Full-Time

Shift Leader

Posted on 6/30/2026

Caribou Coffee

Caribou Coffee

1,001-5,000 employees

Specialty coffeehouse chain with franchising

Compensation Overview

$12.75 - $21.25/hr

Oakdale, MN, USA

In Person

Category
Retail (1)
Required Skills
Inventory Management
Customer Service

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Requirements
  • At least one year of leadership, restaurant, retail, or customer service experience is required, unless properly trained and approved by Caribou Coffee to take responsibility as a Shift Leader.
  • The ability to work early mornings, evenings, some holidays, and/or weekends is required.
  • Candidates must be at least 18 years of age.
  • Candidates must be able to hear, speak, see, bend, reach, lift up to 50 pounds, and stand for 4 to 8 hours, or accomplish these requirements with or without reasonable accommodations.
Responsibilities
  • Demonstrate mastery of Team Member duties with ease, enthusiasm, and excellence.
  • Lead shifts focused on team engagement and guest satisfaction.
  • Maximize product sales and manage waste.
  • Take ownership of the store's look and feel.
  • Understand the daily deployment and associated roles and responsibilities.
  • Use effective communication on the floor during the shift.
  • Identify and address team and guest needs before they become problematic.
  • Communicate and delegate shift priorities, objectives, and tasks.
  • Take ownership of the current shift and prepare for the following shift.
  • Ensure the team executes standard operating procedures and quality standards correctly and consistently.
  • Coach and provide in-the-moment feedback to Team Members.
  • Train the team on role responsibilities, product knowledge, and promotional items.
  • Complete administrative tasks, including bank deposits, inventory, and store product orders.
  • Develop Team Members and participate in conversations about career and professional growth.
  • Demonstrate the company's core values in daily work.
  • Manage personal impact and conduct.
  • Serve as Manager on Duty and make decisions for the shift.
  • Remain resilient and calm during critical moments.
  • Lead the team, serve guests, and participate as a community member.
  • Support the success and growth of others.
  • Serve as a subject matter expert and help others grow.
  • Lead a diverse group of people while continuing to grow and learn.
  • Provide feedback and coach the team toward commitment and performance.
  • Create an inclusive and inspiring culture on every shift.
  • Pursue personal development, feedback, and growth opportunities.
Desired Qualifications
  • A high school diploma or GED equivalent is preferred.
  • A valid driver's license and reliable transportation are preferred.

Caribou Coffee sells specialty coffee and espresso drinks, teas, and pastries through a mix of company-owned cafes, franchised locations (domestic and international), non-traditional sites like airports and campuses, and a consumer-packaged goods line sold in stores and online. Its products come from a menu of proprietary blends, single-origin coffees, and seasonal drinks, served in a welcoming café setting, with a loyalty program called Caribou Perks to reward repeat customers. The company differentiates itself through long-standing sustainability practices, serving 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified coffee since 2012, plus a focus on community-oriented spaces and shared resources within Panera Brands for growth. The goal is to broaden its footprint and offerings while maintaining sustainable sourcing and a strong customer loyalty base.

Company Size

1,001-5,000

Company Stage

N/A

Total Funding

N/A

Headquarters

Minneapolis, Minnesota

Founded

1992

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Simplify Jobs

Simplify's Take

What believers are saying

  • June 2026 CFO Gene Komsky adds finance discipline during growth and cost control.
  • May 2026 Everyday Value Menu lowers entry price points and broadens daily demand.
  • August 20, 2026 fall launch refreshes traffic with pumpkin and Honeycrisp innovations nationwide.

What critics are saying

  • Panera Brands still explored selling Caribou since July 2024, creating strategic limbo.
  • Detroit franchise closures in March 2026 show weak unit economics and operator churn.
  • Starbucks, Dunkin’, and Dutch Bros crowd every expansion corridor, compressing traffic and margins.

What makes Caribou Coffee unique

  • Caribou’s 2026 menu spans coffee, energy, breakfast, bakery, and packaged retail.
  • Rainforest Alliance certified sourcing and specialty-grade beverages differentiate Caribou from commodity coffee chains.
  • Drive-thru, walk-up, app, and grocery distribution widen access beyond traditional cafés.

