CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC.

424B4 1 g96252b4e424b4.htm CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC.

Filed Pursuant to Rule 424(b)(4)

Registration No. 333-126691

PROSPECTUS

5,358,000 Shares

Common Stock

This is Caribou Coffee Company, Inc.’s initial public offering. We are selling 5,358,000 shares of our common stock.

Currently, no public market exists for the shares. Our common stock has been approved for quotation on the Nasdaq National Market under the symbol “CBOU.”

Investing in our common stock involves risks that are described in the “Risk Factors” section beginning on page 9 of this prospectus.


	Per Share		Total

Public offering price	$	14.00	$	75,012,000
Underwriting discount		$.98		$5,250,840
Proceeds, before expenses, to us	$	13.02	$	69,761,160

The underwriters may also purchase up to an additional 803,700 shares from us, at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount, within 30 days from the date of this prospectus to cover over allotments.

Neither the Securities and Exchange Commission nor any state securities commission has approved or disapproved of these securities or determined if this prospectus is truthful or complete. Any representation to the contrary is a criminal offense.

The shares will be ready for delivery on or about October 4, 2005.


Merrill Lynch & Co.	Thomas Weisel Partners LLC


SG Cowen & Co.	SunTrust Robinson Humphrey

The date of this prospectus is September 28, 2005.

TABLE OF CONTENTS


	Page

Prospectus Summary		1
Risk Factors		9
Forward-Looking Statements		20
Use of Proceeds		21
Dividend Policy		21
Capitalization		22
Dilution		23
Selected Consolidated Financial and Other Information		24
Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations		28
Business		44
Management		58
Certain Relationships and Related Party Transactions		69
Principal Shareholders		70
Description of Capital Stock		73
Shares Eligible for Future Sale		75
Material United States Federal Tax Considerations for Non-United States Holders		77
Underwriting		80
Legal Matters		83
Experts		83
Where You Can Find Additional Information		84
Index to Consolidated Financial Statements		F-1

You should rely only on the information contained in this prospectus. We have not authorized any other person to provide you with different information. If anyone provides you with different or inconsistent information, you should not rely on it. We are not making an offer to sell these securities in any jurisdiction where the offer or sale is not permitted. You should assume that the information appearing in this prospectus is accurate only as of the date on the front of this prospectus. Our business, financial condition, results of operations and prospects may have changed since that date.

Market data and industry statistics used throughout this prospectus are based on independent industry publications and other publicly available information. We do not guarantee, and we have not independently verified, this information. Accordingly, investors should not place undue reliance on this information.

Caribou Coffee is a registered trademark of Caribou Coffee Company, Inc. We have a number of other registered marks, service marks, trademarks and trade names, and trademark applications, related to our products, services and concepts, and other phrases that we use throughout this prospectus. All other registered marks, service marks, trademarks and trade names referred to in this prospectus are the property of their respective owners.

PROSPECTUS SUMMARY

This summary does not contain all of the information that you should consider before investing in shares of our common stock. You should read this entire prospectus carefully, including “Risk Factors,” our consolidated financial statements and related notes and other financial information appearing elsewhere in this prospectus, before you decide to invest in shares of our common stock. Unless otherwise indicated, references to “Caribou Coffee Company, Inc.,” “Caribou,” “Caribou Coffee,” “our company,” “we,” “us” and “our” refer to Caribou Coffee Company, Inc., together with our consolidated subsidiaries.

Business

We are the second largest company-owned gourmet coffeehouse operator in the United States based on the number of coffeehouses. As of July 31, 2005, we had 337 coffeehouses, including three licensed locations and four joint venture locations. Our coffeehouses are located in 14 states and the District of Columbia, including 154 coffeehouses in Minnesota and 56 coffeehouses in Illinois. We offer our 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, we sell our products to grocery stores and mass merchandisers, office coffee providers, airlines, hotels, sports and entertainment venues, college campuses and other commercial customers. We focus on creating a unique experience for our customers through the combination of our high-quality products, distinctive coffeehouse environment and customer service.

We have been in a period of accelerated growth since early 2003. During this period, we have implemented a series of strategic initiatives to improve our operations, including:


	•	enhancing our focus on customer service;

	•	improving our selection and training of store personnel;

	•	strengthening our site selection strategy;

	•	increasing coffeehouse openings; and

	•	developing new products and promotions.

Our net sales have grown at a compounded annual rate of 22.1% from 2002 to 2004. Our comparable coffeehouse net sales have grown 3.2% in 2003, 8.0% in 2004 and 9.0% in the twenty-six weeks ended July 3, 2005. We expect our comparable coffeehouse net sales growth for 2005 to be in the range of 6% to 7% based on comparable coffeehouse net sales growth of 2% to 4% for the third quarter of 2005 and 3% to 7% for the second half of 2005. We believe our comparable coffeehouse growth of 3% to 7% for the second half of 2005 is more representative of the ongoing growth in our comparable coffeehouse net sales in future periods. From December 29, 2002 to July 31, 2005, we expanded from 203 to 337 coffeehouses. During this time period, we also expanded geographically, increasing the number of our coffeehouses outside of Minnesota from 105 to 183. During this period, we incurred net losses of $0.9 million in 2003, $2.1 million in 2004 and $3.1 million for the twenty-six weeks ended July 3, 2005.

Our strategy is to expand our concept into a nationally recognized brand in the United States while adding select international locations through licensing.

Competitive Strengths

We believe we have achieved a leadership position in the gourmet coffee market based on the following strengths:


	•	*Unique Customer Experience.* Our mission statement is to create “an experience that makes the day better” by focusing on three key elements:


	•	High-Quality, Differentiated Product. We offer high-quality coffee-based, espresso-based and non-coffee-based hot and cold beverages that meet the demanding taste preferences of our customers. To maintain product quality, we source only the highest grades of arabica beans, craft roast beans in small batches to achieve optimal flavor profiles and enforce strict packaging and brewing standards.


	•	Coffeehouse Environment. Our coffeehouse interiors reflect the atmosphere of a mountain lodge, featuring fireplaces, exposed wooden beams and leather sofas and chairs. This warm and inviting environment encourages customers to relax and enjoy our products, while also providing convenience for take-out customers who are focused on quick service.

	•	Dedication to Customer Service. We encourage our coffeehouse team members to have personal interaction with customers, including knowing customers’ names and preferred beverages, while providing fast service and a quality beverage.


	•	*Strong Brand Awareness.* We believe our brand is well known within the retail gourmet coffee market and that we have particularly strong brand awareness in markets where we have a significant coffeehouse presence. We believe our brand awareness has resulted from our marketing efforts, distinctive Caribou Coffee logo and signage, all of which will promote our brand as we expand into new markets.

	•	*Scalable Infrastructure.* We have made capital investments to build our roasting, packaging and fulfillment infrastructure to support the production and distribution of large quantities of fresh whole bean coffee. We are operating at less than our full roasting capacity, and we believe we can expand our capacity with limited incremental capital expenditures.

	•	*Strong Company Culture.* We have a strong, well defined, service-oriented culture that our employees embrace. We believe that our culture will allow us to maintain our focus on quality and customer service as we expand our business.

	•	*Experienced Management Team.* We are led by a management team with significant experience in the restaurant and branded consumer products industries. Our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Michael J. Coles, has more than 40 years of specialty retail experience and the other members of our senior management team have an average of more than 15 years of relevant experience.

Growth Strategy

Our growth objective is to profitably build a leading consumer brand in the gourmet coffee category. The key elements of our growth strategy include:


	•	*Continuing to Open New Company-Operated Coffeehouse Locations.* As of July 31, 2005, we have opened 139 company-operated locations since the beginning of fiscal 2003, including 32 coffeehouses in 2005. We plan to open an additional 48 to 58 coffeehouses this year and 105 to 115 coffeehouses in 2006. We intend to further penetrate a number of our existing markets and to expand into new markets. We have improved and refined our rigorous site selection process, which we believe is integral to the successful execution of our growth strategy. This process includes using a statistical model, which compares the trade-area demographics and site attributes of our existing coffeehouses to potential new locations and allows us to select sites that are most likely to be successful and profitable.

	•	*Increasing our Comparable Coffeehouse Net Sales and Enhancing Operating Margins.* We will continue our efforts to increase our comparable coffeehouse net sales, including increasing our brand awareness through marketing efforts and introducing new products and promotions. Through these efforts, we have achieved positive comparable coffeehouse net sales during each of the last two fiscal years and the twenty-six weeks ended July 3, 2005. As our comparable coffeehouse net sales increase, we expect our operating margins at those coffeehouses to improve.

	•	*Expanding Complementary Distribution Channels.* We are continuing our efforts to expand the distribution channels for our products to increase our revenue sources, profitability and brand awareness. These complementary distribution channels include:


	•	Commercial Channels — We will continue to offer our products through a variety of commercial channels, including grocery stores and mass merchandisers, office coffee providers, airlines, hotels, sports and entertainment venues and college campuses.


	•	Mail-order and Internet — These channels allow us to reach customers familiar with our brand who may not have convenient access to our coffeehouses.


	•	*Expanding our Licensing Business.* We intend to strategically license the Caribou Coffee brand, primarily in international locations. For example, we have entered into a master license agreement with a local licensee to develop 250 coffeehouses in the Middle East through 2012 and expect the first coffeehouses under this agreement to open in the fourth quarter of 2005. We also intend to license locations in the United States in order to gain access to certain attractive locations, such as airports, or to take advantage of other strategic opportunities.

Industry Overview

Gourmet coffee, or what is sometimes called specialty coffee, is coffee roasted using only premium coffee beans such as the arabica bean. The arabica bean is widely considered superior to its counterpart, the robusta bean, which is used mainly in non-gourmet coffee. According to the Specialty Coffee Association of America, or the SCAA, the U.S. specialty coffee beverage market was approximately $9.6 billion in 2004, up from $8.4 billion in 2002, growing at a 6.9% compounded annual growth rate. That growth has been aided by the growth of U.S. coffeehouses, which grew from 15,400 in 2002 to 18,600 in 2004, representing a 9.9% compounded annual growth rate, as reported by the SCAA. We believe that growth in the gourmet coffee market also has been aided by several other factors, including broader distribution of gourmet coffees through supermarkets, the introduction of new gourmet coffee products and the popularity of the gourmet foods market.

According to the National Coffee Association’s National Coffee Drinking Trends 2004, approximately 16% of American adults drink specialty coffee on a daily basis and nearly 56% drink gourmet coffee on an occasional basis. We believe the gourmet coffee business is among the highest growth opportunities in the restaurant and retail industries and is supported by evolving lifestyle trends and broad consumer appeal.

Our Majority Shareholder

Our majority shareholder is an affiliate of Arcapita Bank B.S.C.(c) (formerly First Islamic Investment Bank E.C.), a global investment group founded in 1997 with offices in Atlanta, London and Bahrain. We refer to Arcapita and its affiliates collectively as either Arcapita or our majority shareholder in this prospectus. Arcapita has total assets of over $1.2 billion and has executed transactions valued at over $7 billion in three main lines of business – corporate investment (private equity), real estate investment and asset-based investment. Arcapita’s corporate investment line of business has invested over $1 billion in equity across 17 transactions totaling over $2 billion in transaction value. Current and past corporate investments span a broad range of industries, including consumer products, healthcare, specialized manufacturing and technology. Portfolio companies include Cypress Communications (a telecommunications provider), Church’s Chicken (a quick service restaurant chain), Cirrus Industries (a general aviation aircraft manufacturer), Loehmann’s (a specialty retailer) and TLC Health Care Services (a national home nursing provider). Arcapita, whose investors are located primarily in the Middle East, makes its investments in a manner consistent with the body of Islamic principles known as Shari’ah. Consequently, we operate our business in a manner consistent with Shari’ah principles and will continue to do so as long as Arcapita is a significant shareholder. This includes Shari’ah principles regarding the lending and borrowing of money and prohibiting us from dealing in derivative hedging transactions and in the areas of alcohol, gambling, pornography, pork and pork-related products.

Corporate Information

We were incorporated in 1992 in Minnesota. Our principal executive offices are located at 3900 Lakebreeze Avenue, North, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55429, and our telephone number is (763)592-2200. Our website is located at www.cariboucoffee.com. The information on, or that can be accessed through, our website is not part of this prospectus.

The Offering


Common stock offered by us		5,358,000 shares

Shares outstanding after this offering		19,262,086 shares

Use of proceeds		We estimate that our net proceeds from this offering will be approximately $67.7 million. We intend to use those net proceeds as follows:

		• to repay all amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility;

		• for expansion and development, primarily to open new coffeehouses; and

		• for general corporate purposes.

Risk factors		See “Risk Factors” and the other information included in this prospectus for a discussion of the factors you should consider carefully before deciding to invest in shares of our common stock.

Nasdaq National Market symbol		CBOU

Unless specifically stated otherwise, all information contained in this prospectus:


	•	gives effect to a four-for-three split of shares of our common stock prior to the date of this prospectus; and

	•	assumes that the underwriters do not exercise their option to purchase up to 803,700 additional shares from us to cover overallotments.

The number of shares of our common stock to be outstanding after this offering is based on the number of shares outstanding as of August 15, 2005, and includes 5,358,000 shares of common stock to be issued by us upon the closing of this offering and excludes the following:


	•	2,258,778 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options outstanding under our 1994 Stock Awards Plan and 2001 Stock Option Plan as of August 15, 2005 at a weighted average exercise price of $7.10 per share; and

	•	666,666 shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2005 Equity Incentive Plan.

Summary Financial and Other Data

(In thousands, except per share and operating data)

The table below summarizes our consolidated statement of operations and additional operating data for each of our fiscal years ended December 29, 2002, December 28, 2003 and January 2, 2005 and each of the 26 weeks ended June 27, 2004 and July 3, 2005 and our balance sheet data as of July 3, 2005. The consolidated statement of operations and additional operating data for each of the three fiscal years ended December 29, 2002, December 28, 2003 and January 2, 2005 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The consolidated statements of operations and additional operating data for each of the 26 weeks ended June 27, 2004 and July 3, 2005 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of July 3, 2005 are derived from our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The unaudited interim financial statements include all adjustments consisting of normal recurring accruals that we consider necessary for a fair presentation of the financial statements. Operating results for the 26 weeks ended July 3, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending January 1, 2006. The summary balance sheet data as of July 3, 2005 is presented on an actual basis and on an as adjusted basis to give effect to the sale of the shares of common stock in this offering by us and the application of the estimated net proceeds, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses. The shares used in the calculation of net income (loss) per share reflect a four-for-three split of shares of our common stock that occurred prior to the date of this prospectus.

You should read the following summary consolidated financial and operating information together with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. The historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of future results.


										Twenty-Six Weeks
		Fiscal Year Ended								Ended

		December 29,		December 28,			January 2,			June 27,			July 3,
		2002		2003			2005			2004			2005

										(Unaudited)
Statement of Operations Data:
Net sales:
	Coffeehouses	$	103,291	$	121,812		$	157,535		$	71,603		$	91,190
	Other		4,663		1,924			3,336			1,330			2,130

Total net sales			107,954		123,736			160,871			72,933			93,320
Operating income (loss)			3,924		(53	)		(632	)		(1,522	)		(1,734	)
Net income (loss)			$3,113		$(937	)		$(2,074	)		$(2,029	)		$(3,106	)
Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share			$0.23		$(0.07	)		$(0.15	)		$(0.15	)		$(0.23	)
Basic and diluted shares used in calculation of net income (loss) per share(1)			13,296		13,348			13,798			13,795			13,804

Non-GAAP Financial Measures:
EBITDA(2)			$11,786		$11,561			$13,893			$4,818			$6,276
Adjusted EBITDA(2)			11,786		11,561			14,393			4,818			8,014


										Twenty-Six Weeks
	Fiscal Year Ended									Ended

	December 29,			December 28,			January 2,			June 27,			July 3,
	2002			2003			2005			2004			2005

										(Unaudited)
Operating Data:
Percentage change in comparable coffeehouse net sales(3)		(1.5	)%		3.2	%		8.0	%		8.9	%		9.0	%
Coffeehouses open at beginning of period		185			203			251			251			304
Coffeehouses opened during the period		24			50			57			14			23
Coffeehouses closed during period		(6	)		(2	)		(4	)		(2	)		(2	)

Coffeehouses open at end of period		203			251			304			263			325
Licensed coffeehouses open at end of period		—			—			2			2			3

Total coffeehouses open at end of period		203			251			306			265			328


	July 3, 2005

	Actual			As Adjusted

	(Unaudited)
Balance Sheet Data:
Cash and cash equivalents	$	3,148		$	46,940
Total assets		89,816			133,608
Revolving credit facility(4)		23,924			—
Accumulated deficit		(23,085	)		(23,085	)
Total shareholders’ equity		31,683			99,399


(1)	For the fiscal year ended December 29, 2002, basic shares were 13,294 and diluted shares were 13,296. In each other period presented, the number of shares used in the calculation of basic and diluted net income (loss) per share is the same because all outstanding stock options were antidilutive.

