Mention gourmet coffee companies and the first organization you're likely to think of will be Star-something or other. But one more company is beating Local cafe in national tastes tests.

Caribou coffee has been ranked first in national taste tests and is the second largest coffee-house firm in the world. Those tastes tests compared Caribou's coffee favorable to over 40 other brands. Caribou's product or service must be pretty scrumptious to rate that highly.

The company was started in Edina, MN, simply by John and Kim Puckett. The Pucketts then offered the venture in order to Crescent Capital, an Atlanta, GA, investment firm. From a single store, Caribou is continuing to grow to 450 fast food restaurants nationwide.

Coffee beans as well as ready-made coffee, both cold and warm, are available at individuals stores, along with fabulous products like lattes, smoothies, loose-leaf teas and blended products. The friendly Caribou employees are happy to make your coffee your way. Show your java preference by simply picking up Caribou Coffee clothing and accessories, such as tote bags and key rings. Of course, the coffee houses also have tasty goodies to go with your espresso. It's a great place to halt for your morning "starter fluid" or a mid-day pick-me-up. Bring your friends to a great place to interact socially.

If you have a loved one who is a coffee fan, show your style by offering a gift of Caribou Espresso. They'll admire your own good taste and enjoy your gift. With luck, they'll discuss it with you. Get your own too, so you have it on hand when you can't get to the caffeine house itself. It's also nice to have a present on hand when you have surprise guests over.

Becoming environmentally friendly is big business currently and Caribou has been doing its share to protect environmental surroundings. Caribou is working your Rainforest Alliance to generate an environment-friendly coffee. That effort has not often gotten the most favorable press but the clients are determined to be environmentally aware in its business purchases. The company was also the initial volunteer sponsor from the Specialty Coffee Association of America's Company Support Fund to assist other members who cannot afford to take part in association pursuits.

All this success has not come without debate. In the days immediately after September 11, 2001, some people protested against the company since one of its most significant stockholders was the First Islamic Expense Bank of Bahrain, whoever chairman was Sheik Yusuf al-Qaradawi. Later in, al-Qaradawi stepped down in the post.

Now that the talk has died lower, the company can completely focus what it does best - making excellent coffee. There's a reason that Starbucks is rated second to Caribou. Have you thought to stop in and find out exactly what that reason is? Look in your phone directory or online to obtain the nearest Caribou Coffee store and grab any cuppa today.

For more information about caribou coffee visit our website.