[UPDATE] Caribou Coffee to Debut Two New Atlanta Area Locations

Caribou Coffee will next week open two new locations in metro Atlanta as it continues its return to growth in the state.  The new locations are slated to open in Snellville and Lawrenceville and come on the heels of openings in Griffin, Athens, Smyrna and Woodstock this past June.

The new Caribou Coffee in Snellville  (1947 Scenic Highway N) is scheduled to open Wednesday, August 13 followed by the Lawrenceville unit  (919 Buford Drive in Lawrenceville) on Thursday, August 14.  Both new locations as well as those in Griffin (721 W. Taylor Street), Athens (2198 W. Broad Street), Smyrna (2410 South Cobb Drive) and Woodstock (9500 GA-92) occupy converted former Checkers restaurants.  

In each case the building's twin drive thru feature was reduced to a single lane.  The new locations are all drive-thru only but do have limited outside seating.  

Both locations will offer the following promotions to celebrate their openings:

• Friday, August 15: Free exclusive coffee mug to the first 100 guests, while supplies last 

• Saturday, August 16 – Sunday, August 17: Giveback weekend for the Junior Achievement Discovery Center of Gwinnett, plus 50 bonus points (valid for 30 days) to Caribou Perks members with purchase 

• Monday, August 18: 50% off a beverage with the purchase of an All Day Breakfast or Lunch sandwich 

• Tuesday, August 19: 50% off Crafted Press beverages 

• Wednesday, August 20: 50% off mocha beverages 

• Thursday, August 21: 50% off energy drinks  

The company also has a new location coming soon to Covington where it will open in a freestanding building as part of new ground-up development that will also include McAlister's Deli, Nothing Bundt Cakes, Tropical Smoothie Cafe and Five Guys.  

Caribou last year opened four new locations in metro Atlanta including those in Cumming, Kennesaw, Milton, and Loganville.  Each location made use of former Burger King or Hardee's restaurants, and as such, have inside dining as well as drive-thru service.    

Related: PJ's Coffee of New Orleans this week opened a new Georgia location and reportedly has plans for twelve more as it too looks to grow in the Atlanta market.  

The Minnesota-based chain has, in recent years, closed several locations in metro Atlanta, but the new locations mark a return to growth for the brand.    Caribou Coffee was in 2013 acquired by German private equity firm JAB Holding Company, a multi-billion dollar firm that also owns Panera Bread, Einstein Bros. Bagels, Peet's Coffee, Pret a Manger, and Bruegger's Bagels, among other brands.  Today, Caribou is part of Panera Brands, a JAB-controlled holding company.     

There are currently thirteen Caribou Coffee locations open in Georgia including those in Cumming, Loganville, Kennesaw, Milton, Buckhead and Midtown.  The company also operates a pair of locations at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport.  

Founded in 1992, Caribou Coffee has today grown to a chain of more than 800 locations in 11 countries.      

Are you excited about the return of more Caribou Coffee shops to metro Atlanta?  Who do you think offers the best coffee in metro Atlanta? Where else would you like to see Caribou Coffee open?     

 Please share your thoughts below.