(2)	EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are supplemental non-GAAP financial measures. GAAP means generally accepted accounting principles in the United States. EBITDA is equal to net income (loss) excluding: (a) interest expense; (b) interest income; (c) depreciation and amortization; and (d) income taxes. Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented is different from EBITDA because we further adjust net income for: (a) a one-time cost to consolidate corporate and operating locations; and (b) a one-time compensation charge associated with amending the terms of our Chief Executive Officer’s employment agreement. For a description of our use of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of net income (loss) to these non-GAAP financial measures, see the discussion and related table below.

(3)	Percentage change in comparable coffeehouse net sales compares the net sales of coffeehouses during a fiscal period to the net sales from the same coffeehouses for the equivalent period in the prior year. A coffeehouse is included in this calculation beginning in its thirteenth full fiscal month of operations. A closed coffeehouse is included in the calculation for each full month that the coffeehouse was open in both fiscal periods.

(4)	We plan to repay all amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility with proceeds from this offering.

We believe EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are useful to investors in evaluating our operating performance for the following reasons:


	•	Our coffeehouse leases are generally short-term (5-10 years) and we must depreciate all of the cost associated with those leases on a straight-line basis over the initial lease term excluding renewal options (unless such renewal periods are reasonably assured at the inception of the lease). We opened 214 coffeehouses from the beginning of fiscal 2000 through July 3, 2005, including 130 coffeehouses since the beginning of fiscal 2003. As a result, we believe depreciation expense is disproportionately large when compared to the sales from a significant percentage of our coffeehouses that are in their initial years of operations. Also, many of the assets being depreciated have actual useful lives that exceed the initial lease term excluding renewal options. Consequently, we believe that adjusting for depreciation and amortization is useful for evaluating the operating performance of our coffeehouses.

	•	The one-time cost to consolidate corporate and operating locations represents a $.5 million charge we recorded in fiscal 2004 for the remaining lease payments, reduced by estimated sublease rentals that could be reasonably obtained, for our previous headquarters and roasting facility. We vacated this facility when we consolidated our corporate offices and our roasting, packaging, warehousing and distribution activities, which we had previously operated out of three separate facilities, into a single facility. We believe it is useful to exclude this charge from Adjusted EBITDA because it was non-recurring and was not reflective of our operating performance.

	•	In June 2005, we recorded a one-time compensation charge of $1.7 million in connection with amending the terms of the employment agreement with our Chief Executive Officer. We believe that it is useful to exclude this expense from Adjusted EBITDA because it was non-recurring and was unrelated to our operations.

Our management uses EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:


	•	as measurements of operating performance because they assist us in comparing our operating performance on a consistent basis as they remove the impact of items not directly resulting from our coffeehouse operations;

	•	for planning purposes, including the preparation of our internal annual operating budget;

	•	to establish targets for certain management compensation matters; and

	•	to evaluate our capacity to incur and service debt, fund capital expenditures and expand our business.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA as calculated by us are not necessarily comparable to similarly titled measures used by other companies. In addition, EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA: (a) do not represent net income or cash flows from operating activities as defined by GAAP; (b) are not necessarily indicative of cash available to fund our cash flow needs; and (c) should not be considered as alternatives to net income, operating income, cash flows from operating activities or our other financial information as determined under GAAP.

We prepare Adjusted EBITDA by adjusting EBITDA to eliminate the impact of a number of items that we do not consider indicative of our core operating performance. You are encouraged to evaluate each adjustment and the reasons we consider them appropriate for supplemental analysis. As an analytical tool, Adjusted EBITDA is subject to all of the limitations applicable to EBITDA. In addition, in evaluating Adjusted EBITDA, you should be aware that in the future we may incur expenses similar to the adjustments in this presentation. Our presentation of Adjusted EBITDA should not be construed as an implication that our future results will be unaffected by unusual or non-recurring items.

The table below reconciles net income (loss) to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented.


										Twenty-Six Weeks
	Fiscal Year Ended									Ended

	December 29,			December 28,			January 2,			June 27,			July 3,
	2002			2003			2005			2004			2005

										(Unaudited)
Statement of Operations Data:
Net income (loss)		$3,113			$(937	)		$(2,074	)		$(2,029	)		$(3,106	)
Interest expense		496			511			963			363			912
Interest income		(29	)		(9	)		(6	)		(3	)		(27	)
Depreciation and amortization(1)		8,050			11,768			14,791			6,486			8,196
Provision for income taxes		156			228			219			1			301

EBITDA		11,786			11,561			13,893			4,818			6,276
Consolidation of corporate and operating locations		—			—			500			—			—
Amendment of employment agreement		—			—			—			—			1,738

Adjusted EBITDA	$	11,786		$	11,561		$	14,393		$	4,818		$	8,014


(1)	Includes depreciation and amortization associated with our headquarters and roasting facility that are categorized as general and administrative expenses and cost of sales and related occupancy costs on our statement of operations.

RISK FACTORS

Investing in shares of our common stock involves risks. You should carefully consider the following risk factors in addition to other information contained in this prospectus before purchasing the shares of our common stock in this offering. The occurrence of any of the following risks might cause you to lose all or part of your investment. Some statements in this prospectus, including statements in the following risk factors, constitute forward-looking statements. Please refer to the section entitled “Forward-Looking Statements.”

Risks Related to Our Business

We have a history of net losses and may incur losses in the future.

We have incurred net losses in each of the last two fiscal years and in all but two years since our inception in 1992. Our net losses were $0.9 million for the year ended December 28, 2003, $2.1 million for the year ended January 2, 2005 and $3.1 million for the twenty-six weeks ended July 3, 2005, and as of July 3, 2005, we had an accumulated deficit of $23.1 million. We may continue to incur net losses, and we cannot assure you that we will be profitable in future periods.

We will continue to incur significant operating expenses to grow our business and the number of our coffeehouses. Accordingly, we will need to increase our net sales at a rate greater than our expenses to achieve profitability. We cannot predict whether we will become profitable in future periods. Even if we become profitable, we may not be able to sustain profitability.

As of July 31, 2005, we had 337 coffeehouses, including three licensed locations and four joint venture locations. To achieve our goal of continuing to grow our business and the number of our coffeehouses, we must:


	•	obtain suitable sites at acceptable costs in highly competitive real estate markets;

	•	successfully manage new coffeehouses;

	•	hire, train and retain qualified personnel;

	•	continue to improve and expand our coffee, other beverage and food offerings;

	•	expand our commercial sales;

	•	attract licensees who will operate coffeehouses internationally and in certain strategic situations domestically;

	•	continue to upgrade inventory control, marketing and information systems; and

	•	maintain strict quality control from the purchase of coffee beans to the cup of freshly brewed coffee in a customer’s hand.

Implementation of our growth strategy may divert management’s attention from other aspects of our business and place a strain on our management, operational and financial resources, as well as our information systems. Furthermore, our results of operations and financial condition may be adversely affected if we are unable to implement our business strategy or if our business strategy proves to have been flawed.

If we fail to continue to develop and maintain our brand, our business could suffer.

We believe that maintaining and developing our brand is critical to our success and that the importance of brand recognition may increase as a result of competitors offering products similar to our products. We intend to increase our marketing expenditures to create and maintain brand loyalty as well as

increase awareness of our brand. If our brand-building strategy is unsuccessful, these expenses may never be recovered, and we may be unable to increase our future revenue or implement our business strategy.

We will need to raise significant additional capital in order to continue to grow our business, which subjects us to the risks that we may be unable to maintain or grow our business as planned or that our shareholders may be subject to substantial additional dilution.

We will need to raise capital in addition to the proceeds from this offering in order to continue to expand our business and open new coffeehouses. We may also require additional capital to respond to competitive pressures, to make capital improvements at our coffeehouses or to acquire necessary technologies. In raising additional capital, we will need to comply with requirements resulting from financing restrictions required by our majority shareholder, which may affect our ability to obtain financing on a timely basis if we have immediate liquidity needs. We do not know if we will be able to raise additional financing or financing on terms favorable to us. If adequate funds are not available or are not available on acceptable terms, our ability to fund our operations, develop and expand our business or otherwise respond to competitive pressures would be significantly impaired. In such a case, our stock price would likely be materially and adversely impacted.

In addition, if we raise additional funds through the issuance of equity or convertible or exchangeable securities, the percentage ownership of our existing shareholders will be reduced. These newly issued securities may have rights, preferences and privileges senior to those of existing shareholders.

We compete with a number of companies for customers. The success of these competitors could have an adverse effect on us.

Our primary competitors for coffee beverage sales are other gourmet coffee shops and other restaurants. In all markets in which we do business, there are numerous competitors in the gourmet coffee beverage business, and we expect this situation to continue. Starbucks Corporation, which we refer to in this prospectus as Starbucks, is the clear gourmet coffeehouse segment leader with approximately 7,000 locations in the United States and approximately 3,000 locations internationally. Our primary competitors in addition to Starbucks are regional or local market coffeehouses, such as Dunn Brothers in the Minneapolis market. We also compete with numerous convenience stores, restaurants, coffee shops and street vendors and, to a certain degree, with quick service restaurants such as Dunkin’ Donuts. As we continue to expand geographically, we expect to encounter additional regional and local competitors. We must spend significant resources to differentiate our customer experience, which is defined by our products, coffeehouse environment and customer service, from the offerings of our competitors. Despite these efforts, our competitors still may be successful in attracting our customers.

Competition in the gourmet coffee market is becoming increasingly intense as relatively low barriers to entry encourage new competitors to enter the market. The financial, marketing and operating resources of these new market entrants may be greater than our resources. In addition, some of our existing competitors have substantially greater financial, marketing and operating resources. Our failure to compete successfully against current or future competitors could have an adverse effect on our business, including loss of customers, declining net sales and loss of market share.

We may not be successful in maintaining or expanding our commercial business.

As we seek to take advantage of opportunities with existing and potential commercial customers, we may not be successful in maintaining our existing commercial customers or attracting new commercial customers. We do not have contracts with many of our commercial customers and one or more of them could choose to discontinue purchasing our products at any time. A large percentage of our commercial business is concentrated in a small number of customers and we expect that this concentration will continue in the future. Consequently, the loss of any one customer in this area could have a significant adverse impact on our commercial business. In addition, we may not be able to attract new commercial customers, which would impede our ability to achieve our growth strategy.

We may not be able to manage our expected growth, which could adversely affect our operating results.

As of July 31, 2005, we had opened 32 new company-operated coffeehouses in 2005 and plan to open an additional 48 to 58 coffeehouses this year and 105 to 115 coffeehouses in 2006. We intend to continue to develop additional coffeehouses and investigate licensing opportunities. Our growth has increased our operating complexity and the level of responsibility for new and existing management. Our anticipated growth could place a strain on our management, employees and operations. Our ability to compete effectively and to manage our recent and future growth effectively will depend on our ability to implement and improve financial and management information systems on a timely basis and to effect changes in our business, such as implementing internal controls to handle the increased size of our operations and hiring, training, developing and managing an increasing number of experienced management-level and other employees. Unexpected difficulties during expansion, the failure to attract and retain qualified employees or our inability to respond effectively to recent growth or plan for future growth could adversely affect our ability to implement our business strategy or our results of operations.

Our new coffeehouses may not achieve market acceptance or the same levels of profitability in the geographic regions we enter or be profitable in existing markets.

Our expansion plans depend on opening coffeehouses in new markets where we have little or no operating experience. The success of these new coffeehouses will be affected by the different competitive conditions, consumer tastes and discretionary spending patterns of the new markets we enter, as well as our ability to generate market awareness of the Caribou Coffee brand. Our coffeehouses in Minnesota, which account for approximately half of our coffeehouses and net sales, have consistently been more profitable than our coffeehouses outside of Minnesota. Although we have opened coffeehouses in other markets and expect to continue to do so, we may never achieve the same levels of profitability at these other coffeehouses as we have with those located in Minnesota.

Our expansion plans also depend on opening new coffeehouses in existing markets. New coffeehouses may take longer to reach profitability, thereby affecting our overall profitability and results of operations. Moreover, we may not be successful in operating our new coffeehouses on a profitable basis. In addition, our failure to achieve market acceptance or profitability at one or more of our new coffeehouses could put a significant strain on our financial resources and could limit our ability to further expand our business.

A significant interruption in the operation of our roasting or distribution facility could potentially disrupt our operations.

We have only one coffee roasting and distribution facility. A significant interruption in the operation of this facility, whether as a result of broken equipment, a natural disaster or other causes, could significantly impair our ability to operate our business on a day-to-day basis.

Because our business is highly dependent on a single product, gourmet coffee, we are vulnerable to changes in consumer preferences and economic conditions that could harm our financial results.

Our business is not diversified and consists of buying, blending and roasting coffee beans and operating gourmet coffeehouses. Consumer preferences often change rapidly and without warning, moving from one trend to another among many product or retail concepts. Shifts in consumer preferences away from the gourmet coffee segment would have a material adverse effect on our results of operations. Our continued success will depend in part on our ability to anticipate, identify and respond quickly to changing consumer preferences and economic conditions.

We depend on the expertise of key personnel. If these individuals leave or change their role without effective replacements, our operations may suffer.

The success of our business to date has been, and our continuing success will be, dependent to a large degree on the continued services of our executive officers, especially our Chairman and Chief

Executive Officer, Michael J. Coles, and our other key personnel who have extensive experience in our industry. If we lose the services of any of these integral personnel and fail to manage a smooth transition to new personnel, our business could suffer. We do not carry key person life insurance on any of our executive officers or other key personnel.

We may not be able to hire or retain additional coffeehouse managers and other coffeehouse personnel and our recruiting and compensation costs may increase as a result of turnover, both of which may increase our costs and reduce our profitability and may adversely impact our ability to implement our business strategy.

Our success depends upon our ability to attract and retain highly motivated, well-qualified coffeehouse managers and other coffeehouse personnel. We face significant competition in the recruitment of qualified employees. Our ability to execute our business strategy and provide high quality customer service may suffer if we are unable to recruit or retain a sufficient number of qualified employees or if the costs of employee compensation or benefits increase substantially. Additionally, coffeehouse manager and hourly employee turnover in our industry is high. If quality employees cannot be retained we may be required to increase our recruiting and compensation expenses, which may reduce our profitability.

Our roasting methods are essential to the quality of our coffee, and our business would suffer if our competitors were able to duplicate them.

We consider our roasting methods essential to the flavor and richness of our coffee and, therefore, essential to our brand. If our competitors copy our roasting methods, the value of our brand may be diminished, and we may lose customers to our competitors. In addition, competitors may be able to develop roasting methods that are more advanced than our roasting methods, which may also harm our competitive position.

We are susceptible to adverse trends and economic conditions in Minnesota.

As of July 31, 2005, 154, or 46%, of our coffeehouses were located in Minnesota. Our Minnesota coffeehouses accounted for approximately half of our net sales during the year ended January 2, 2005 and during the 26 weeks ended July 3, 2005. As a result, we are susceptible to adverse trends and economic conditions in that state. In addition, given our geographic concentration in the Upper Midwest, negative publicity in that region regarding any of our coffeehouses could have a material effect on our business and operations throughout the region, as could other regional occurrences such as local strikes, new or revised laws or regulations, adverse weather conditions, natural disasters or disruptions in the supply of food products.

Because we rely heavily on third party shipping companies to deliver our coffee, any disruption in their services or increase in shipping costs could adversely affect our sales and profitability.

We rely on a number of third party shipping companies to deliver coffee to our distribution and roasting facility and our coffeehouses as well as to mail-order or Internet-order customers. We have no control over these companies and the services provided by them may be interrupted or disrupted as a result of labor shortages, contract disputes or other factors. If we experience an interruption or disruption in these services, we may be unable to ship our coffee in a timely manner. A delay in shipping could:


	•	have an adverse impact on the quality of the coffee shipped, and thereby adversely affect our brand and reputation;

	•	result in the disposal of an amount of coffee that could not be shipped in a timely manner; and

	•	require us to contract with alternative, and possibly more expensive, shipping companies.

If there is a significant increase in shipping costs, we may face a decrease in revenue and profits. If we bear these costs without an increase in our prices, then our profit margins would go down. If the costs are passed on to the customers in the form of higher prices, then our net sales may suffer if the cost

differential is large enough to create a consumer reaction that would adversely affect the demand of our products.

We could be subject to complaints or claims from our customers or adverse publicity resulting from those complaints or claims.