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Growth & Insights and Company News

Headcount

6 month growth

12%

1 year growth

12%

2 year growth

12%
QSR Magazine
Aug 18th, 2026
Caribou Coffee announces fall menu lineup.

Caribou Coffee announces fall menu lineup. Aug 18 2026 Guests can order seasonal beverages, food offerings and merchandise in multiple ways, including in-store, at the drive-thru and through the Caribou Coffee app for pickup or delivery. Fall flavors have arrived at Caribou Coffee as they welcome back one of their most anticipated menu launches of the year. The premium coffeehouse brand is excited to announce its official fall menu lineup featuring returning pumpkin and Honeycrisp apple fan-favorites joined by new seasonal innovations. Launching Thursday, Aug. 20 at participating locations nationwide, the limited-time menu celebrates the comforts of the season through an expansive assortment of beverages, food offerings, packaged coffee and seasonal merchandise. The fall menu features the iconic flavors of pumpkin and Honeycrisp apple across a variety of go-to classics that have become part of many guests' seasonal traditions. For those looking to branch out from their go-to fall beverages, Caribou has introduced new items to the menu including Honeycrisp Cold Foam, perfect on an Iced Caramel Latte but can be added to any beverage for a touch of orchard-inspired sweetness, as well as a coffeeless Frozen Caramel Apple beverage that is a cool and creamy twist on a nostalgic fall treat. "Every fall, we look forward to welcoming guests back with flavors that feel familiar while giving them something new to discover," said Carrie Sazama, Director of Product, Caribou Coffee. "Alongside the return of the pumpkin beverages guests know and love, we continued to build on the success of Honeycrisp apple by introducing new ways to experience it across both coffee and non-coffee offerings.The result is a menu that gives guests even more ways to make Caribou part of their favorite fall traditions." Pumpkin favorites worth coming back for: * Pumpkin White Mocha: White chocolate melted into steamed milk and combined with espresso and real pumpkin; topped with whipped cream and white chocolate chips. Available hot or iced. * Pumpkin Espresso Shaker: Real pumpkin and fresh espresso shaken with ice and topped with a splash of oatmilk. * Iced White Mocha with Pumpkin Cold Foam: White chocolate, espresso and milk served over ice and topped with pumpkin cold foam made with real pumpkin puree. * Pumpkin Latte: Real pumpkin with espresso and steamed milk; topped with ground nutmeg and served hot or over ice. * Pumpkin Crafted Cold Brew (formerly Pumpkin Crafted Press): Cold-brewed coffee served over ice with a splash of milk, real sugar and a hint of real pumpkin. Also available blended or hot. * Pumpkin Chai Latte: Chai tea latte made with real pumpkin and topped with ground nutmeg, served hot or over ice. * Pumpkin Caribou Cooler Blended Beverage: Coffee blended with ice and real pumpkin; topped with whipped cream. A taste of the orchard with Honeycrisp apple beverages: * Iced Caramel Latte with Honeycrisp Cold Foam (NEW): Caramel, espresso and milk served over ice and topped with Honeycrisp apple cold foam. * Frozen Caramel Apple (NEW): Real caramel and Honeycrisp apple blended with ice, half-and-half and Caribou's signature shake mix; topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle. * Honeycrisp Apple Caramel Espresso Shaker: Real caramel sauce, Honeycrisp apple and fresh espresso shaken with ice and topped with a splash of oatmilk. * Honeycrisp Apple Caramel High Rise Latte: Real caramel sauce, Honeycrisp apple and espresso combined with steamed milk and topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle. Enjoy it hot or iced. * Honeycrisp Apple Energy: A sparkling energy drink featuring flavors of Honeycrisp apple, available in original or lemonade varieties. * Honeycrisp Apple Caramel High Rise Caribou Cooler Blended Beverage: Coffee blended with ice, real caramel sauce and Honeycrisp apple; topped with whipped cream and caramel drizzle. * Honeycrisp Apple Caramel Oatmilk Steamer: Real caramel and Honeycrisp apple combined with steamed oatmilk and finished with whipped cream and caramel drizzle. * Honeycrisp Apple Nitro High Rise: Nitro cold brew combined with milk, real caramel sauce and Honeycrisp apple; topped with espresso whipped cream. Sweet and savory pairings for every sip * French Toast Sandwich: A sweet-and-savory breakfast sandwich layered with fluffy cage-free scrambled eggs, savory sausage, cheddar cheese and cream cheese nestled between slices of golden French toast bread. * Pumpkin Cream Cheese Muffin: A cozy bakery treat featuring real pumpkin, a creamy center of sweet cream cheese frosting and a finishing touch of cinnamon sugar. * Apple Cinnamon Pastry: A flaky, buttery pastry filled with a warm Honeycrisp apple cinnamon filling. Packaged coffee and seasonal merchandise The fall season also brings the return of limited-time packaged coffee and a collection of autumn-inspired merchandise. Guests can enjoy Guatemala Single Origin packaged coffee, featuring notes of raspberry, cola and vanilla, alongside seasonal drinkware and merchandise designed to celebrate the flavors and colors of fall. Guests can order seasonal beverages, food offerings and merchandise in multiple ways, including in-store, at the drive-thru and through the Caribou Coffee app for pickup or delivery. To make every Caribou visit even more rewarding, guests can join Caribou Perks, where members earn points on eligible purchases year-round and redeem them for rewards including free beverages and food items. To join, visit cariboucoffee.com/caribou-perks or text "Perks" to 762-CARIBOU.

