A LETTER TO CARIBOU COFFEE

because i had nothing better to do this morning...



OUT OF DARK ROAST?

Hello,

I am writing to you to tell you I am tired of Caribou Coffee stores being out of your Dark Roast blend of coffee. No, not out of it, just not making any of it.

Over the last several months (probably the last year or so, actually) I have noticed and documented a handful of Caribou stores in the Minneapolis/St. Paul area that do not have your dark roast blend made at the time that I had wished to order it, with no apparent intent of making any or offering to make some anytime soon.


*Sunday, August 17, 2008 Minneapolis - Dinkytown: Early evening. this is what tipped me over edge. It is kind of funny because I was joking to a friend while walking to the Caribou that "they probably don't have coffee anyway". Yep, no dark roast. Was offered a Light Roast instead. I got a water. Coffee guy was pretty rude about it too - and looked fairly unoccupied when I walked in. Maybe he could have been making a pot of dark roast instead?

*Saturday, August 9, 2008, Minneapolis - Cedar & Minnehaha: Evening, out of dark roast blend. offered an 'Americano' instead. I walked out with nothing.

*Tuesday, June 10, 2008, St. Anthony, MN: early evening, out of dark roast.

*Saturday, April 26, 2008, Minneapolis - Mall Of America: mid-day/afternoon, out of dark roast. Offered an Americano instead. Left to go back to Starbucks (line was out the door, which is why I went to the Caribou in the first place)

*Sunday, March 9, 2008, Edina, MN - Southdale: Mid-day/afternoon, out of dark roast.

*Saturday, February 23, 2008, Minneapolis - Mall Of America: late afternoon, out of dark roast.


This is all that I have documented, but I can remember several other instances where I have ordered a Dark Roast coffee and been turned down. Many other people I have talked to about this problem have told me the same thing. No Dark Roast; Offered an americano or light roast instead. It is not just a matter of timing or bad luck.

So here is my question: Why is it so hard to keep coffee made? Isn't that what Caribou Coffee does? You make and sell coffee. I have not been to a Caribou in the last 3-4 months, varying times of day, where they have had Dark Roast available for me to order. Also, offering me a Light Roast or an Americano instead of Dark Roast IS NOT a sufficient replacement.


I realize this probably won't do anything to change this problem. If I want coffee, I'm going to look for a Starbucks or Dunn Brothers first. At least I know I will be able to get a dark roast coffee. It is becoming increasing clear I will not be able to get a dark roast at Caribou Coffee.



Thank You,
Jason Sack