We may be the subject of complaints from or litigation by customers who allege beverage or food-related illnesses, injuries suffered on the premises or other quality, health or operational concerns. Adverse publicity resulting from any such complaints or allegations may divert our management’s time and attention and materially adversely affect our brand perception, sales and profitability, or the market price of our common stock, regardless of whether or not such complaints or allegations are true or whether or not we are ultimately held liable. A lawsuit or claim also could result in an expensive settlement, defense, or penalty.

Complaints or claims by current, former or prospective employees could adversely affect us.

We have been, and in the future may be, the subject of complaints or litigation from current, former or prospective employees from time to time. Three of our former employees have filed a lawsuit against us that claims we misclassified our retail store managers and managers in training as exempt from the overtime provisions of the Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act and the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, and that these managers and managers in training are therefore entitled to overtime compensation. These employees seek to represent themselves and all of our allegedly similarly situated current and former (within specified time periods) store managers and managers in training. This claim or any other complaints or litigation involving current, former or prospective employees could divert our management’s time and attention from our business operations and might potentially result in substantial costs of defense, settlement or other disposition, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in one or more fiscal periods.

We may not be able to renew leases or control rent increases at our retail locations or obtain leases for new stores.

All of our coffeehouses are presently located on leased premises. Upon the expiration of some of these leases, there is no automatic renewal or option to renew. Consequently, at the end of the term of the lease, we might be forced to find a new location to lease or close the coffeehouse. If we do negotiate a new lease at the existing location or an extension of the existing lease, the rent may increase substantially. Any of these events could adversely affect our profitability. Other leases are subject to renewal at fair market value, which could involve substantial rent increases, or are subject to renewal with scheduled rent increases, which could result in rents being above fair market value. In addition, we intend to lease locations for the new coffeehouses we plan to open. We compete with numerous other retailers and restaurants for store sites in the highly competitive market for retail real estate and some landlords and developers may exclusively grant locations to our competitors. As a result, we may not be able to obtain new leases, or renew existing ones, on acceptable terms, which could adversely affect our net sales and brand-building initiatives.

Our growth through licensing may not occur as rapidly as we currently anticipate and may be subject to additional risks.

As part of our growth strategy, we will continue to seek licensees to operate coffeehouses under the Caribou Coffee brand in international markets and in certain strategic domestic locations or venues. We believe that our ability to recruit, retain and contract with qualified licensees will be increasingly important to our operations as we expand. Our licensees are dependent upon the availability of adequate sources of financing in order to meet their development obligations. Such financing may not be available to our licensees, or only available upon disadvantageous terms. Our license strategy may not enhance our results of operations. In addition, coffeehouse openings contemplated under our existing license agreement or any future license agreement may not open on the anticipated development schedule or at all.

Expanding through licensing exposes our business and brand to risks because the quality of licensed operations will be beyond our immediate control. Even if we have contractual remedies to cause licensees to maintain operational standards, enforcing those remedies may require litigation and therefore our image and reputation may suffer, unless and until such litigation is successfully concluded.

Growth of our international operations may be adversely affected by factors outside of our control.

As part of our growth strategy, we will continue to seek licensees to operate coffeehouses internationally under the Caribou Coffee brand. As a result, our business and operations will be increasingly subject to the risk of changes in economic conditions and, to a lesser extent, changes in social and political conditions inherent in foreign operations, including changes in U.S. laws and regulations relating to foreign trade and investment. In addition, consumer tastes vary from region to region, and consumers located in the regions in which we may expand our retail operations may not be as receptive to gourmet coffees as consumers in existing markets.

Compliance with health, environmental, safety and other government regulations applicable to us could increase costs and affect profitability.

Each of our coffeehouses and our roasting facility is and will be subject to licensing and reporting requirements by a number of governmental authorities. These governmental authorities include federal, state and local health, environmental, labor relations, sanitation, building, zoning, fire, safety and other departments that have jurisdiction over the development and operation of these locations. Our activities are also subject to the Americans with Disabilities Act and related regulations, which prohibit discrimination on the basis of disability in public accommodations and employment. Changes in any of these laws or regulations could have a material adverse affect on our operations, sales, and profitability. Delays or failures in obtaining or maintaining required construction and operating licenses, permits or approvals could delay or prevent the opening of new retail locations, or could materially and adversely affect the operation of existing coffeehouses. In addition, we may not be able to obtain necessary variances or amendments to required licenses, permits or other approvals on a cost-effective or timely basis in order to construct and develop coffeehouses in the future.

We may not be able to adequately protect our intellectual property, which could harm the value of our brands and adversely affect our sales and profitability.

The success of our coffeehouses depends in part on our brand, logos, branded merchandise and other intellectual property. We rely on a combination of trademarks, copyrights, service marks, trade secrets and similar rights to protect our intellectual property. The success of our growth strategy depends on our continued ability to use our existing trademarks and service marks in order to increase brand awareness and further develop our brand in both domestic and international markets. We also use our trademarks and other intellectual property on the Internet. If our efforts to protect our intellectual property are not adequate, or if any third party misappropriates or infringes on our intellectual property, either in print or on the Internet, the value of our brand may be harmed, which could have a material adverse effect on our business. We may become engaged in litigation to protect our intellectual property, which could result in substantial costs to us as well as diversion of management attention.

Our disclosure controls and procedures may not prevent or detect all errors or acts of fraud.

Upon completion of this offering, we will become subject to the periodic reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934. Our disclosure controls and procedures are designed to reasonably assure that information required to be disclosed by us in reports we file or submit under the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 is accumulated and communicated to management, recorded, processed, summarized and reported within the time periods specified in the rules and forms of the Securities and Exchange Commission, which we refer to in this prospectus as the SEC. We believe that any disclosure controls and procedures or internal controls and procedures, no matter how well conceived and operated, can provide only reasonable, not absolute, assurance that the objectives of the control system are met.

These inherent limitations include the realities that judgments in decision-making can be faulty, and that breakdowns can occur because of simple error or mistake. Additionally, controls can be circumvented by the individual acts of some persons, by collusion of two or more people or by an unauthorized override of the controls. Accordingly, because of the inherent limitations in our control system, misstatements due to error or fraud may occur and not be detected.

If we fail to maintain an effective system of internal controls over financial reporting, we may not be able to accurately report our financial results or prevent fraud. As a result, current and potential shareholders could lose confidence in our financial and other public reporting, which would harm our business and the trading price of shares of our common stock.

Effective internal controls over financial reporting are necessary for us to provide reliable financial reports and, together with disclosure controls and procedures discussed above, are designed to prevent fraud. If we cannot provide reliable financial reports or prevent fraud, our brand and operating results could be harmed. We may in the future discover areas of our internal controls that need improvement. We cannot be certain that any remedial measures we take will ensure that we implement and maintain adequate controls over our financial processes and reporting in the future. Any failure to implement required new or improved controls, or difficulties encountered in their implementation, could harm our operating results or cause us to fail to meet our reporting obligations. Inferior internal controls could also cause investors to lose confidence in our reported financial information, which could have a negative effect on the trading price of shares of our common stock.

We have a significant number of options outstanding to acquire shares of our common stock that, when exercised, will dilute existing shareholders and could decrease the market price of our common stock.

We have a significant number of outstanding options to acquire shares of our common stock at various price ranges. In addition to the dilution our shareholders will experience once these options are exercised, our shareholders could experience a decline in the market price of our common stock from the sale of these shares in the public market. Although we currently are not required to record stock-based compensation charges to earnings in connection with stock option grants to our employees, the adoption of Statement of Financial Accounting Standard, or SFAS, No. 123R, “Share-Based Payments,” issued in December 2004 by the Financial Accounting Standards Board, or the FASB, will require us to record stock-based compensation charges to earnings for employee stock option grants commencing with our first quarter of 2006. Such charges will negatively impact our earnings, if any. The negative impact of future equity based grants on the market price of our common stock may be exacerbated by our adoption of SFAS No. 123R in 2006, which will require us to increase significantly the amount of compensation expense we record upon such grants.

Changes in other existing financial accounting standards or practices or taxation rules or practices may adversely affect our results of operations.

In addition to the impact on our earnings of SFAS No. 123R, other changes in existing accounting or taxation rules or practices, new accounting pronouncements or taxation rules, or varying interpretations of current accounting pronouncements or taxation practice could have a significant adverse effect on our results of operations or the manner in which we conduct our business. Further, such changes could potentially affect our reporting of transactions completed before such changes are effective.

Risks Related to Our Industry

Our gourmet coffee contains caffeine and other active compounds, the health effects of some of which are not fully understood.

A number of research studies conclude or suggest that excessive consumption of caffeine may lead to increased heart rate, nausea and vomiting, restlessness and anxiety, depression, headaches, tremors,

sleeplessness and other adverse health effects. An unfavorable report on the health effects of caffeine or other compounds present in coffee could significantly reduce the demand for coffee, which could harm our business and reduce our sales and profitability.

A shortage in the supply, or an increase in the price, of coffee beans could adversely affect our net sales.

The supply and price of coffee beans are subject to significant volatility. Although most coffee beans are traded in the commodity market, the high-grade arabica coffee beans we buy tend to trade on a negotiated basis at a substantial premium above commodity coffee prices, depending upon the supply and demand at the time of purchase. Supply and price can be affected by multiple factors in the producing countries, including weather, political and economic conditions or civil unrest or strikes due to the poor conditions imposed on many coffee farmers. In addition, coffee bean prices have been affected in the past, and may be affected in the future, by the actions of certain organizations and associations that have historically attempted to influence commodity prices of coffee beans through agreements establishing export quotas or restricting coffee supplies worldwide. Our ability to raise sales prices in response to rising coffee bean prices may be limited, and our profitability could be adversely affected if coffee bean prices were to rise substantially. Moreover, passing price increases on to our customers could result in losses in sales volume or margins in the future. Similarly, rapid sharp decreases in the cost of coffee beans could also force us to lower sales prices before we have realized cost reductions in our coffee bean inventory.

We face the risk of fluctuations in the cost, availability and quality of our non-coffee raw ingredients.

The cost, availability and quality of non-coffee raw ingredients for our products are subject to a range of factors. Fluctuations in economic and political conditions, weather and demand could adversely affect the cost of our ingredients. We have limited supplier choices and are dependent on frequent deliveries of fresh ingredients, thereby subjecting us to the risk of shortages or interruptions in supply. In particular, the supply and price of dairy products are subject to significant volatility. Our ability to raise sales prices in response to increases in prices of these non-coffee raw ingredients may be limited, and our profitability could be adversely affected if the prices of these ingredients were to rise substantially.

Risks Related to Our Structure

Arcapita will continue to have substantial control over us after this offering, and could limit your ability to influence the outcome of matters requiring shareholder approval and may support corporate actions that conflict with other shareholders’ interests.

After this offering, Arcapita will beneficially own 11,672,245 shares, or approximately 60.6%, of the outstanding shares of our common stock. Arcapita’s ownership of shares of our common stock could have the effect of delaying or preventing a change of control of us, could discourage a potential acquirer from obtaining control of us, even if the acquisition or merger would be in the best interest of our shareholders, or could otherwise affect our business because of our compliance with Shari’ah principles as described below. This could have an adverse effect on the market price for shares of our common stock. Arcapita would also be able to control the election of directors to our board. Upon consummation of this offering, two of the six members of our board of directors will be representatives of Arcapita.

Our compliance with Shari’ah principles may make it difficult for us to obtain financing and may limit the products we sell.

Our majority shareholder operates its business and makes its investments in a manner consistent with the body of Islamic principles known as Shari’ah. Consequently, we operate our business in a manner that is consistent with Shari’ah principles and will continue to do so for so long as Arcapita is a significant shareholder. Shari’ah principles regarding the lending and borrowing of money are complicated, requiring application of qualitative and quantitative standards. The negotiation and documentation of financing that is compliant with these principles are generally complex and time consuming. As such, if we have

immediate liquidity needs, we may not be able to obtain financing that is compliant with Shari’ah principles on a timely basis. A Shari’ah-compliant company is prohibited from engaging in derivative hedging transactions such as interest rate swaps or futures, forward options or other instruments designed to hedge against changes in interest rates or the price of commodities we purchase. Also, a Shari’ah-compliant company is prohibited from dealing in the areas of alcohol, gambling, pornography, pork and pork-related products.

We may be subject to adverse publicity resulting from statements about Arcapita or complaints or questions from our customers arising from such adverse publicity.

Arcapita, our majority shareholder, could be the subject of allegations that could adversely affect our reputation in the eyes of our customers or investors due to the fact that it has offices in Bahrain and that its investors are located in the Middle East. During 2002, we were subject to adverse publicity due to attempts to connect Arcapita with inflammatory and controversial statements made by one of its former outside advisors, in his individual capacity, regarding a variety of subjects, including events in the Middle East. We may be subject to additional adverse publicity in the future due to the ownership of our common stock by Arcapita. Even if unfounded, such adverse publicity could divert our management’s time and attention and adversely affect the way our customers perceive us, our net sales or results of operations, in the aggregate or at individual coffeehouses, or the market price for shares of our common stock.

Risks Related to this Offering

Our stock price may be volatile and you could lose all or part of your investment.

Prior to this offering, you could not buy or sell shares of our common stock in the public market. An active public market for shares of our common stock may not develop or be sustained after this offering. The market for initial public offerings has been extremely volatile. The following factors could cause the price of shares of our common stock in the public market to fluctuate significantly from the price you will pay in this offering:


	•	variations in our quarterly operating results;

	•	changes in market valuations of companies in the gourmet coffee industry;

	•	fluctuations in stock market prices and volumes;

	•	issuances of shares of common stock or other securities in the future;

	•	the addition or departure of key personnel;

	•	seasonal fluctuations;

	•	the timing of coffeehouse openings;

	•	changes in financial estimates or recommendations by securities analysts regarding us or shares of our common stock; and

	•	announcements by us or our competitors of new properties, acquisitions or joint ventures.

Volatility in the market price of shares of our common stock may prevent investors from being able to sell their shares of common stock at or above our initial public offering price. In the past, class action litigation has often been brought against companies following periods of volatility in the market price of those companies’ common stock. We may become involved in this type of litigation in the future. Litigation is often expensive and diverts management’s attention and company resources.

The sale of a substantial number of shares of our common stock after this offering may cause the market price of shares of our common stock to decline.

If our shareholders sell shares of common stock in the public market following this offering or if the market perceives that these sales could occur, the market price of shares of our common stock could decline. These sales also might make it more difficult for us to sell equity or equity-related securities in the future at a time and price that we deem appropriate, or to use equity as consideration for future acquisitions.

Upon completion of this offering, we will have outstanding 19,262,086 shares of common stock, assuming no exercise of the underwriters’ over-allotment option. Of these shares, the 5,358,000 shares to be sold in this offering will be freely tradable. We, our officers and directors, Arcapita and certain of our other existing shareholders have entered into agreements with the underwriters not to sell or otherwise dispose of shares of our common stock for a period of at least 180 days following completion of this offering, with certain exceptions. Immediately upon the expiration of this lock-up period, 1,973,368 shares will be freely tradeable pursuant to Rule 144(k) under the Securities Act of 1933 and another 11,930,052 shares will be eligible for resale pursuant to Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933, subject to the volume, manner of sale, holding period and other limitations of Rule 144.

We also intend to file a registration statement covering shares of our common stock issuable under our 1994 Stock Awards Plan, 2001 Stock Option Plan and 2005 Equity Incentive Plan. Once we register those shares, shares issued under these plans will be freely tradable, subject to any vesting or other restrictions imposed by the terms of those awards, the volume, manner of sale, holding period and other limitations of Rule 144 that will apply to our officers, directors and other affiliates and, in the case of approximately 79% of the 2,258,778 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options outstanding as of August 15, 2005, the lock-ups described above.

Provisions in our articles of incorporation and bylaws and of Minnesota law have anti-takeover effects that could prevent a change in control that could be beneficial to our shareholders, which could depress the market price of shares of our common stock.

Our articles of incorporation and bylaws and Minnesota corporate law contain provisions that could delay, defer or prevent a change in control of us or our management that could be beneficial to our shareholders. These provisions could also discourage proxy contests and make it more difficult for you and other shareholders to elect directors and take other corporate actions. As a result, these provisions could limit the price that investors are willing to pay in the future for shares of our common stock. These provisions might also discourage a potential acquisition proposal or tender offer, even if the acquisition proposal or tender offer is at a price above the then current market price for shares of our common stock. These provisions:


	•	authorize our board of directors to issue preferred stock and to determine the rights and preferences of those shares, which will be senior to our common stock, without prior shareholder approval;

	•	establish advance notice requirements for nominating directors and proposing matters to be voted on by shareholders at shareholder meetings;

	•	provide that directors may be removed by shareholders only for cause;

	•	limit the right of our shareholders to call a special meeting of shareholders; and

	•	impose procedural and other requirements that could make it difficult for shareholders to effect some corporate actions.

