It seems that about a year ago or so my wife saw a ‘Now Hiring’ sign for Caribou Coffee. It was going to open up next to Great Clips in the same strip mall as Mackenthuns. Heck, even Yahoo Local has a listing up for the store that doesn’t exist.
So where is Caribou Coffee?
I have a new theory, I think a Caribou Coffee is going to open up in the new development on the corner of highway 5 and county road 30. One of the end lots has a drive though window and I know it’s not a bank as Kline Bank says they are coming in 2008 and I highly doubt they’ll be in a strip mall. Free standing building probably for security. So I think it’s going to be a drive though Caribou Coffee. I guess it could also be a Starbucks, Dunn Brothers or one of the other million possibilities. But I smell coffee for some reason. 😉
Here’s my understanding.
Caribou was going to open in the space at the end of the Mackenthun’s strip mall [next to Quizno’s]. They had the space leased and had begun construction, but then there was a conflict over signage. Caribou wanted a sign out by 5, and the building owner wouldn’t put one there. Caribou would not open the store without more signage; after all, it is virtually invisible from 5 so there wouldn’t be any way for people driving by to know there was a Caribou over there.
They abandoned the lease on the space as soon as they could.
My source for that is a Waconia resident who works at Caribou in Chan [or Chaska; can’t recall offhand].
I’ve been told that the 5 @ 30 development will include a Starbuck’s along with a Blockbuster and a Papa John’s. That’s good, because if Waconia needs anything, it’s more pizza, movie, and coffee places. 😉
Chaz – Thanks for the scoop. You’ve got all the answers. 🙂 If you want to write here just let me know.
Starbucks? The mothership is landing?! This is the best news I’ve heard since Hardees came to town in 1987.
Oh I should mention, Hardees was in the building on 5 where Coldwell Banker Burnet is now. Discuss.
I thought that was a Hardees at one time. 🙂
If you haven’t tried the coffee and espresso drinks at the new Mocha Monkey in downtown Waconia, you are missing out. Heads and tails above either Starbucks or Caribou.
Thanks Kevin for the tip.
I would rather have a Starbucks than a Caribou anyway.
I heard a rumor Frost & Steam in Waconia is up for sale. Is this true?
It is true, Margaret has the F&S up for sale. Not sure why but I reckon the ice cream/coffee business is just as tough in Waconia as every other small business. Mocha Monkey can’t be helping the situation. I wish the Green Room would turn it into a wine bar, but then people would actually have to go out and support thier local restaurants!
I would have to agree with Kevin. Anyone who hasn’t tried Mocha Monkey is missing out. It is most definitely the best coffeehouse I have ever been to, much better than Starbucks or Caribou in my opinion.
Could Waconia support a brewpub (brew on site with restaurant) perhaps tied to an existing restaurant or as an entirely new establishment?
This is certainly not a new concept but is it one that a growing community such as Waconia would embrace?
I have more enthusiasm for brewing than knowledge in running a restaurant but can not give up on the dream.
Your thoughts and comments are appreciated.
Lots of changes for Caribou and they have pulled out or shut down locations across the country (mainlyfranchise owned). With the economic landscape looking the way that it does, it would not surprise me to see Caribou file bankruptcy by the end of 2009.