QSR Magazine
Jun 9th, 2026
Caribou Coffee names Gene Komsky CFO.

Caribou Coffee names Gene Komsky CFO. Jun 9 2026 Gene Komsky joins Caribou from Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants where he was Vice President of Finance. Caribou Coffee, the national operator of premium coffeehouses, today announced the appointment of Gene Komsky as Chief Financial Officer. The news follows former CFO Scott Kennedy's move to Chief Executive Officer in late 2025 and the addition of new executives in marketing, IT, supply chain and real estate development to better align teams with the company's vision and strategic priorities. Gene Komsky joins Caribou from Cooper's Hawk Winery and Restaurants where he was Vice President of Finance. Komsky brings almost two decades of strategic finance leadership and broad experience driving financial planning and analysis (FP&A), corporate finance, and operational excellence across multi-unit and growth-stage businesses in both private equity-backed organizations and public companies. In his role as Chief Financial Officer at Caribou, he'll work closely with Kennedy and Chief Commercial & Strategy Officer Matt Reiter. "We took our time considering just the right balance of experience, skillset and leadership perspective for this important role in Caribou's future," said Kennedy. "Gene is the perfect addition to the team with both years of proven success in corporate finance at the highest levels, but also in the way he thinks - like a head of operations and a key member of the strategy team. That's the kind of integrated and seamless operating model we've been building at Caribou to help us to continue growing in a smart, strategic manner while also delivering exceptional experiences for guests and creating lasting value in the choices they make." Over his career, Komsky has held senior finance positions at XPO Logistics Inc, the worldwide freight logistics organization; food packaging leader Pactiv Evergreen, Inc., and Hexacomb Corporation, a manufacturer of paper packaging products and systems. "It's a pivotal time to be joining Caribou," said Komsky. "Scott and the leadership team have built a thoughtful strategy and strong foundation for the future. There's a clear roadmap in place to continue strengthening the brand, operations and guest experience. I'm particularly energized to join a team where finance plays a critical role in helping accelerate growth and support long-term value creation for the business and our guests." Komsky is a graduate of DePaul University where he gained a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Marketing, and DePaul Driehaus College of Business, where he received his Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance and Operations Management. He is in the process of relocating from Chicago to the Twin Cities with his wife and young son.

Beacon Media
May 20th, 2026
Clash of the coffee titans on East Bay Drive.

