Caribou Coffee appoints Chief Franchise Officer to lead US and international growth

Launched in 1992, Caribou Coffee operates 732 stores across the 10 countries | Photo credit: Caribou Coffee

Caribou Coffee has appointed Matthew Walls as its first Chief Franchise Officer to lead the chain’s domestic and international franchise businesses.  
 

Minnesota-based Caribou launched its domestic franchise programme in October 2021, seeking to introduce its international franchise business model across the US. The brand has already signed franchise agreements in Ohio and Florida this year. 
 

Launched in 1992, Caribou Coffee operates 732 stores across the US, Bahrain, Bosnia, Egypt, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the UAE. Currently, 70% of its 459 US stores are company owned. 
 

“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 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,” Walls said.  
 

Walls previously served as Chief Global Development Officer at CKE Restaurants, which operates the US fast-food chains Hardee’s and Carl’s Jr. 
 

“Walls’ 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,” said John Butcher, CEO, Caribou Coffee. 
 

Caribou Coffee is part of the Panera Brands portfolio of brands, which also includes Panera Bread and Einstein Bros. Bagels. The JAB Holding business unit collectively operates more than 3,500 stores and employs approximately 110,000 staff across 11 countries.