE Restaurants, Inc., the parent company of Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr., where he aided in rolling out a nationwide reimage program to enhance the brands; the program focused on remodeling stores, incorporating new technology, and enhancing operations.
Walls’ extensive career also includes roles at Domino’s Pizza and Yum Brands, where he held various positions in operations, e-commerce, and logistics.
“I’m honored to join the passionate and hardworking team at Caribou,” said Walls. “The recent launch of the brand’s domestic franchise program, coupled with Caribou’s product innovation and world-class culture make the brand uniquely positioned for tremendous success. It’s a privilege to work with amazing teams – from our Support Center to our field teams – and I’m confident that in my role as Chief Franchise Officer I’ll help strategically develop the Caribou brand through franchising, both domestically and abroad.”
Caribou launched its domestic franchise program in October of 2021, building on the success of non-traditional (license) and international franchise operations. Since the program’s launch, the brand has signed franchise agreements in Ohio and Florida. Under Matthew Walls’ leadership, Caribou intends to continue to expand its domestic footprint across the U.S.
Since its inception in 1992, Caribou Coffee has emerged as a leader in the national coffeehouse segment, becoming known for innovative handcrafted products and an award-winning customer experience and growing to 732 locations systemwide, including 137 non-traditional locations nationwide and 261 international franchise stores abroad.
About the franchise
Founded in 1992, Caribou Coffee provides innovative, high-quality handcrafted beverages, and an all-day breakfast menu including gluten-free, vegetarian and plant-based items. Each menu item is crafted with a purpose to create day-making experiences that go beyond the beans and ingredients.
Caribou also offers small-batch roasted coffee beans for purchase as well as seasonal limited-time offerings. The conversations and connections that occur over a simple cup of coffee or delicious breakfast sandwich bring our team and guests together, reminding us that our collective potential is boundless.
Caribou has 322 company-owned and 137 non-traditional locations nationwide, and 273 franchise stores in 9 countries as of March 31, 2022. Known for a commitment to integrate sustainable practices and make a difference, Caribou was the first major U.S. coffeehouse to serve 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified coffees and espresso.
The products
This passion for premium is also why the company became the first to offer 100% clean label beverages with real ingredients including real chocolate chips, no artificial sweeteners, and no artificial coloring. Caribou Coffee’s unwavering commitment to providing an unparalleled consumer experience has translated to an industry leading NPS score.
Additionally, the Caribou Cabin prototype debuted in 2019, features a significantly smaller footprint and drive-thru focused model and has rapidly expanded throughout the Midwest. Caribou Coffee products can also be found in all 50 states across grocery stores, mass retailers, club stores, foodservice providers, hotels, entertainment venues and online.
Caribou Coffee is part of a portfolio of complementary brands bound by common values, Panera Brands, comprised of Panera Bread, Caribou Coffee and Bagel Brands.
Panera Brands’ brands are independently operated and united in their mission to be force multipliers for good for their guests, communities, the planet and the shareholders they serve.
To learn more about Caribou Coffee, visit CaribouCoffee.com and follow the coffeehouse on Facebook, Twitter or Instagram. It is possible to sign up for Caribou Coffee’s loyalty program, Caribou Perks, at caribouperks.com.
