Tampa Bay's first Caribou Coffee to open on Central Avenue in downtown St. Pete

Banyan Café, which recently closed at 701 Central Avenue next to the Morean Arts Center, is being replaced by a Caribou Coffee franchise, according to a report by I Love the Burg.

Based in Minnesota, Caribou Coffee was founded in 1992 and has expanded across the country, with over 700 locations, mostly in the Midwest. The Central Avenue café will be the chain’s first location in Tampa Bay.

In 2022, the company announced it signed a franchise agreement with Wake Up 727, which is owned by CEO Michelle Mathis, to open locations in Tampa Bay. Mathis recently signed a lease for the former Banyan Café space and expects to open in the third quarter of 2023.

“As a Minnesota native, I was already familiar with Caribou Coffee and its success in the Midwest and was excited to learn about the brand's focus for expansion in the Southeast through franchising,” said Michelle Mathis, CEO of Wake Up 727, in a 2022 press release. “I quickly jumped at the opportunity and have no doubt that Caribou’s innovative products will thrive in the growing Tampa market.”

Caribou Coffee serves traditional hot and cold coffee beverages along with specialty beverages | CARBIOU COFFEE

Caribou Coffee serves traditional hot and cold coffee beverages along with specialty beverages like the Vanilla Espresso Shaker which is espresso shaken with vanilla and ice; topped with a splash of oatmilk.

Another specialty beverage is the Spicy Mocha which is chocolate melted into steamed milk, combined with espresso & ancho chile and chipotle flavors; topped with whipped cream.

For non-coffee drinkers, Caribou Coffee also serves hot and iced teas and an array of BOUsted beverages which are teas and juices with added caffeine and plant extracts for more flavor and energy.

The café also serves breakfast sandwiches, bakery items, and bagels, among other bites.

Caribou Coffee at 701 Central Avenue is expected to open later this year.