Clash of the coffee titans on East Bay Drive. Caribou Coffee recently opened on East Bay Drive, joining a crowded field of nearby competitors that includes Starbucks, Dunkin' and fellow newcomer, Dutch Bros. By JEFF ROSENFIELD, Tampa Bay Beacons LARGO - Caribou Coffee, a Minnesota-based company founded in 1992 known for its freshly brewed, hand-crafted drinks, recently opened a new location at 4375 East Bay Drive in Clearwater, just over the Largo city line. Caribou's bright, drive-thru-only spot resides in the middle of a brewing clash of the coffee titans that includes nearby competitors Dunkin', Starbucks and fellow area newcomer, Dutch Bros., which has seen a steady stream of customers pouring daily through its Kenne Plaza drive-thrus since it opened in late 2025. This battle of the corridor's coffee shops already claimed one victim, as the Blend Coffee and Cocktails shuttered its location at 3150 East Bay Drive after opening in the former Checker's restaurant in August 2024. Despite the closure, there's still plenty of options crammed into a tight, two-mile stretch of East Bay Drive. As a nearby resident, this reporter was curious to find out how Caribou could fare in this ultra-competitive, cup-to-cup coffee combat. Calling in a ringer. As an admitted "Gimme caffeine ASAP!" Keurig user, I enlisted the assistance of my 24-year-old niece, Taylor Richardson, a self-professed coffee connoisseur who was practically weaned on a French press. Taylor, who lives near Largo Central Park and drives the route daily to work the early shift at a doggie day care facility on U.S 19, initially stated she's always been a big fan of Dunkin's. "Their coffee isn't fancy, but it always tastes good," she said of the Boston brand noted for its reliability. Dutch Bros. When the day calls for a pick-me-up that's a bit more elaborate, Taylor typically turns to Dutch Bros. "The hazelnut double latte," she quickly replied when asked for her go-to drink at Dutch. Bros., an Oregon based company that, like Caribou, was founded in 1992 and opened to much fanfare, in line with its coffee-cult-like following, in the plaza on the northwest corner of East Bay Drive and Keene Road last November. One look at the creamy, whipped concoction and it was easy to see it being a favorite of "fancy coffee" fans. While snapping a few photos in front of the colorful Dutch Bros. sign, Taylor noticed the rival Starbucks location was a mere scones throw away across the busy East Bay/Starkey Road intersection. "I like Starbucks when I need a real pick-me-up, because their coffee is so strong," she said, once again hitting the nail on the head of a common perception about the Seattle-based brewing giant's blends. Caribou. Not wanting to get too hopped up on caffeine before noon, Tbnweekly skipped trips to Starbucks and Dunkin's and traveled east past Belcher Road to check out the new Caribou location, which is easy to miss amid the flurry of side streets and strip plazas but still stands out due to its freestanding, angular blue-and-white building. Once parked, the attentive worker at the window happily asked about its familiarity with the company; when told it was limited, she proceeded to direct Tbnweekly through the small but densely packed menu that features cold and hot coffee and "not coffee" drinks, including their signature caramel high rise, and several food items. "I like it," Taylor said after sipping an iced vanilla white mocha coffee, while this "regular coffee" Joe reporter found the Caribou Blend medium roast blend highly enjoyable. (Note to self: It's available in K-cup version on the company's website.) More than coffee. While Tbnweekly both enjoyed Caribou's coffee, my niece said the food menu is a highlight that's tough to beat "Their menu is much better, I think," she said of the list that features breakfast and lunch items, including their signature Lumberjack sandwiches, as well as sweet treats and pastries that are served all day. "The food just looks tastier, and they have a lot more options than some of the other places, in my opinion." One drawback of the new Caribou spot is there's no place to sit down, inside or outside, because there aren't any public restrooms on the property, according to the employee. Another is that Caribou opens later - at 6 a.m. daily - than both Dunkin's and Dutch Bros, which open at 5 a.m., and Starbucks, which opens at 4:30 a.m. during the week and at 5 a.m. on weekends. "Sometimes I leave for work before 6, and I have to find a place that's open," Taylor said, meaning Caribou is about a half hour too late to catch the early, early morning coffee-drinking commuters. But she said she thinks there's enough variety between the four powerhouse national coffee brands that they could all coexist in the bustling East Bay Drive corridor. "I think there's something here for everyone," she said. "It just depends on what you like!" JEFF ROSENFIELD, Tampa Bay Beacons

Daily Coffee News
May 15th, 2026
Weekly Coffee News: Weber Opens European HQ + new Cup Tasters champ.

