I was devastated to learn my local Caribou Coffee was closing down, as the franchise was bought out by a group of suits and is being closed to make room for something else. Caribou personally holds a lot of great memories for me with my friends and girlfriend. That's why, after mine closed, I had to trek down one of the three remaining stores in the Charlotte/Lake Norman area... Almost 30 miles away.
If you don't care about all that and want to know what makes it great, their coffees are excellent (I quite enjoy their blended frozen coffees) and the employees are so friendly. This one isn't as cozy and relaxed as mine in Mooresville was, but there are plenty of open spaces to work/lounge and free Wi-Fi. Plus it's got a feel to it that makes it, just... Special.
I can't stand Starbucks honestly, so Caribou is one of those rare gems that stands out among the dozens of soulless green-and-white logo coffee shops all over the place. Caribou has not only great coffee, it's got personality. It's a shame those are usually the first to go in this dog-eat-dog capitalist society.
Here's to you, Caribou Coffee. I raise my blended turtle mocha in your honor. Thanks for everything. And as long as there is one Caribou Coffee standing, I'll keep coming back.