You will experience immediate and substantial dilution in the net tangible book value of the shares of common stock you purchase.

The initial public offering price of shares of our common stock is substantially higher than the net tangible book value per outstanding share of common stock. You will incur immediate and substantial dilution of $8.84 per share in the net tangible book value of shares of our common stock from the initial public offering price of $14.00. This means that if we were to be liquidated immediately after this offering,

there may be no assets available for distribution to you after satisfaction of all of our obligations to creditors. Additional dilution will occur upon the exercise of outstanding options.

Management will have broad discretion as to the use of a portion of the proceeds from this offering, and may not use the proceeds effectively.

We will use approximately $37.8 million of the net proceeds from this offering for expansion and development of our business, primarily to open new coffeehouses, and for general corporate purposes. However, we have not designated specific expenditures for all of those proceeds. Accordingly, our management will have broad discretion as to the application of those proceeds. Our shareholders may not agree with the manner in which our management chooses to allocate and spend those proceeds. Moreover, our management may use the net proceeds for corporate purposes that may not lead to profitability or increase the market value of shares of our common stock.

We will incur increased costs as a result of being a public company.

We will face increased legal, accounting, administrative and other costs and expenses as a public company that we did not incur as a private company. The Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002, as well as new rules subsequently implemented by the SEC, the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board and the Nasdaq National Market, or Nasdaq, require corporate governance practices of public companies. We expect these rules and regulations to result in both a significant initial cost, as we initiate certain internal controls and other procedures designed to comply with the requirements of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act, and in an ongoing increase in our legal, audit and financial compliance costs, to divert management attention from operations and strategic opportunities and to make legal, accounting and administrative activities more time-consuming and costly. During the first year following this offering, these costs will include expenses associated with documenting and verifying internal control procedures as required by Section 404 of the Sarbanes-Oxley Act. We also expect to incur significant costs to obtain and maintain directors and officers insurance.

Because we do not intend to pay dividends, shareholders will benefit from an investment in shares of our common stock only if it appreciates in value.

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on shares of our common stock. We currently intend to retain our future earnings, if any, to finance the operation and growth of our business and do not expect to pay any cash dividends in the foreseeable future. As a result, the success of an investment in shares of our common stock will depend upon any future appreciation in its value. There is no guarantee that shares of our common stock will appreciate in value or even maintain the price at which shareholders have purchased their shares.

FORWARD-LOOKING STATEMENTS

This prospectus contains forward-looking statements that involve many risks and uncertainties. These statements relate to future events or our future financial performance. In some cases, you can identify forward-looking statements by terminology including “would,” “could,” “may,” “will,” “should,” “expect,” “intend,” “plan,” “anticipate,” “believe,” “estimate,” predict,” “potential” or “continue,” the
negative of these terms or other comparable terminology. These statements are only predictions. Actual events or results may differ materially. In evaluating these statements, you should specifically consider various factors, including the risks described under “Risk Factors” above and in other parts of this prospectus. These factors may cause our actual results to differ materially from any forward-looking statements. We undertake no obligation to publicly update or revise any forward-looking statements, whether as a result of new information, future events or otherwise. We cannot guarantee future results, levels of activity, performance or achievements.

USE OF PROCEEDS

At the initial public offering price of $14.00 per share, we will receive approximately $67.7 million from our sale of 5,358,000 shares of common stock in this offering, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses of approximately $2.0 million. If the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full, we will receive an additional $10.5 million in net proceeds.

We are a party to a lease financing arrangement with a finance company. The finance company funds its obligations under the lease financing arrangement through a revolving credit facility that has terms that are economically equivalent to the terms of the lease financing arrangement. We intend to use a portion of the proceeds of this offering to repay all amounts outstanding under the lease financing arrangement, and the finance company will in turn use those proceeds to repay all amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility. As a result, based on the balance as of August 28, 2005, we expect to use approximately $29.9 million of the net proceeds from this offering to repay all amounts outstanding under our lease financing arrangement. Our lease financing arrangement has a maturity date of June 29, 2009, and the amount outstanding under the facility was $23.9 million at July 3, 2005. As of July 3, 2005, the average financing rate on the amounts outstanding under our lease financing arrangement was 6.0% per annum. In addition, we intend to use $37.8 million of the remaining net proceeds for expansion and development, primarily to open new coffeehouses, and the remaining net proceeds for general corporate purposes. Pending use of the net proceeds of this offering, we intend to invest the funds in short-term investments.

DIVIDEND POLICY

We have never declared or paid any cash dividends on our common stock. We currently expect to retain future earnings, if any, for use in the operation and expansion of our business and do not anticipate paying cash dividends in the foreseeable future.

CAPITALIZATION

The following table sets forth our capitalization and our cash and cash equivalents as of July 3, 2005 on:


	•	an actual basis (which reflects the four-for-three stock split of shares of our common stock prior to the date of this prospectus); and

	•	an as adjusted basis to give effect to:


	•	the issuance and sale of 5,358,000 shares of common stock offered by us in this offering; and

	•	the application of the estimated net proceeds from the sale of our common stock, after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses.

You should read this table in conjunction with our consolidated financial statements and the related notes as well as the section titled “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” appearing elsewhere in this prospectus.


				July 3, 2005

				Actual			As Adjusted

				(Unaudited)
				(In thousands)
Cash and cash equivalents					$3,148		$	46,940

Long-term obligations:
	Revolving credit facility(1)			$	23,924		$	—
	Other long-term liabilities				11,900			11,900
	Minority interests in affiliates				230			230

	Total long-term obligations				36,054			12,130
Shareholders’ equity:
	Common stock, par value $0.01 per share; 20,000,000 shares authorized and 13,903,420 shares issued and outstanding (actual); 200,000,000 shares authorized and 19,261,420 shares issued and outstanding (as adjusted)				139			193
	Additional paid-in capital				54,629			122,291
	Accumulated deficit				(23,085	)		(23,085	)

		Total shareholders’ equity			31,683			99,399

			Total capitalization	$	67,737		$	111,529

(1)

This table excludes the following shares:


	•	2,258,778 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options outstanding under our 1994 Stock Awards Plan and 2001 Stock Option Plan as of August 15, 2005 at a weighted average exercise price of $7.10 per share; and

	•	666,666 shares of our common stock reserved for future issuance under our 2005 Equity Incentive Plan.

DILUTION

If you invest in shares of our common stock, your interest will be diluted to the extent of the difference between the public offering price per share of our common stock and the net tangible book value per share of our common stock upon the completion of this offering. The net tangible book value attributable to shares of our common stock as of July 3, 2005 was $ 31.7 million, or $2.28 per share. Our net tangible book value gives effect to a four-for-three split of shares of our common stock prior to the date of this prospectus.

Net tangible book value per share of common stock is determined by dividing the number of outstanding shares of common stock into the net tangible book value attributable to our common stock, which is our total tangible assets less our total liabilities. After giving effect to the sale of shares of our common stock by us in this offering at the initial public offering price of $14.00 per share and after deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us, the adjusted net tangible book value attributable to shares of our common stock as of July 3, 2005 would have been approximately $99.4 million, or $5.16 per share. This represents an immediate increase in net tangible book value of $2.88 per share to the holders of our existing common stock and an immediate dilution of $8.84 per share to new investors purchasing shares of common stock at the initial public offering price.


Initial public offering price per share			$	14.00
Net tangible book value per share as of July 3, 2005	$	2.28
Increase per share attributable to new investors		2.88

Adjusted net tangible book value per share after this offering				5.16

Dilution in net tangible book value per share to new investors			$	8.84

The following table sets forth, as of July 3, 2005, the differences between the number of shares of common stock purchased from us, the total price paid and average price per share paid by existing shareholders and by the new investors in this offering at the initial public offering price of $14.00 per share, before deducting the underwriting discount and estimated offering expenses payable by us.


		Shares Purchased					Total Consideration
												Average Price
		Number		Percent			Amount		Percent			Per Share

Existing shareholders			13,903,420		72.2	%	$	76,503,296		50.5	%	$	5.50
New investors			5,358,000		27.8	%		75,012,000		49.5	%		14.00

	Total		19,261,420		100.0	%	$	151,515,296		100.0	%	$	7.87

If the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full, the following will occur:


	•	the number of shares of common stock held by existing shareholders will represent approximately 69.3% of the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding after this offering; and

	•	the number of shares held by new public investors will increase to 6,161,700 or approximately 30.7% of the total number of shares of our common stock outstanding after this offering.

The foregoing discussion and tables assume no exercise of stock options to purchase 2,258,778 shares of our common stock issuable upon the exercise of stock options outstanding under our 1994 Stock Awards Plan and 2001 Stock Option Plan as of August 15, 2005 at a weighted average exercise price of $7.10 per share. To the extent that any options having an exercise price that is less than the offering price of this offering are exercised, new investors will experience further dilution.

SELECTED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL AND OTHER INFORMATION

(In thousands, except per share and operating data)

The table below presents our selected consolidated financial data as of and for each of our fiscal years ended December 31, 2000, December 30, 2001, December 29, 2002, December 28, 2003 and January 2, 2005, for the 26 weeks ended June 27, 2004 and as of and for the 26 weeks ended July 3, 2005. The consolidated statement of operations and additional operating data for our fiscal years ended December 29, 2002, December 28, 2003 and January 2, 2005 and the balance sheet data as of December 28, 2003 and January 2, 2005 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The consolidated statement of operations and additional operating data for the fiscal year ended December 30, 2001 and the balance sheet data as of December 30, 2001 and December 29, 2002 are derived from our audited consolidated financial statements not included in this prospectus. The consolidated statement of operations and additional operating data for the fiscal year ended and the balance sheet data as of December 31, 2000 are derived from our unaudited consolidated financial statements not included in this prospectus. The consolidated statement of operations data and the additional operating data for the 26 weeks ended June 27, 2004 and July 3, 2005 and the consolidated balance sheet data as of July 3, 2005 are derived from our unaudited interim consolidated financial statements included elsewhere in this prospectus. The unaudited interim financial statements include all adjustments consisting of normal recurring accruals that we consider necessary for a fair presentation of the financial statements. Operating results for the 26 weeks ended July 3, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be expected for the fiscal year ending January 1, 2006. The shares used in the calculation of net income (loss) per share reflect a four-for-three split of shares of our common stock that occurred prior to the date of this prospectus.

You should read the following selected consolidated financial and operating information together with “Management’s Discussion and Analysis of Financial Condition and Results of Operations” and our consolidated financial statements and the related notes included elsewhere in this prospectus. The historical results presented below are not necessarily indicative of future results.


																		Twenty-Six Weeks
			Fiscal Year Ended															Ended

			December 31,			December 30,			December 29,			December 28,			January 2,			June 27,			July 3,
			2000			2001			2002			2003			2005			2004			2005

			(Unaudited)															(Unaudited)
Statement of Operations Data:
Net sales:
	Coffeehouses		$	81,200			$95,137		$	103,291		$	121,812		$	157,535		$	71,603		$	91,190
	Other			6,657			5,722			4,663			1,924			3,336			1,330			2,130

Total net sales				87,857			100,859			107,954			123,736			160,871			72,933			93,320
Cost of sales and related occupancy costs				38,382			42,583			44,883			50,641			65,320			30,284			37,417
Operating expenses				30,602			36,670			40,064			49,364			65,030			30,244			37,776
Opening expenses				385			580			439			822			1,202			451			778
Depreciation and amortization				5,871			6,472			7,431			10,453			13,382			5,889			7,347
General and administrative expenses(1)				12,590			9,639			10,296			12,343			15,535			7,029			11,616
Closing expense and disposal of assets				152			383			917			166			1,034			558			120

Operating (loss) income				(125	)		4,532			3,924			(53	)		(632	)		(1,522	)		(1,734	)
Other income (expense):
		Interest income		90			118			29			9			6			3			27
		Interest expense		(1,472	)		(556	)		(496	)		(511	)		(963	)		(363	)		(912	)


																Twenty-Six Weeks
	Fiscal Year Ended															Ended

	December 31,			December 30,			December 29,			December 28,			January 2,			June 27,			July 3,
	2000			2001			2002			2003			2005			2004			2005

	(Unaudited)															(Unaudited)
(Loss) income before provision for income taxes and minority interest		(1,507	)		4,094			3,457			(555	)		(1,589	)		(1,882	)		(2,619	)
Provision for income taxes		103			600			156			228			219			1			301

(Loss) income before minority interest		(1,610	)		3,494			3,301			(783	)		(1,808	)		(1,883	)		(2,921	)
Minority interest		300			287			188			154			266			146			185

Net (loss) income		$(1,910	)		$3,207			$3,113			$(937	)		$(2,074	)		$(2,029	)		$(3,106	)

Preferred shareholder dividends		2,783			—			—			—			—			—			—
Basic and diluted net (loss) income per share		$(1.30	)		$0.24			$0.23			$(0.07	)		$(0.15	)		$(0.15	)		$(0.23	)
Basic and diluted shares used in calculation of net (loss) income per share(2)		3,624			13,296			13,296			13,348			13,798			13,795			13,804

Non-GAAP Financial Measures:
EBITDA(3)		$5,856			$11,253			$11,786			$11,561			$13,893			$4,818			$6,276
Adjusted EBITDA(3)		9,131			11,253			11,786			11,561			14,393			4,818			8,014

Operating Data:
Percentage change in comparable coffeehouse net sales(4)		6.0	%		0.3	%		(1.5	)%		3.2	%		8.0	%		8.9	%		9.0	%
Coffeehouses open at beginning of period		134			152			185			203			251			251			304
Coffeehouses opened during the period		22			38			24			50			57			14			23
Coffeehouses closed during period		(4	)		(5	)		(6	)		(2	)		(4	)		(2	)		(2	)

Coffeehouses open at end of period		152			185			203			251			304			263			325
Licensed coffeehouses open at end of period		—			—			—			—			2			2			3

Total coffeehouses open at end of period		152			185			203			251			306			265			328



	December 31,			December 30,			December 29,			December 28,			January 2,			July 3,
	2000			2001			2002			2003			2005			2005

	(Unaudited)															(Unaudited)
Balance Sheet Data:
Cash and cash equivalents		$9,008			$2,984			$2,645			$4,779			$7,618			$3,148
Total assets		45,008			47,930			51,973			62,010			86,207			89,816
Total notes payable and revolving credit facility		5,062			3,821			1,668			5,334			19,924			23,924
Accumulated deficit		(23,289	)		(20,082	)		(16,969	)		(17,905	)		(19,979	)		(23,085	)
Total shareholders’ equity		27,458			30,339			33,496			35,817			33,793			31,683


(1)	General and administrative expenses for the fiscal year 2000 include $3.3 million for the cash settlement of stock options.

(2)	For the fiscal years ended December 30, 2001 and December 29, 2002, basic shares were 13,294 and diluted shares were 13,296. In each other period presented, the number of shares used in the

calculation of basic and diluted net (loss) income per share is the same because all outstanding stock options were antidilutive.

(3) EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are supplemental non-GAAP financial measures. EBITDA is equal to net (loss) income excluding: (a) interest expense; (b) interest income; (c) depreciation and amortization; and (d) income taxes. Our definition of Adjusted EBITDA is different from EBITDA because we further adjust net income for: (a) cash settlement of stock options; (b) a one-time cost to consolidate corporate and operating locations; and (c) a one-time compensation charge associated with amending the terms of our Chief Executive Officer’s employment agreement. For a description of our use of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA and a reconciliation of net income (loss) to these non-GAAP financial measures, see the discussion and related table below.

(4) Percentage change in comparable coffeehouse net sales compares the net sales of coffeehouses during a fiscal period to the net sales from the same coffeehouses for the equivalent period in the prior year. A coffeehouse is included in this calculation beginning in its thirteenth full fiscal month of operations. A closed coffeehouse is included in the calculation for each full month that the coffeehouse was open in both fiscal periods.

We believe EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are useful to investors in evaluating our operating performance for the following reasons:


	•	Our coffeehouse leases are generally short-term (5-10 years) and we must depreciate all of the cost associated with those leases on a straight-line basis over the initial lease term excluding renewal options (unless such renewal periods are reasonably assured at the inception of the lease). We opened 214 coffeehouses from the beginning of fiscal 2000 through July 3, 2005, including 130 coffeehouses since the beginning of fiscal 2003. As a result, we believe depreciation expense is disproportionately large when compared to the sales from a significant percentage of our coffeehouses that are in their initial years of operations. Also, many of the assets being depreciated have actual useful lives that exceed the initial lease term excluding renewal options. Consequently, we believe that adjusting for depreciation and amortization is useful for evaluating the operating performance of our coffeehouses.

	•	In connection with the purchase of 88% of our outstanding stock by our majority shareholder in 2000, we recorded a $3.3 million expense resulting from the cash settlement of certain stock options. We believe it is useful to compare the results of other years to fiscal 2000 excluding non-recurring expenses.

