CBOU Caribou Coffee Company, Inc. (MM)

On September 18th, Caribou Coffee (NASDAQ: CBOU) will introduce Obsidian Dark Roast Blend, a new dark roast coffee unlike anything gourmet coffee drinkers have tasted before. What makes Obsidian Dark Roast Blend different is its remarkably smooth flavor and finish. Obsidian Dark Roast Blend consists of coffee beans grown in volcanic highlands around the globe, hand-blended and dark-roasted to create a combination of bold wild berry flavors and notes of fine bittersweet chocolate. It is named after the Obsidian gem: a dark, smooth gem formed as molten, volcanic lava ends its flow and is instantly solidified by the cooling waters of the ocean. Obsidian is supported by a national advertising campaign utilizing the tag line, "Dark to the core. Smooth to the finish." Caribou Coffee CEO Michael Coles said, "A key point of differentiation for Caribou Coffee is our broad range of roast degrees. Starting with Kenya, the lightest roast available, to French Roast, the darkest roast, Caribou Coffee chooses a roast level to optimize the flavor of each variety. Obsidian Dark Roast Blend is a great addition to the dark roast slate because it is incredibly smooth." Focus groups from around the country confirm that consumers have rated Caribou Coffee as smoother and less-bitter tasting than other leading coffeehouse blends. By offering Obsidian Dark Roast Blend, Caribou Coffee continues its pledge to satisfy gourmet coffee drinkers. This was exemplified last Friday when Caribou Coffee honored a coupon e-mailed to its online subscriber community and the recently recalled Starbucks coupons. "We believe in surprising and delighting our customers; offering them a free Cold Press iced coffee was one way we could introduce them to a great tasting quality product," Coles said. About Caribou Coffee Caribou Coffee Company Inc. (NASDAQ: CBOU), founded in 1992 and headquartered in Minneapolis, Minnesota, is the second largest, company-owned, gourmet coffeehouse operator in the United States based on the number of coffeehouses. Caribou Coffee operates 416 coffeehouses, including eight licensed locations. Caribou Coffee's coffeehouses are located in 16 states and the District of Columbia. Caribou Coffee offers its customers high-quality, gourmet coffee and espresso-based beverages, as well as specialty teas, baked goods, whole bean coffee, branded merchandise and related products. In addition, Caribou Coffee sells products to club stores, grocery stores, mass merchandisers, office coffee providers, airlines, hotels, sports and entertainment venues, college campuses and other commercial customers. In addition, Caribou Coffee licenses third parties to use the Caribou Coffee brand on quality food and merchandise items. Caribou Coffee focuses on creating a unique experience for customers through a combination of high-quality products, a comfortable and welcoming coffeehouse environment and customer service. For more information, visit the Caribou Coffee Web site at www.cariboucoffee.com. Note to Editors: Higher resolution images available upon request.