#United States #Minneapolis #Caribou Coffee #Scott Kennedy #Panera Brands

Caribou Coffee Welcomes Scott Kennedy as New CEO

In a significant leadership shift, Caribou Coffee, a prominent name in the specialty coffee sector, has appointed Scott Kennedy as its new President and Chief Executive Officer, effective immediately. This announcement was made by José Cil, the Chairman of the Board of Caribou Coffee, who expressed confidence in Kennedy's ability to lead the company into a new era.

Leadership Background

Scott Kennedy, who previously served as the Chief Financial Officer of Caribou Coffee, stepped into the role of Interim CEO in March 2025. With a rich background in executive management, Kennedy brings a wealth of experience to the table. Having spent 14 years at Target Corporation, including the last six years as President of Financial Retail Services, his extensive knowledge in retail management and financial strategy is expected to drive Caribou Coffee's vision forward.

During his tenure at Target, Kennedy honed his skills in building successful teams and enhancing customer experiences—an approach he aims to replicate at Caribou. Before that, his 16-year journey at KPMG, culminating in a partner position, solidified his expertise in finance and consulting.

Vision for Caribou Coffee

In his inaugural statements as CEO, Kennedy expressed his enthusiasm about leading Caribou Coffee, a brand he acknowledges as beloved by many. He emphasized the company's strong foundation built on exceptional products and a welcoming atmosphere that coffee enthusiasts cherish. Alongside the talented team at Caribou, he envisions leveraging this foundation to accelerate growth and expand its market reach.

In Kennedy's words, "I'm honored to take on the role of President and CEO at Caribou Coffee. Looking ahead, I see tremendous opportunity to accelerate our growth, expand our reach, and continue elevating what makes Caribou unique. I'm excited to partner with our talented team to seize these opportunities and deliver even greater value to our guests and stakeholders." This focus on expanding the brand's influence comes at a time when consumers are increasingly looking for quality and experience in their coffee purchases.

Caribou Coffee's Commitment to Quality

Founded in 1992, Caribou Coffee has grown into a global coffeehouse operation with more than 800 locations worldwide. The company is known for its commitment to crafting high-quality, handcrafted beverages in a cozy, welcoming environment. Each coffeehouse aims to create personal connections with every customer, making each visit unique and memorable.

Moreover, Caribou Coffee emphasizes community support and sustainability in its operations. With a menu featuring specialty-grade coffee and premium ingredients, including real chocolate chips, the company ensures that customers receive only the best. This dedication to crafting a delightful experience goes hand-in-hand with its mission to foster growth through smart expansion.

Looking Ahead

As part of Panera Brands, alongside other renowned entities like Panera Bread and Einstein Bros. Bagels, Caribou Coffee is poised for even broader reach and impact. With Scott Kennedy at the helm, the coffee retailer is geared for innovation and customer engagement aimed at delivering delightful experiences in every coffeehouse.

For coffee aficionados and new customers alike, the future under Kennedy's leadership looks promising. His strategic direction aims to not only foster growth but also build upon the values that have made Caribou Coffee a staple in the communities it serves.

To learn more about Caribou Coffee and its offerings, be sure to visit their website at Caribou Coffee or follow them on social media for updates on new products and community initiatives.