Weekly Coffee News: Weber Opens European HQ + new Cup Tasters champ. Welcome to DCN's Weekly Coffee News! Subscribe here for all the latest coffee industry news. Also, check out the latest career opportunities at CoffeeIndustryJobs.com. Weber Workshops Opens European HQ in Germany High-end specialty coffee equipment company Weber Workshops has established Weber Workshops GmbH, opening a European headquarters and distribution center in Hamburg. Until now, Weber Workshops has served European customers primarily through direct shipments from Taiwan, supported by its North American logistics and service center in Golden, Colorado. Christian Klatt will serve as managing director of the European operation. 2026 World Cup Tasters Champion is Le Quang Cuong (Nicky) of Vietnam The Specialty Coffee Association announced that Le Quang Cuong (Nicky) of Vietnam is the 2026 World Cup Tasters Champion following three days of competition at World of Coffee Bangkok. Mehmet Sogan of the United States finished third. Georgia Cafe Says It Is Closing After Family Member Detained by ICE After three years, Rossville, Georgia-based Buenos Dias Coffee said in a Facebook post that it is permanently closing as the family behind the business plans to move to Mexico to support their mother, Laura, who the company said was detained by ICE and remains in custody facing deportation. Cooabriel Sees Smaller but Better Robusta Crop in Espírito Santo In an interview with Reuters, the president of Brazil's largest canephora-producing coffee cooperative, Cooabriel, said Espírito Santo state's robusta crop is expected to be slightly smaller than last year's, though of better quality. The report noted that Brazilian crop agency Conab has predicted the country's robusta crop to be 6.4% higher than last year's. Dalla Corte North America Names Alex Jeans Sales Engineer Dalla Corte North America has named Alex Jeans sales engineer. Jeans brings more than 12 years of specialty coffee and foodservice experience to the role, including positions with S&D Coffee & Tea/Westrock and Kerry's coffee division. Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA Names Adam Reizer CFO Massimo Zanetti Beverage USA has named Adam Reizer chief financial officer following Matthew Smith's recent promotion to president. The company said Reizer brings experience in food manufacturing, financial discipline and operational transformation. Caribou Coffee Appoints Four Vice Presidents Minnesota-based Caribou Coffee has named four vice presidents as part of its long-term growth plan: Kristen Goldberg for brand and marketing; Kyley Yanker for market development and real estate; Soumil Deshmukh for technology; and Mike Iannuzzelli for supply chain. The appointments come under the watch of new Caribou Coffee CEO Scott Kennedy. Black Rock Coffee Bar Posts Q1 Growth Arizona-based Black Rock Coffee Bar reported first-quarter 2026 revenue of $55.5 million, up 23.7% from a year earlier, while net income improved to $1.8 million from a $0.9 million net loss in the prior-year period. Liverpool Coffee Festival Returns for Third Year The Liverpool Coffee Festival will return to Black Lodge Brewery on Kings Dock Street on June 6-7 from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. each day for its third edition. Organizers say the event will feature hundreds of coffees, a Tasting Lab and a Roasters' Village. Berkeley Philz Workers Affiliate With UFCW Local 5 Workers at the unionized Philz Coffee shop in Berkeley, operating as Philz Coffee United, have affiliated with United Food and Commercial Workers Local 5, the largest private-sector union in Northern California, according to a KALW report. Icymi. Here are some of DCN's top stories from the past week...

St. Cloud Times
May 14th, 2026
Caribou Coffee in Minnesota launches value menu.

Caribou Coffee in Minnesota launches value menu. St. Cloud Times Updated May 14, 2026, 4:07 p.m. CT Caribou Coffee, a coffeehouse known for its handcrafted beverages made with real ingredients, is rolling out a new value menu at participating locations nationwide. Beginning May 7, a company release stated, Caribou Coffee is serving Caribou Everyday Value Menu items, including to-go favorites and barista-made beverages. The Everyday Value Menu features a curated lineup of Caribou classics now offered at prices starting at $2, the release stated. Guests will be able to enjoy signature items such as a small, specialty-grade brewed coffee, streusel-topped blueberry muffins and Caribou's Cold Press, its version of cold-brewed coffee.

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