	•	The one-time cost to consolidate corporate and operating locations represents a $.5 million charge we recorded in fiscal 2004 for the remaining lease payments, reduced by estimated sublease rentals that could be reasonably obtained, for our previous headquarters and roasting facility. We vacated this facility when we consolidated our corporate offices and our roasting, packaging, warehousing and distribution activities, which we had previously operated out of three separate facilities, into a single facility. We believe it is useful to exclude this charge from Adjusted EBITDA because it was non-recurring and was not reflective of our operating performance.

	•	In June 2005, we recorded a one-time compensation charge of $1.7 million in connection with amending the terms of the employment agreement with our Chief Executive Officer. We believe that it is useful to exclude this expense from Adjusted EBITDA because it was non-recurring and was unrelated to our operations.

Our management uses EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:


	•	as measurements of operating performance because they assist us in comparing our operating performance on a consistent basis as they remove the impact of items not directly resulting from our coffeehouse operations;

	•	for planning purposes, including the preparation of our internal annual operating budget;


	•	to establish targets for certain management compensation matters; and

	•	to evaluate our capacity to incur and service debt, fund capital expenditures and expand our business.

The table below reconciles net (loss) income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented.


																Twenty-Six Weeks
	Fiscal Year Ended															Ended

	December 31,			December 30,			December 29,			December 28,			January 2,			June 27,			July 3,
	2000			2001			2002			2003			2005			2004			2005

	(Unaudited)															(Unaudited)
Statement of Operations Data:
Net (loss) income	$	(1,910	)		$3,207			$3,113			$(937	)	$	(2,074	)		$(2,029	)		$(3,106	)
Interest expense(1)		1,472			556			496			511			963			363			912
Interest income		(90	)		(118	)		(29	)		(9	)		(6	)		(3	)		(27	)
Depreciation and amortization(2)		6,281			7,008			8,050			11,768			14,791			6,486			8,196
Provision for income taxes		103			600			156			228			219			1			301

EBITDA		5,856			11,253			11,786			11,561			13,893			4,818			6,276
Cash settlement of stock options		3,275			—			—			—			—			—			—
Consolidation of corporate and operating locations		—			—			—			—			500			—			—
Amendment of employment agreement		—			—			—			—			—			—			1,738

Adjusted EBITDA		$9,131		$	11,253		$	11,786		$	11,561		$	14,393			$4,818			$8,014


(1)	Interest expense for the fiscal year ended December 31, 2000 includes a write-off of $0.5 million for deferred financing fees resulting from the early termination of our outstanding debt.

(2)	Includes depreciation and amortization associated with our headquarters and roasting facility that are categorized as general and administrative expenses and cost of sales and related occupancy costs on our statement of operations.

MANAGEMENT’S DISCUSSION AND ANALYSIS

OF FINANCIAL CONDITION AND RESULTS OF OPERATIONS

The following discussion should be read in conjunction with the consolidated financial statements and related notes that appear elsewhere in this prospectus. This discussion contains forward-looking statements that involve risks and uncertainties. Our actual results could differ materially from those anticipated in these forward-looking statements as a result of various factors, including those discussed below and elsewhere in this prospectus, particularly under the heading “Risk Factors.”

Overview

We are the second largest company-owned gourmet coffeehouse operator in the United States based on the number of coffeehouses. As of July 31, 2005, we had 337 retail locations, including three licensed locations and four joint venture locations. Our coffeehouses are located in 14 states and the District of Columbia, including 154 coffeehouses in Minnesota and 56 coffeehouses in Illinois. We focus on offering our customers high-quality gourmet coffee and espresso-based beverages, and also offer specialty teas, baked goods, whole bean coffee, branded merchandise and related products. In addition, we sell our products to grocery stores and mass merchandisers, office coffee providers, airlines, hotels, sports and entertainment venues, college campuses and other commercial customers.

We were founded in Minnesota in 1992. We have been in a period of accelerated growth since the arrival of our Chief Executive Officer and President, Michael J. Coles, in January 2003. Under the direction of Mr. Coles and the rest of our management team, we have implemented a series of strategic initiatives to improve our operations, including:


	•	enhancing our focus on customer service;

	•	improving our selection and training of store personnel;

	•	strengthening our site selection strategy;

	•	increasing coffeehouse openings; and

	•	developing new products and promotions.

We review our operations based on both financial and non-financial metrics. Among the key financial metrics upon which management focuses in reviewing our performance are comparable coffeehouse net sales, Adjusted EBITDA, cash flow from operations before general and administrative expenses, general and administrative expenses and capital expenditures. Among the key non-financial metrics upon which management focuses in reviewing performance are the number of new coffeehouse openings, average check and transaction count.

coffeehouses under this agreement to open in the fourth quarter of 2005. The licensee has paid us upfront fees and will pay us additional fees and ongoing royalties relating to coffeehouses opened under this agreement as described under “Business — Licensing and Joint Ventures — International Licensing” below. Our goal is to expand our concept into a nationally recognized brand in the United States while adding select international locations through licensing.

Critical Accounting Policies

Our consolidated financial statements and the related notes contain information that is pertinent to management’s discussion and analysis. The preparation of financial statements in conformity with GAAP requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the reported amounts of assets and liabilities and disclosures of contingent assets and liabilities. Our actual results might, under different assumptions and conditions, differ from our estimates. We believe the following critical accounting policies are significant or involve additional management judgment due to the sensitivity of the methods, assumptions, and estimates necessary in determining the related asset and liability amounts.

Long-lived assets. The FASB’s issuance of SFAS No. 144, “Accounting for the Impairment or Disposal of Long-Lived Assets,” supersedes SFAS No. 121, “Accounting for the Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and for Long-Lived Assets to be Disposed of,” and the Accounting Principles Board, or APB, Opinion No. 30, “Reporting Results of Operations — Reporting the Effects of Disposal of a Segment of a Business, and Extraordinary, Unusual and Infrequently Occurring Events and Transactions.” SFAS No. 144 retains the fundamental provisions of SFAS No. 121 for recognition and measurement of impairment, but amends the accounting and reporting standards for segments of a business to be disposed. SFAS No. 144 requires management judgments regarding the future operating and disposition plans for marginally performing assets and estimates of expected realizable values for assets to be sold. Actual results may differ from those estimates. The application of SFAS No. 144 has affected the amount and timing of charges to our operating results that have been significant in recent years. We periodically evaluate possible impairment at the individual coffeehouse level, and record an impairment loss whenever we determine impairment factors are present. We consider a history of coffeehouse operating losses to be the primary indicator of potential impairment for individual coffeehouse locations. A lack of improvement at the coffeehouses we are monitoring, or deteriorating results at other coffeehouses, could result in additional impairment charges. Historically, the entire net book value of the assets at a coffeehouse has been written off once the coffeehouse has been deemed impaired. During fiscal 2004, because the assets related to seven coffeehouses were impaired, we recorded a charge of approximately $1.0 million. During the 26 weeks ended July 3, 2005, because the assets related to one coffeehouse were impaired, we recorded a charge of $0.1 million.

Stock options. We use the method of accounting for employee stock options allowed under APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees,” and have adopted the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 148, “Accounting for Stock Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure,” which requires pro forma disclosure of the impact of using the fair value at date of grant method of recording stock-based employee compensation. During December 2004, FASB issued SFAS No. 123R, “Share-Based Payment,” which replaces SFAS No. 123 and supersedes APB Opinion 25. SFAS No. 123R requires the measurement of all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, using a fair-value-based method and the recording of such expense in our consolidated statements of operations. The accounting provisions of SFAS No. 123R are effective for us beginning in the first quarter of fiscal 2006. The pro forma disclosures previously permitted under SFAS No. 123 no longer will be an alternative to financial statement recognition. We are evaluating the requirements under SFAS No. 123R and expect the adoption will have an impact on our consolidated results of operations and net income (loss) per share. However, it will not have an effect on our overall cash flow.

Lease accounting. We enter into operating leases for all of our coffeehouse locations. Certain of our leases provide for scheduled rent increases during the lease terms or for rental payments commencing on a date that is other than the date we take possession. In accordance with the FASB’s Technical Bulletin No. 85-3, “Accounting for Operating Leases with Scheduled Rent Increases,” we recognize rent

expense on leases for coffeehouse and office buildings on a straight line basis over the initial lease term and renewal periods that are reasonably assured commencing on the date we take possession. We use the date of initial possession (regardless of when rent payments commence) to begin recognition of rent expense, which is generally the date we begin to add leasehold improvements to ready the site for its intended use. In accordance with the FASB’s Technical Bulletin No. 88-1, “Issues Relating to Accounting for Leases,” we record landlord allowances as deferred rent in other long-term liabilities and accrued expenses on our consolidated balance sheets and amortize such amounts as a component of cost of sales and related occupancy costs on a straight-line basis over the term of the related leases.

Income taxes. We provide for income taxes based on our estimate of federal and state tax liabilities. These estimates include, among other items, effective rates for state and local income taxes, estimates related to depreciation and amortization expense allowable for tax purposes, and the tax deductibility of certain other items. Our estimates are based on the information available to us at the time we prepare the income tax provision. We generally file our annual income tax returns several months after our fiscal year-end. Income tax returns are subject to audit by federal, state and local governments, generally years after the returns are filed. These returns could be subject to material adjustments or differing interpretations of the tax laws.

Deferred income tax assets and liabilities are recognized for the expected future income tax benefits or consequences of loss carryforwards and temporary differences between the book and tax basis of assets and liabilities. We must assess the likelihood that we will be able to recover our deferred tax assets. If recovery is not likely, we establish valuation allowances to offset any deferred tax asset recorded. The valuation allowance is based upon historical taxable income. Given that we have had net operating losses, we have recognized a valuation allowance equal to 100% of our net deferred tax assets. As we update our estimates, we may need to establish an additional valuation allowance, which could have a material negative impact on our results of operations or financial position. As of January 2, 2005, our loss carryforward was $10.6 million and our valuation allowance was $7.8 million. The net operating loss carryforwards will begin to expire in 2011, if not utilized.

Lease financing arrangement and revolving credit facility. We have entered into a lease financing arrangement whereby from time to time we sell certain assets to a finance company and, immediately after the sale, we lease back all the sold assets under a capital lease. We do not recognize any gain or loss on the sale of the assets. The lease financing arrangement is structured to be consistent with Shari’ah principles.

The finance company funds its obligations under the lease financing arrangement through a revolving credit facility that it entered into with a commercial lender. The terms of the revolving credit facility are economically equivalent to the terms of the lease financing arrangement, such that rent payments and unpaid acquisition costs under our lease financing arrangement are at all times equal to interest and principal under the revolving credit facility. We are required to include the finance company in our consolidated financial statements because we are deemed, under GAAP, to be the primary beneficiary in a variable interest entity due to the terms and provisions of the lease financing arrangement. As a result, our consolidated balance sheets include the assets and liabilities of the finance company, including the obligations under the revolving credit facility. Our consolidated statements of operations include all income and expenses of the finance company, including interest expense associated with the revolving credit facility. Notwithstanding this presentation, our obligations are limited to our obligations under the lease financing arrangement and we have no obligations under the revolving credit facility. The finance company was established solely for the purpose of facilitating this financing arrangement and does not have any assets, liabilities, income or expenses other than those associated with the revolving credit facility.

We intend to use a portion of the proceeds from this offering to repay all amounts outstanding under the lease financing arrangement, and the finance company will in turn use those proceeds to repay all amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility.

Fiscal Periods

Our fiscal year ends on the Sunday falling nearest to December 31. Fiscal years 2000, 2001, 2002 and 2003 included 52 weeks, while fiscal year 2004 included 53 weeks. Each fiscal year consists of four 13-week quarters in a 52-week year and three 13-week quarters and one 14-week fourth quarter in a 53-week year. Each fiscal quarter consists of two four-week months and one five-week month, except that the 14-week quarter consists of two four-week months and one six-week third month.

Results of Operations

Our operating results for fiscal years 2002, 2003 and 2004 and for the 26 weeks ended June 27, 2004 and July 3, 2005, expressed as a percentage of total net sales, were as follows:


											Twenty-Six Weeks
		Fiscal Year Ended									Ended

		December 29,			December 28,			January 2,			June 27,			July 3,
		2002			2003			2005			2004			2005

											(Unaudited)
Statement of Operations Data:
Net sales:
	Coffeehouses		95.7	%		98.4	%		97.9	%		98.2	%		97.7	%
	Other		4.3			1.6			2.1			1.8			2.3

Total net sales			100.0			100.0			100.0			100.0			100.0
Cost of sales and related occupancy costs			41.6			40.9			40.6			41.5			40.1
Operating expenses			37.1			39.9			40.4			41.5			40.5
Opening expenses			0.4			0.7			0.7			0.6			0.8
Depreciation and amortization			6.9			8.4			8.3			8.1			7.9
General and administrative expenses			9.5			10.0			9.7			9.6			12.4
Closing expense and disposal of assets			0.8			0.1			0.6			0.8			0.1

Operating income (loss)			3.6			0.0			(0.4	)		(2.1	)		(1.9	)
Interest income			0.0			0.0			0.0			0.0			0.0
Interest expense			(0.5	)		(0.4	)		(0.6	)		(0.5	)		(1.0	)

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes and minority interest			3.2			(0.4	)		(1.0	)		(2.6	)		(2.8	)
Provision for income taxes			0.1			0.2			0.1			0.0			0.3

Income (loss) before minority interest			3.1			(0.6	)		(1.1	)		(2.6	)		(3.1	)
Minority interest			0.2			0.1			0.2			0.2			0.2

Net income (loss)			2.9	%		(0.8	)%		(1.3	)%		(2.8	)%		(3.3	)%

Net Sales

Net sales are gross sales less promotional discounts, which historically have been approximately 3% to 4% of net sales. Our net sales are composed of two categories: coffeehouse net sales and other net sales. Coffeehouse net sales consist of sales of beverage, food, whole coffee beans and coffee-related merchandise at our company-operated coffeehouses. Other net sales consist of sales to various commercial customers, mail order and Internet sales, sales to licensees and license fees.

Comparable Coffeehouse Net Sales

Comparable coffeehouse net sales compares the net sales of coffeehouses during a fiscal period to the net sales from the same coffeehouses for the equivalent period in the prior year. In calculating comparable coffeehouse net sales, we include company-operated coffeehouses in the comparable coffeehouse base beginning in the coffeehouse’s thirteenth full fiscal month of operations. A closed coffeehouse is included in the calculation for each full month that the coffeehouse was open in both fiscal periods. At December 29, 2002, December 28, 2003 and January 2, 2005, there were 177, 195 and 235 coffeehouses in our comparable coffeehouse base. At June 27, 2004 and July 3, 2005, there were 212 and 257 coffeehouses in our comparable coffeehouse base.

Costs and Expenses

Cost of sales and related occupancy costs. Cost of sales consists of coffee, dairy, packaging, food, related merchandise, warehousing and freight costs. These are variable costs, and increase with sales volume. Coffeehouse occupancy costs include all rent payments associated with the leasing of real estate, including base straight-line rent, percentage rent, property taxes, common area maintenance expense and utilities expense. We record tenant improvement allowances as a reduction of occupancy expense over the initial term of our leases.

Operating expenses. Operating expenses include coffeehouse team member wages, bonuses, taxes and benefits for coffeehouse team members, and other direct coffeehouse level operating expenses including the cost of supplies, services, repairs and maintenance, communication, insurance, credit card processing and marketing.

Opening expenses. Opening expenses, which are expensed as incurred, include the costs of training the initial coffeehouse team members, the cost of labor used during the period before opening, the cost of initial quantities of supplies, rent and other direct costs related to the opening of a coffeehouse.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization includes depreciation on coffeehouse assets and amortization of coffeehouse lease acquisition costs.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses include all corporate and administrative functions that support our coffeehouses and provide an infrastructure to facilitate our future growth. Components of these expenses include executive management, supervisory and staff salaries, bonuses and related taxes and employee benefits; travel; information systems; training; headquarters facility rent and related occupancy costs; and professional and consulting fees. The salaries, bonus and employee benefits costs included as general and administrative expenses are generally more fixed in nature than our operating expenses and do not vary directly with the number of coffeehouses we operate.

Closing expense and disposal of assets. Closing expense and disposal of assets includes the costs associated with terminating a coffeehouse lease and the loss from the write-off of coffeehouse and non-coffeehouse assets.

Interest income. Interest income includes interest on outstanding notes receivable and interest on prepaid income taxes.

Interest expense. Interest expense includes the recognition of interest by the finance company under the revolving credit facility and the amortization of deferred financing fees. Under the terms of the revolving credit facility, the amount of rent payments and unpaid acquisition costs under our lease financing arrangement are at all times equal to interest and principal under the revolving credit facility.

Minority interest. Minority interest consists of the portion of net income or loss that is attributable to our partners in our consolidated joint ventures.

Twenty-Six Weeks Ended July 3, 2005 Compared to Twenty-Six Weeks Ended June 27, 2004 (unaudited)

Net Sales

Total net sales increased $20.4 million, or 28.0%, to $93.3 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2005, from $72.9 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2004. This increase was primarily due to a $6.4 million, or 9.0%, increase in comparable coffeehouse net sales and a $13.2 million increase from coffeehouses not included in the calculation of comparable coffeehouse net sales. During the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2005, our transaction count increased 0.5% and average check increased 8.5% for comparable coffeehouses compared to the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2004. Other net sales increased by $0.8 million, or 60.2%, from the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2004 as a result of an increase in the number of commercial coffee and mail order customers partly due to the favorable press surrounding our coffee quality.

Costs and Expenses

Cost of sales and related occupancy costs. Cost of sales and related occupancy costs increased $7.1 million, or 23.6%, to $37.4 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2005, from $30.3 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2004. This increase was primarily due to an increase in our total net sales. As a percentage of total net sales, cost of sales and related occupancy costs decreased to 40.1% in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2005 from 41.5% in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2004. The decrease in cost of sales and related occupancy costs as a percent of total net sales was primarily due to price increases in late 2004 on our beverage menu items.

Operating expenses. Operating expenses increased $7.6 million, or 24.9%, to $37.8 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2005, from $30.2 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2004. This increase was primarily due to the increased number of coffeehouses in operation. As a percentage of total net sales, coffeehouse operating expenses decreased to 40.5% in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2005 from 41.5% in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2004. This decrease as a percentage of total net sales was primarily due to reductions in our marketing costs as a percentage of total net sales in 2005 and the price increases in late 2004 on our beverage menu items.

Opening expenses. Opening expenses increased $0.3 million, or 72.5%, to $0.8 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2005, from $0.5 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2004. This increase was primarily due to the increase in number of coffeehouses opened in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2005 compared to the same period last year.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased $1.6 million, or 24.8%, to $7.3 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2005, from $5.9 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2004. This increase was primarily due to additional depreciation associated with new coffeehouses opened during the last 52 weeks. As a percentage of total net sales, depreciation and amortization was 7.9% in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2005, compared to 8.1% in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2004. The decrease as a percent of total net sales was primarily due to price increases in late 2004 on our beverage menu items.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased $4.6 million, or 65.3%, to $11.6 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2005 from $7.0 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2004. The increase was partly due to growth in our support staff since the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2004 and an increase in occupancy costs associated with our new headquarters and roasting facility. In addition, during the twenty-six weeks ended July 3, 2005, we recorded a one-time charge of $1.7 million in connection with entering into an amended and restated employment agreement with our Chief Executive Officer. This resulted from the payment to Mr. Coles of a one-time cash bonus of $750,000 and a grant of 100,000 shares of our common stock, which were valued at $9.87 per share on the date of grant, in consideration for Mr. Coles entering into the amended and restated employment agreement. The amended and restated employment agreement, among other things, eliminated a bonus

that Mr. Coles was eligible to receive under his old employment agreement based upon the valuation of our company if there had been a sale of our company or certain other corporate transactions. As a percentage of total net sales, general and administrative expenses increased to 12.4% in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2005, from 9.6% in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2004. This increase as a percentage of total net sales was due to an increase in investment in the corporate infrastructure in 2005 and an increase in the number of personnel required for future growth and the charge associated with the amended and restated employment agreement.

Closing expenses and disposal of assets. Closing expenses and disposal of assets decreased $0.4 million, or 78.5%, to $0.1 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2005 from $0.6 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2004. The decrease was due to lower costs to exit the leases associated with the stores closed during the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2005 as compared to the stores closed during the prior year.

Interest expense. Interest expense increased by $0.5 million, or 151.2%, to $0.9 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2005, from $0.4 million in the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2004. The increase was due to an increase of $12.8 million in the amount outstanding under the revolving credit facility to $23.9 million at July 3, 2005 from $11.1 million at June 27, 2004.

Fiscal Year 2004 (53 weeks) Compared to Fiscal Year 2003 (52 weeks)

Net Sales

Total net sales increased $37.1 million, or 30.0%, to $160.9 million in fiscal 2004, from $123.7 million in fiscal 2003. This increase was primarily due to (a) an increase in comparable coffeehouse net sales (assuming a 52-week year), (b) the 53rd week in fiscal 2004 and (c) net sales associated with the 53 net new coffeehouses opened during the year. For fiscal 2004, comparable coffeehouse net sales increased $9.6 million, or 8.0%, as compared to fiscal 2003, on a 52-week comparative basis. For comparable coffeehouses, our transaction count increased 6.3% and average check increased 1.7% in fiscal 2004 compared to fiscal 2003, on a 52-week comparative basis. For fiscal 2004, other net sales increased $1.4 million, or 73.4%, as compared to fiscal 2003, as a result of an increase in the number of commercial coffee customers, sales from our first two licensed coffeehouses and the additional week of sales in fiscal year 2004.

Costs and Expenses

Cost of sales and related occupancy costs. Cost of sales and related occupancy costs increased $14.7 million, or 29.0%, to $65.3 million in fiscal 2004, from $50.6 million in fiscal 2003. The increase was primarily due to an increase in comparable coffeehouse net sales, the 53rd week in fiscal 2004 and the net sales associated with the 53 net new coffeehouses opened during the year. As a percentage of total net sales, cost of sales and related occupancy costs decreased to 40.6% in fiscal 2004, from 40.9% in fiscal 2003. The decrease in cost of sales and related occupancy costs as a percentage of total net sales was primarily due to leverage obtained from our fixed occupancy costs in fiscal 2004.

Operating expenses. Operating expenses increased $15.7 million, or 31.7%, to $65.0 million in fiscal 2004, from $49.4 million in fiscal 2003. The increase in coffeehouse operating expenses was primarily due to the increase in comparable coffeehouse net sales, the 53rd week in fiscal 2004 and the operating expenses associated with the 53 net new coffeehouses opened during the year. As a percentage of total net sales, coffeehouse operating expenses increased to 40.4% in fiscal 2004, from 39.9% in fiscal 2003. This increase as a percentage of total net sales was primarily due to increases in health insurance expenses, communication costs, credit card transaction fees and an investment in the licensing segment of our business in fiscal 2004.

Opening expenses. Opening expenses increased $0.4 million, or 46.2%, to $1.2 million in fiscal 2004, from $0.8 million in fiscal 2003. The increase in coffeehouse opening expense was primarily

attributable to the increase in the number of new coffeehouses opened in fiscal 2004 and the increase in training labor associated with opening new coffeehouses in new markets in fiscal 2004.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased $2.9 million, or 28.0%, to $13.4 million in fiscal 2004, from $10.5 million in fiscal 2003. This increase was due to depreciation on coffeehouses opened in 2004 and a full year’s depreciation on coffeehouses opened in 2003. Coffeehouse depreciation and amortization includes $1.0 million in accelerated depreciation associated with coffeehouse asset impairments in fiscal 2004 as compared to $1.3 million in fiscal year 2003. As a percentage of total net sales, coffeehouse depreciation and amortization was 8.3% in fiscal 2004, compared to 8.4% of total net sales in fiscal 2003. This decrease as a percentage of total net sales was due to leverage obtained from our fixed depreciation and amortization costs in fiscal 2004.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased $3.2 million, or 25.9%, to $15.5 million in fiscal 2004 from $12.3 million in fiscal 2003. The increase was primarily due to the development of the support systems associated with our growth strategy and the costs associated with moving into our new headquarters facility. As a percentage of total net sales, general and administrative expenses decreased to 9.7% of total net sales in fiscal 2004, from 10.0% of total net sales in fiscal 2003, due to the leveraging of our existing infrastructure.

Closing expenses and disposal of assets. Closing expenses and disposal of assets increased $0.8 million to $1.0 million in fiscal 2004 from $0.2 million in fiscal 2003. The increase was primarily attributable to the reserve for lease charges associated with our previous headquarters and roasting facility in downtown Minneapolis in fiscal 2004.

Interest expense. Interest expense increased $0.5 million to $1.0 million in fiscal year 2004 from $0.5 million in fiscal year 2003. The increase in interest expense was attributable to the increase in the amount outstanding under the revolving credit facility to $19.9 million at January 2, 2005 from $6.1 million at December 28, 2003.

Fiscal Year 2003 (52 weeks) Compared to Fiscal Year 2002 (52 weeks)

Net Sales

Total net sales increased $15.8 million, or 14.6%, to $123.7 million in fiscal 2003, from $108.0 million in fiscal 2002. This increase was primarily due to an increase in comparable coffeehouse net sales and net sales associated with the 48 net new coffeehouses opened during the year. For fiscal 2003, comparable coffeehouse net sales increased $3.2 million, or 3.2%, as compared to fiscal 2002. For comparable coffeehouses, our transaction count increased by 4.1% and average check decreased by 0.9% in fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002. For fiscal 2003, other net sales decreased $2.7 million, or 58.7%, as compared to fiscal 2002, as a result of the loss of the Delta Airlines contract in October 2002. Sales to Delta Airlines during fiscal 2002 were $3.2 million.

Costs and Expenses

Cost of sales and related occupancy costs. Cost of sales and related occupancy costs increased $5.8 million, or 12.8%, to $50.6 million in fiscal 2003, from $44.9 million in fiscal 2002. The increase was primarily due to an increase in comparable coffeehouse net sales and the net sales associated with the 48 net new coffeehouses opened during the year. As a percentage of total net sales, cost of sales and related occupancy costs decreased to 40.9% in fiscal 2003, from 41.6% in fiscal 2002. The decrease in cost of sales and related occupancy costs as a percentage of total net sales was primarily due to the consolidation of distribution services for raw materials and eliminating a higher cost third party packaging vendor in fiscal 2003.

Operating expenses. Operating expenses increased $9.3 million, or 23.2%, to $49.4 million in fiscal 2003, from $40.1 million in fiscal 2002. The increase in coffeehouse operating expenses was primarily due to the increase in comparable coffeehouse net sales and the net sales associated with the 48 net new coffeehouses opened during the year. As a percentage of total net sales, coffeehouse operating expenses

increased to 39.9% in fiscal 2003, from 37.1% in fiscal 2002. The increase in coffeehouse operating expenses as a percentage of total net sales is attributable to the cost of rolling out our stored-value Caribou Card program and additional coffeehouse labor expense resulting from an increased focus on customer service in fiscal 2003.

Opening expenses. Opening expenses increased $0.4 million, or 87.2%, to $0.8 million in fiscal 2003, from $0.4 million in fiscal 2002. The increase in coffeehouse opening expense was primarily attributable to the increase in the number of new coffeehouses opened in fiscal 2003 as compared to fiscal 2002.

Depreciation and amortization. Depreciation and amortization increased $3.1 million, or 40.7%, to $10.5 million in fiscal 2003, from $7.4 million in fiscal 2002. This increase was due to depreciation on coffeehouses opened in 2003 and a full year’s depreciation on coffeehouses opened in 2002. Coffeehouse depreciation and amortization includes $1.3 million in accelerated depreciation associated with coffeehouse asset impairments in fiscal 2003 as compared to $0.2 million in fiscal year 2002. As a percentage of total net sales, coffeehouse depreciation and amortization was 8.4% in fiscal 2003, compared to 6.9% in fiscal 2002. This increase as a percentage of total net sales was due to the increase in asset impairments and the opening of 48 net new coffeehouses in fiscal 2003.

General and administrative expenses. General and administrative expenses increased $2.0 million, or 19.9%, to $12.3 million in fiscal 2003 from $10.3 million in fiscal 2002. The increase was primarily due to the development of the support systems associated with our growth strategy and $0.5 million in accelerated depreciation on the leasehold improvements at our previous headquarters facility in downtown Minneapolis. As a percentage of total net sales, general and administrative expenses increased to 10.0% in fiscal 2003, from 9.5% in fiscal 2002, due to the accelerated depreciation on the leasehold improvements at our previous headquarters facility.

Closing expenses and disposal of assets. Closing expenses and disposal of assets decreased $0.7 million to $0.2 million in fiscal 2003 from $0.9 million in fiscal 2002. The decrease was primarily attributable to fewer closed coffeehouses in fiscal 2003 compared to fiscal 2002.

Interest expense. Interest expense was relatively unchanged because the amount outstanding under the revolving credit facility was relatively unchanged from the end of fiscal 2002 to the end of fiscal 2003.

Liquidity and Capital Resources

Cash and cash equivalents as of July 3, 2005 were $3.1 million, compared to cash and cash equivalents of $4.1 million as of June 27, 2004. Cash and cash equivalents as of January 2, 2005 were $7.6 million compared to $4.8 million as of December 28, 2003. Working capital as of July 3, 2005 was a deficit of $7.6 million compared with a deficit of $4.6 million as of January 2, 2005 and a deficit of $2.6 million as of December 28, 2003. Our principal requirements for cash are capital expenditures for the development of new coffeehouses, maintaining or remodeling existing coffeehouses and funding operations. Currently, our requirements for capital have been funded through cash flow from operations and our lease financing arrangement.

Net cash provided by operating activities for the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2005 was $4.8 million compared to net cash provided by operating activities of $7.7 million for the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2004. The decrease in the amount of cash provided by operating activities was a result of an increase in inventory levels to provide for the growth in new stores and commercial customers, a reduction of the deferred revenue from our stored-value Caribou Cards and an increase in the amount of accrued compensation expense in 2005. Net cash provided by operating activities for fiscal 2004 was $23.2 million compared to $15.7 million for fiscal 2003. Funds provided from operating activities in fiscal 2004 increased primarily as a result of an additional tenant improvement allowances associated with our new store leases during fiscal 2004 and increases in deferred revenue due to the success of our stored-value Caribou Cards as compared to fiscal 2003.

Total capital expenditures for the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2005 were $13.0 million, compared to capital expenditures of $14.1 million for the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2004. These fiscal 2005 capital expenditures were primarily related to opening 23 coffeehouses as compared to opening 14 coffeehouses and a significant portion of the leasehold improvements in our new headquarters and roasting facility during the twenty-six weeks ended June 27, 2004. Total capital expenditures for fiscal 2004 were $32.4 million compared to $20.7 for fiscal 2003. These expenditures were primarily related to opening 57 coffeehouses and leasehold improvement costs at our new headquarters and roasting facility during fiscal 2004, as compared to opening 50 coffeehouses during fiscal 2003. Capital expenditures related to opening new coffeehouses include the cost of leasehold improvements and capital equipment. For new coffeehouses opened during fiscal 2004, the average cost of leasehold improvements and capital equipment for coffeehouses, net of landlord allowances, was approximately $350,000. Landlord allowances are recorded as an offset to deferred rent in other long term liabilities and accrued expenses on our consolidated balance sheets and statements of cash flow. Capital expenditures also include maintaining or remodeling existing coffeehouses.

Net cash provided by financing activities was $3.8 million for the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2005 compared to $5.7 million provided by financing activities for the first twenty-six weeks of fiscal 2004. Net cash provided by financing activities for fiscal 2004 was $12.0 million compared to $7.1 million for fiscal 2003. All cash from financing activities was provided by our lease financing arrangement whereby from time to time we sell certain assets to a finance company and, immediately after the sale, we lease back all the sold assets under a capital lease. We do not recognize any gain or loss on the sale of the assets. For tax purposes, we are treated as the owner of the assets and our payments of rent and unpaid acquisition costs under the lease financing arrangement are treated as payments of interest and principal. Rent payable under the lease financing arrangement per year is equal to the amount outstanding under the lease financing arrangement multiplied by the applicable LIBOR rate plus a specified margin (the average rental rate on amounts outstanding was 5.25% at January 2, 2005). During fiscal 2004, we renegotiated our lease financing arrangement to extend the expiration date of the arrangement to June 2009 and increase the amount available under the arrangement from $20.0 million to $55.0 million. We further increased the amount available under the lease financing arrangement to $60.0 million during the first quarter of fiscal year 2005. The lease financing arrangement is subject to financial and non-financial covenants.

Our capital requirements, including development costs related to the opening of additional coffeehouses and for maintenance and remodeling expenditures, have been, and will continue to be significant. Our future capital requirements and the adequacy of available funds will depend on many factors, including the pace of our expansion, real estate markets, the availability of suitable site locations

and the nature of the arrangements negotiated with landlords. We believe that our current liquidity and resources, including funds raised through this offering, will provide sufficient liquidity to fund our operations for at least 12 months. In the future, we may amend or replace our existing lease financing arrangement or enter into another financing arrangement to provide us with additional liquidity. We expect that any such financing arrangement would be structured in a manner that would be compliant with Shari’ah principles. Shari’ah principles regarding the lending and borrowing of money are complicated, requiring application of qualitative and quantitative standards. The negotiation and documentation of financing that is compliant with these principles are generally complex and time consuming. As such, if we have immediate liquidity needs, we may not be able to obtain financing that is compliant with Shari’ah principles on a timely basis.

Contractual Obligations

The following table summarizes our contractual obligations, due over the next five years and thereafter, as of January 2, 2005:


				Due within		Due from		Due from		Due after
Contractual Obligations		Total		1 year		1 to 3 years		3 to 5 years		5 years

		(in thousands)
Revolving credit facility(1)			$19,924		$—		$—	$	19,924		$—
Operating lease obligations			115,614		14,919		29,002		24,984		46,709
Purchase obligations			5,863		5,863		—		—		—

	Total	$	141,401	$	20,782	$	29,002	$	44,908	$	46,709


(1)	Represents amounts outstanding under the revolving credit facility, which will be repaid in full from the net proceeds of this offering.

We are obligated under non-cancelable operating leases for our coffeehouses and our headquarters and roasting facility. Lease terms are generally five to 10 years with renewal options and generally require us to pay a proportionate share of real estate taxes, insurance, common area and other operating costs. Some coffeehouse leases provide for contingent rental payments.

Off-Balance Sheet Arrangements

Other than our coffeehouse leases, we do not have any off-balance sheet arrangements. We have no unconditional purchase arrangements, except that as of July 3, 2005 we were party to contracts with respect to the purchase of coffee beans for approximately $7.9 million through July 3, 2006.

Stock Options

As of August 15, 2005, we had an aggregate of 2,258,778 outstanding stock options with a weighted average exercise price of $7.10 per share. Based on the initial public offering price of $14.00 per share, the intrinsic value of our outstanding stock options is $15.6 million, of which $7.8 million relates to vested options and $7.8 million relates to unvested options. In each case, the exercise price of our stock options was equal to the fair value of our common stock on the date of the grant as determined by our board of directors contemporaneously with the grant, and, accordingly, we have not recorded any compensation expense with respect to the grants of these stock options. For each option granted during fiscal 2005, our board of directors determined the fair value of the common stock on the date of grant based on an independent valuation as of a recent date prior to the grant date, which valuation the board determined was still reflective of the fair value of the common stock as of the grant date. Those independent valuations considered our discounted future cash flows, comparisons to public trading values of companies in similar lines of business and valuations of similar companies in various financing and merger and acquisition transactions. For options granted prior to fiscal 2005, our board of directors determined the fair value of our common stock based on analysis of a variety of factors including historical and projected financial information, the lack of liquidity of our common stock, Arcapita’s control of our company, the

timing and likelihood of a liquidity event such as a sale or initial public offering and the price at which we sold shares to investors in a private offering. The difference between the exercise prices for our outstanding stock options and the initial public offering price of $14.00 reflects the increased value of our common stock as a result of us becoming a public company, as well as our continuing growth in number of coffeehouses, positive comparable coffeehouse net sales and expansion into additional distribution channels.

Seasonality and Quarterly Results

Our business is subject to seasonal fluctuations, including fluctuations resulting from weather conditions and holidays. A disproportionate percentage of our total annual net sales and profits are realized during the fourth quarter of our fiscal year, which includes the December holiday season. In addition, quarterly results are affected by the timing of the opening of new coffeehouses, and our rapid growth may conceal the impact of other seasonal influences. Because of the seasonality of our business, results for any quarter are not necessarily indicative of the results that may be achieved for the full fiscal year.

The following table sets forth certain unaudited operating data for our ten fiscal quarters ended July 3, 2005. The quarterly information includes all normal recurring adjustments that we consider necessary for a fair presentation of the information shown. All of these fiscal quarters consisted of 13 weeks, except the fourth quarter of the fiscal year ended January 2, 2005, which consisted of 14 weeks.


																								Fiscal Year Ended
		Fiscal Year Ended December 28, 2003											Fiscal Year Ended January 2, 2005											January 1, 2006

		First			Second			Third		Fourth			First			Second			Third			Fourth		First			Second
		Quarter			Quarter			Quarter		Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter		Quarter			Quarter

		(In thousands, except per share data)
Net sales:
	Coffeehouses	$	26,603		$	29,500		$	30,178	$	35,531		$	34,397		$	37,206		$	37,902		$	48,029	$	44,187		$	47,003
	Other		301			404			529		690			614			716			833			1,173		1,046			1,084

Total net sales			26,904			29,904			30,707		36,221			35,011			37,922			38,735			49,202		45,233			48,087
Operating income (loss)			130			(26	)		471		(629	)		(297	)		(1,225	)		(391	)		1,281		219			(1,953	)
Net (loss) income			$(56	)		$(263	)		$208	$	(826	)		$(500	)		$(1,529	)		$(822	)		$777		$(437	)		$(2,669	)
Basic and diluted net (loss) income per share			$(0.00	)		$(0.02	)		$0.02	$	(0.06	)		$(0.04	)		$(0.11	)		$(0.06	)		$0.06		$(0.03	)		$(0.19	)
Shares used in calculation of net (loss) income per share:
	Basic		13,294			13,258			13,241		13,597			13,794			13,796			13,801			13,801		13,802			13,807
	Diluted		13,294			13,258			13,346		13,597			13,794			13,796			13,801			13,890		13,802			13,807
Non-GAAP Financial Measures:
EBITDA(1)		$	2,230		$	2,806		$	2,861	$	3,665		$	2,720		$	2,098		$	3,180		$	5,896	$	4,243		$	2,034
Adjusted EBITDA(1)			2,230			2,806			2,861		3,665			2,720			2,098			3,180			6,396		4,243			3,772

(1)

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are supplemental non-GAAP financial measures. EBITDA is equal to net income (loss) excluding: (a) interest expense; (b) interest income; (c) depreciation and amortization; and (d) income taxes. Adjusted EBITDA for the periods presented is different from EBITDA because we further adjust net income for: (a) a one-time cost to consolidate corporate and operating locations; and (b) a one-time compensation charge associated with amending the terms of our Chief Executive Officer’s employment agreement. For a description of our use of EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA, see the discussion below.

The tables below sets forth an unaudited reconciliation of net (loss) income to EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA for our ten fiscal quarters ended July 3, 2005.


																									Fiscal Year Ended
	Fiscal Year Ended December 28, 2003												Fiscal Year Ended January 2, 2005												January 1, 2006

	First			Second			Third			Fourth			First			Second			Third			Fourth			First			Second
	Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter			Quarter

	(In thousands)
Statement of Operations Data:
Net (loss) income		$(56	)		$(263	)		$208			$(826	)		$(500	)		$(1,529	)		$(822	)		$777			$(437	)	$	(2,669	)
Interest expense		119			135			120			137			133			229			264			336			424			488
Interest income		(4	)		(2	)		(1	)		(2	)		(1	)		(1	)		(1	)		(1	)		(1	)		(26	)
Depreciation and amortization(1)		2,131			2,868			2,441			4,329			3,087			3,399			3,602			4,703			4,106			4,091
Provision for income taxes		40			68			93			27			1			—			137			81			151			150

EBITDA		2,230			2,806			2,861			3,665			2,720			2,098			3,180			5,896			4,243			2,034
Consolidation of corporate and operating locations		—			—			—			—			—			—			—			500			—			—
Amendment of employment agreement		—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			—			1,738

Adjusted EBITDA		$2,230			$2,806			$2,861			$3,665			$2,720			$2,098			$3,180			$6,396			$4,243			$3,772


(1)	Includes depreciation and amortization associated with our headquarters and roasting facility that are categorized as general and administrative expenses and cost of sales and related occupancy costs on our statement of operations.

EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA

We believe EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA are useful to investors in evaluating our operating performance for the following reasons:


	•	Our coffeehouse leases are generally short-term (5-10 years) and we must depreciate all of the cost associated with those leases on a straight-line basis over the initial lease term excluding renewal options (unless such renewal periods are reasonably assured at the inception of the lease). We opened 214 coffeehouses from the beginning of fiscal 2000 through July 3, 2005, including 130 coffeehouses since the beginning of fiscal 2003. As a result, we believe depreciation expense is disproportionately large when compared to the sales from a significant percentage of our coffeehouses that are in their initial years of operations. Also, many of the assets being depreciated have actual useful lives that exceed the initial lease term excluding renewal options. Consequently, we believe that adjusting for depreciation and amortization is useful for evaluating the operating performance of our coffeehouses.

	•	The one-time cost to consolidate corporate and operating locations represents a $.5 million charge we recorded in fiscal 2004 for the remaining lease payments, reduced by estimated sublease rentals that could be reasonably obtained, for our previous headquarters and roasting facility. We vacated this facility when we consolidated our corporate offices and our roasting, packaging, warehousing and distribution activities, which we had previously operated out of three separate facilities, into a single facility. We believe it is useful to exclude this charge from Adjusted EBITDA because it was non-recurring and was not reflective of our operating performance.

	•	In June 2005, we recorded a one-time compensation charge of $1.7 million in connection with amending the terms of the employment agreement with our Chief Executive Officer. We believe that it is useful to exclude this expense from Adjusted EBITDA because it was non-recurring and was unrelated to our operations.

Our management uses EBITDA and Adjusted EBITDA:


	•	as measurements of operating performance because they assist us in comparing our operating performance on a consistent basis as they remove the impact of items not directly resulting from our coffeehouse operations;

	•	for planning purposes, including the preparation of our internal annual operating budget;

	•	to establish targets for certain management compensation matters; and

	•	to evaluate our capacity to incur and service debt, fund capital expenditures and expand our business.

Quantitative and Qualitative Disclosures About Market Risk

Primary Market Risk Exposures

Our primary market risk exposures are in the areas of commodity costs, rent and lease acquisition costs. Many of the coffee bean, dairy and paper products purchased by us are affected by changes in weather, production, availability, seasonality, and other factors outside our control. In addition, we believe that almost all of our beverage, food offerings and supplies are available from several sources, which helps to control market risks. We have exposure to rising rents and lease acquisition costs, which may impact our actual cost to open and operate new coffeehouses. The exposure to rising rents could negatively impact operating results of coffeehouses. Although the lease acquisition cost will not impact significantly the operating results of the coffeehouse, it would impact the return on investment for such coffeehouse.

Financial Instruments, Derivative Commodity Instruments and Derivative Financial Instruments

Our results of operations could be affected by interest rate changes to the extent that payments due under our financing arrangements fluctuate based on interest rate changes. The amounts of payments under the revolving credit facility are based on LIBOR plus a defined margin. A hypothetical 10% increase or decrease in LIBOR plus a defined margin would change pre-tax income by less than $0.1 million in fiscal 2002, fiscal 2003, fiscal 2004 and the twenty-six weeks ended July 3, 2005.

We enter into fixed-price purchase commitments in order to secure an adequate supply of quality coffee beans and fix our cost of coffee beans. These commitments are made with established coffee brokers and are denominated in U.S. dollars. As of July 3, 2005, we had approximately $7.9 million in open fixed-priced purchase commitments with delivery dates ranging from July 2005 through May 2006. We believe, based on relationships established with our suppliers in the past, that the risk of non-delivery on such purchase commitments is low.

Historically, we have not purchased nor entered into interest rate swaps or future, forward option or other instruments designed to hedge against changes in interest rates or the price of commodities we

purchase, except for fixed-price purchase commitments as described above. For so long as we continue to operate in a Shari’ah-compliant manner, we will be prohibited from engaging in derivative hedging transactions such as interest rate swaps or futures, forward options or other instruments designed to hedge against changes in interest rates or the price of commodities we purchase.

Inflation

The primary inflationary factors affecting our business are costs associated with coffee beans, dairy, labor, paper products, real estate and labor costs. Many of our leases require us to pay taxes, maintenance, repairs, insurance and utilities, all of which are generally subject to inflationary increases. We believe that inflation has not had a material impact on our results of operations in recent years.

Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, “Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities,” which addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force Issue No. 94-3, “Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring).” The principal difference between SFAS No. 146 and Issue 94-3 relates to the requirements under SFAS No. 146 for recognition of a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity. SFAS No. 146 requires that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred. Under Issue 94-3, a liability for an exit cost as defined in Issue 94-3 was recognized at the date of an entity’s commitment to an exit plan. SFAS No. 146 eliminates the definition and requirements for recognition of exit costs in Issue 94-3. SFAS No. 146 also establishes that fair value is the objective for initial measurement of the liability. We adopted SFAS No. 146 on January 1, 2003 and the adoption of this statement did not have a significant impact on our financial position and results of operations.

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, which amended SFAS No. 123. SFAS No. 148 provides alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair-value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. Additionally, SFAS No. 148 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in the annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. SFAS No. 148 is effective for financial statements with fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. In compliance with SFAS No. 148, we have elected to continue to follow the intrinsic value method in accounting for our stock-based employee compensation arrangements as defined by APB Opinion 25 and will make the applicable disclosures.

In January 2003, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation No. 46, or FIN 46, “Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities.” This Interpretation clarifies the application of Accounting Research Bulletin, or ARB, No. 51, “Consolidated Financial Statements,” to certain entities in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. However, application of the majority voting interest requirement in ARB No. 51 to certain types of entities may not identify the party with a controlling financial interest because the controlling financial interest may be achieved through arrangements that do not involve voting interests. We adopted FIN 46 on January 1, 2003 with no impact on our financial position and results of operations.

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 123-revised 2004, “Share-Based Payment,” or SFAS No. 123R, which replaces SFAS No. 123, “Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation,” and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, “Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees.” SFAS No. 123R requires the measurement of all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, using a fair-value-based method and the recording of such expense in our consolidated statements of operations. The accounting provisions of SFAS No. 123R are effective for us beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2006. The pro forma disclosures previously permitted under SFAS No. 123 no longer will be an alternative

to financial statement recognition. We are evaluating the requirements under SFAS No. 123R and expect the adoption will have an impact on our consolidated results of operations and net income (loss) per share. However, it will not have an effect on our overall cash flow.

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, “Accounting Changes and Error Corrections.” SFAS No. 154 replaces APB Opinion No. 20, “Accounting Changes,” and FASB Statement No. 3, “Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements,” and requires the direct effects of accounting principle changes to be retrospectively applied. The existing guidance with respect to accounting estimate changes and corrections of errors is carried forward in SFAS No. 154. SFAS No. 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 154 to have a material effect on our financial statements.

BUSINESS

Overview

We are the second largest company-owned gourmet coffeehouse operator in the United States based on the number of coffeehouses. As of July 31, 2005, we had 337 coffeehouses, including three licensed locations and four joint venture locations. Our coffeehouses are located in 14 states and the District of Columbia, including 154 coffeehouses in Minnesota and 56 coffeehouses in Illinois. We focus on offering our customers high-quality gourmet coffee and espresso-based beverages, and also offer specialty teas, baked goods, whole bean coffee, branded merchandise and related products. In addition, we sell our products to grocery stores and mass merchandisers, office coffee providers, airlines, hotels, sports and entertainment venues, college campuses and other commercial customers.

We focus on creating a unique experience for our customers through the combination of our high-quality products, distinctive coffeehouse environment and customer service. To maintain product quality, we source the highest grades of arabica beans, craft roast beans in small batches to achieve optimal flavor profiles and enforce strict packaging and brewing standards. Our coffeehouse environment is driven by our distinctive store design, which resembles a mountain lodge and provides an inviting and comfortable atmosphere for customers who wish to gather and relax while also providing convenience for take-out customers focused on quick service. Our coffeehouse staff provides consistent and personal service in a clean, smoke-free environment.

We use the highest grades of arabica coffee beans, which offer more flavor than the more common robusta beans and other, lower grades of arabica beans. We blend, craft roast and distribute our coffee beans in our suburban Minneapolis facility. Our small-batch craft roasting ensures high-quality and consistency and allows us to create specific taste profiles. Our strict monitoring of our entire roasting, distribution and brewing processes ensures that our coffeehouses offer only fresh coffee at its peak flavor to meet our customers’ preferences and expectations.


	•	enhancing our focus on customer service;

	•	improving our selection and training of store personnel;

	•	strengthening our site selection strategy;

	•	increasing coffeehouse openings; and

	•	developing new products and promotions.

During this period, our net sales have grown at a compounded annual rate of 22.1% from 2002 to 2004. Our comparable coffeehouse net sales have grown 3.2% in 2003, 8.0% in 2004 and 9.0% in the twenty-six weeks ended July 3, 2005. We expect our comparable coffeehouse net sales growth for 2005 to be in the range of 6% to 7% based on comparable coffeehouse net sales growth of 2% to 4% for the third quarter of 2005 and 3% to 7% for the second half of 2005. We believe our comparable coffeehouse growth of 3% to 7% for the second half of 2005 is more representative of the ongoing growth in our comparable coffeehouse net sales in future periods. From December 29, 2002 to July 31, 2005, we expanded from 203 to 337 coffeehouses. During this time period, we also expanded geographically, increasing the number of our coffeehouses outside of Minnesota from 105 to 183. During this period, we incurred net losses of $0.9 million in 2003, $2.1 million in 2004 and $3.1 million for the twenty-six weeks ended July 3, 2005.

We intend to continue to strategically expand our coffeehouse locations in our existing markets as well as in new markets that have attractive demographics. As of July 31, 2005, we had opened 32 company-operated coffeehouses in 2005 and we plan to open an additional 48 to 58 coffeehouses this year and another 105 to 115 coffeehouses in 2006. We also have begun to expand internationally by entering into a master license agreement with a local licensee to develop coffeehouses in the Middle East and expect the first coffeehouses under this agreement to open in the fourth quarter of 2005. Our goal is to expand our concept into a nationally recognized brand in the United States while adding select international locations through licensing.

Competitive Strengths

We believe we have achieved a leadership position in the gourmet coffee market based on the following strengths:


	•	*Unique Customer Experience.* Our mission statement is to create “an experience that makes the day better” by focusing on three key elements:


	•	High-Quality, Differentiated Product. We offer high-quality coffee-based, espresso-based and non-coffee-based hot and cold beverages that meet the demanding taste preferences of our customers. Our Colombia Blend was recently ranked #1 among 42 Colombian gourmet coffees by a leading consumer products research publication. Our coffees are craft roasted using the highest grades of arabica beans to produce the proper flavor profile for each blend. We also enforce strict brewing policies to ensure that our customers receive a product that is as fresh as possible. We pride ourselves on having one of the most creative and extensive selections of high-quality coffee-based, espresso-based and non-coffee-based beverages in our industry.

	•	Coffeehouse Environment. Our coffeehouse interiors reflect the atmosphere of a mountain lodge, featuring fireplaces, exposed wooden beams and leather sofas and chairs. This warm and inviting environment encourages customers to relax and enjoy our products, while also providing convenience for take-out customers who are focused on quick service.

	•	Dedication to Customer Service. We encourage our coffeehouse team members to have personal interaction with customers, including knowing customers’ names and preferred beverages, while providing fast service and a quality beverage. We also require our team members to be “drink-certified” on an ongoing basis so that our beverages are consistently prepared according to our strict standards. Our selective hiring, extensive training and merit-based compensation policies reinforce our focus on the customer experience and drive consistent, excellent customer service in our coffeehouses.


	•	*Strong Brand Awareness.* We believe our brand is well known within the retail gourmet coffee market, and that we have particularly strong brand awareness in markets where we have a significant coffeehouse presence. We believe our brand awareness has resulted from our marketing efforts, distinctive Caribou Coffee logo and signage, all of which will promote our brand as we expand into new markets. Through our relationships with grocery stores and mass merchandisers, airlines and other commercial customers, we are further expanding our brand awareness outside our existing markets.

	•	*Scalable Infrastructure.* We have made capital investments to build our roasting, packaging and fulfillment infrastructure to support the production and distribution of large quantities of fresh whole bean coffee. At present, we are operating at less than our full roasting capacity, and our existing infrastructure is scalable so that we can add additional capacity with limited incremental capital expenditures. In addition, when we need to add additional roasting, packaging and fulfillment infrastructure, we believe that we can do so at a relatively inexpensive cost.


	•	*Strong Company Culture.* We have a strong, well defined, service-oriented culture that our employees embrace and that we promote internally through company-wide initiatives that reinforce our values and goals. We are also committed to supporting the ongoing and sustainable production of coffee, and we allocate funds to support agriculturally and socially responsible initiatives in the countries from which we source our coffee beans. For example, we recently established a relationship with the Rainforest Alliance, an international coalition focused on protecting the environment in coffee-producing regions. We also engage in community and charitable initiatives, such as donating over $100,000 to the Coffee Kids Sumatra Relief Fund to benefit victims of the tsunami in Southeast Asia. We donate a percentage of the sales from our Amy’s Blend coffee to the National Breast Cancer Foundation, and together with The Coca-Cola Company, we made a combined contribution of over $150,000 in 2005. We believe that our strong company culture will allow us to maintain our focus on quality and customer service as we expand our business.

	•	*Experienced Management Team.* We are led by a management team with significant experience in the restaurant and branded consumer products industries. Our Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Michael J. Coles, has more than 40 years of specialty retail experience, including co-founding and serving as Chief Executive Officer of Great American Cookie Company. The members of our senior management team have an average of more than 15 years of relevant experience. We believe our management team has the requisite skill and depth to lead and manage our planned growth.

Growth Strategy

Our growth objective is to profitably build a leading consumer brand in the gourmet coffee category. The key elements of our growth strategy include:


	•	*Continuing to Open New Company-Operated Coffeehouse Locations.* As of July 31, 2005, we have opened 139 company-operated locations since the beginning of fiscal 2003, including 32 coffeehouses in 2005. We plan to open an additional 48 to 58 coffeehouses this year and 105 to 115 coffeehouses in 2006. We intend to further penetrate a number of our existing markets and to expand into new markets by opening coffeehouses in a variety of traditional retail venues as well as strategically aligning with certain retailers to open coffeehouses within their stores. In order to maximize expansion opportunities, we will continue to explore different coffeehouse layouts and designs that best fit particular venues or locations.

	•	*Increasing our Comparable Coffeehouse Net Sales and Enhancing Operating Margins.* We will continue our efforts to increase our comparable coffeehouse net sales, including increasing our brand awareness through marketing efforts and introducing new products and promotions. Through these efforts, we have achieved positive comparable coffeehouse net sales during each of the last two fiscal years and the twenty-six weeks ended July 3, 2005. We believe that we have strong brand awareness in markets where we have a significant coffeehouse presence and that by building a similar coffeehouse base in other metropolitan areas we will be able to drive customer awareness and comparable coffeehouse net sales. As our comparable coffeehouse net sales increase, we expect our operating margins at those coffeehouses to improve. In addition, we are seeking to improve operating margins by leveraging our increased purchasing power to negotiate more favorable pricing in a variety of areas from telecommunications and credit card processing to paper products.


	•	*Expanding Complementary Distribution Channels.* We are continuing our efforts to expand the distribution channels for our products to increase our revenue sources, profitability and brand awareness in existing and new markets. These complementary distribution channels include:


	•	Commercial Channels — We will continue to offer our products through a number of commercial channels, including grocery stores and mass merchandisers, office coffee providers, airlines, hotels, sports and entertainment venues and college campuses. We intend to build upon our existing relationships with grocery stores such as Byerly’s and Lunds, airlines such as Frontier Airlines and Independence Air, and national office coffee providers such as Aramark. We are also seeking additional commercial customers, including additional relationships with mass merchandisers similar to our growing relationships with SuperTarget and Sam’s Club.

	•	Mail-order and Internet — Mail-order and Internet-based channels allow us to reach customers familiar with our brand who may not have convenient access to our coffeehouses. In addition, sales through these channels may help us to identify new markets for coffeehouses. Through marketing and other brand building initiatives, we intend to leverage our existing coffeehouse-based growth to drive additional mail-order and Internet sales.


	•	*Expanding our Licensing Business.* We intend to strategically license the Caribou Coffee brand, primarily in international locations where we believe there are significant opportunities to grow our business. For example, we have entered into a master license agreement with a local licensee to develop 250 coffeehouses in the Middle East through 2012 and expect the first coffeehouses under this agreement to open in the fourth quarter of 2005. We are currently exploring license arrangements in other international markets. We also intend to license locations in the United States in order to gain access to certain attractive locations, such as airports, or to take advantage of other strategic opportunities.

Industry Overview

Gourmet coffee, or what is sometimes called specialty coffee, is coffee roasted using premium coffee beans such as the arabica bean. The arabica bean is widely considered superior to its counterpart, the robusta bean, which is used mainly in non-gourmet coffee. High-quality arabica beans usually grow at high elevations, absorb little moisture and mature slowly. These factors result in beans with a mild aroma and a pleasing flavor that is suitable for gourmet coffee. There are various grades of arabica beans, with the highest grades producing better flavors.

According to the Specialty Coffee Association of America, or the SCAA, the U.S. specialty coffee beverage market was approximately $9.6 billion in 2004, up from $8.4 billion in 2002, growing at a 6.9% compounded annual growth rate. That growth has been aided by the growth of U.S. coffeehouses, which grew from 15,400 in 2002 to 18,600 in 2004, representing a 9.9% compounded annual growth rate, as reported by the SCAA.

In addition to the growth in U.S. coffeehouses, we believe that growth in the retail gourmet coffee market has been aided by several other factors, including broader distribution of gourmet coffees through supermarkets, the introduction of new gourmet coffee products and the popularity of the overall gourmet foods market. We believe these trends will continue to result in increased consumer awareness and demand for gourmet coffee.

Gourmet coffee is a frequent use product and an affordable luxury that easily fits into users’ daily routines and lifestyles. According to the National Coffee Association’s National Coffee Drinking Trends 2004, approximately 16% of American adults drink gourmet coffee beverages on a daily basis and nearly 56% drink these beverages on an occasional basis. This report also indicates that daily consumption of gourmet coffee averaged 2.3 cups per day for daily gourmet coffee drinkers in 2004. We believe the gourmet coffee business is among the highest growth opportunities in the restaurant and retail industries and is supported by evolving lifestyle trends and broad consumer appeal.

Menu and Products

We have one of the most creative and extensive selections of coffee, espresso-based and non-coffee beverages in the gourmet coffee market built across five drink platforms:


	•	“Classics” — traditional coffee and cocoa beverages;

	•	“Espresso” — espresso-based beverages such as lattes, cappuccinos and mochas;

	•	“Cold” — iced coffees, blended coffee coolers in flavors such as vanilla, espresso, caramel and chocolate and fruit flavored smoothies;

	•	“Wild” — signature Caribou coffee-based beverages such as Turtle Mocha, Hot Apple Blast, Caramel High Rise, Campfire Mocha and Mint Condition; and

	•	“Tea” — a variety of premium loose-leaf teas, including black, green and herbal teas.

In-store menus and marketing materials help guide customers through the process of choosing beverages and the right blend of coffee or tea. These beverages are offered in small, medium and large sizes. In addition, most of our coffee drinks are offered in a decaffeinated form, using a water-based natural decaffeination process rather than the traditional methyl-chloride decaffeination process. Beverages contributed approximately 79.9% of coffeehouse net sales for the 53 weeks ended July 3, 2005.

In addition to our beverage products, we also offer twenty-seven varieties of whole bean coffee, including eight custom blends, two seasonal blends, nine decaffeinated blends and one certified organic blend. Our current coffee offerings are:


Regular		Decaffeinated

Amy’s Blend	Guatemala	Amy’s Blend
Caribou Blend	Kenya	Caribou Blend
Colombia	La Minita Peaberry	Daybreak
Costa Rica	Mocha Java	Discovery
Daybreak	Perennial Blend	Espresso
Discovery	Rainforest Blend	Fireside
Espresso	Reindeer Blend	Rainforest Blend
Fireside	Roastmaster Reserve	Reindeer Blend
French Roast	Sumatra	Sumatra

Our Rainforest Blend brand is Fair Trade^tm and organic certified. The Fair Trade certification guarantees that a minimum price be paid to coffee farmers, even if the current market price is below the guaranteed minimum, which helps to insure the long-term viability of the producers. We offer whole bean coffee in prepackaged sizes or, upon request, we can specially package whole bean coffee from bags being used in the coffeehouse, which allows a customer to customize the size and purchase the freshest coffee in the coffeehouse. We will also grind whole bean coffee purchased in our coffeehouses for brewing at home. Whole bean coffee contributed approximately 7.2% of coffeehouse net sales for the 53 weeks ended July 3, 2005.

We are in the process of introducing our ‘Bou Gourmet food offerings throughout our coffeehouses after successful testing in select markets. Our ‘Bou Gourmet offerings will allow us to provide a more consistent variety of baked goods such as muffins, scones, breads, croissants, brownies, danishes, bars, desserts and cookies as well as sandwiches. Through our ‘Bou Gourmet program, we will now purchase foods products that are delivered from national rather than local sources. We believe that this program will help us to improve and expand our food offerings, better control our food inventory and reduce waste. Food items contributed approximately 8.9% of coffeehouse net sales for the 53 weeks ended July 3, 2005.

Finally, we offer a number of Caribou-branded and coffee-related equipment and merchandise. These products are displayed in our coffeehouses near the cash register, in the “grab-n-go” section and on wooden shelves in the “provisions” section. “Grab-n-go” items include Hoof Mints^tm (mints imprinted with the shape of caribou tracks) and Reindeer Nibblers^tm (espresso beans covered with rich chocolate), among other novelty products. In our “provisions” section, we offer various coffee bean grinders, storage canisters, brewing equipment and coffee mugs. We also offer the Hug-A-Bou, which is a Caribou stuffed animal dressed in seasonal attire. Merchandise contributed approximately 4.0% of coffeehouse net sales for the 53 weeks ended July 3, 2005.

Our products are also available to customers outside of the coffeehouses through our catering service. Coffees are offered in three container sizes, and baked goods are offered a la carte or as part of a coffee combo that pairs coffee and baked goods based on the size of the gathering. This service is operated out of each individual coffeehouse.

Coffee Selection and Preparation

We are committed to five key processes to ensure that we always serve the highest quality coffee:


	•	*Sourcing.* We purchase the highest grades of arabica coffee beans through coffee brokers who source beans from different parts of the world. We have developed strong relationships with some of the industry’s most experienced and influential coffee brokers, buyers and farmers. Multiple times a year, our personnel travel to coffee-growing regions in Africa, Indonesia and the Americas to personally select the best beans and, working through brokers or directly with growers, oversee their preparation for shipment. We taste, or “cup,” each sample before purchasing and again before accepting delivery.

	•	*Blending.* Our blends are created from varietal coffee beans sourced throughout the world to create a unique flavor profile. Our roastmasters spend significant time each week cupping different unblended coffees. The roastmasters are able to create custom blends comprised of anywhere from three to eight different coffees based on the selection of beans available.

	•	*Roasting.* We differentiate our coffee by craft roasting — custom roasting beans in small batches to enhance their unique characteristics. Each batch is roasted for the appropriate length of time to achieve the optimal flavor profile for the particular varietal or blend. This process allows us to offer a broad spectrum of light to dark roasts. Our roastmasters cup each of these roasts every day to maintain quality and consistency.

	•	*Packaging.* Our packaging ensures our coffee remains fresh from the time it is roasted until it is brewed. After each coffee varietal or blend is roasted to its unique profile, the coffee is packaged with one-way valve technology that allows the release of carbon dioxide but does not permit the entry of oxygen, which can accelerate staleness. We also use a special process to displace any residual oxygen in the package to extend the freshness of our pre-packaged whole-bean coffee.

	•	*Brewing.* Consistent, high standard in-store brewing is the final step in achieving the best coffee. We install high quality grinders, brewers and water filtration systems in every coffeehouse and enforce strict brewing and maintenance procedures. These procedures include monthly replacement of water filtration cartridges, grinding coffee just before brewing and serving coffee within one hour of its brew time. Moreover, coffee beans are not brewed more than 21 days out of the roaster or seven days after the package seal is opened. At our coffeehouses and on our website, we offer a free guide titled “Brew Your Best At Home” intended to help whole bean customers replicate the quality brewing they find at our coffeehouses at their home or office.

Coffeehouse Design and Atmosphere

Our coffeehouses are designed to look and feel like a mountain lodge, which has provided a strong point of differentiation for us. A casual and inviting atmosphere is created with earth tone fabrics and paints and comfortable seating, including leather sofas and chairs and large tables. Most of our coffeehouses have a fireplace that adds to the warm and relaxed atmosphere. The coffeehouses also feature exposed wooden beams and are decorated with lodge fixtures.

One of the primary attributes of our coffeehouse layout is that it provides quick and convenient access to facilitate take-out business, while at the same time encouraging customers to gather and relax. Our coffeehouses feature two defined areas to meet these different needs of customers. The service order and pick-up area facilitates maximum efficiency during busy times, while large tables and comfortable lounge sofas and chairs are located in a separate seating area where customers can read, socialize with friends or have informal business meetings. In addition, most of our locations offer wireless Internet access as well as a kids corner with toys, games and special seating for children.

The lodge concept and design is flexible and can be successfully implemented in a variety of coffeehouse locations, configurations and sizes, which range from approximately 200 to 3,000 square feet. Our prototypical coffeehouse is approximately 1,200 to 1,600 square feet, a size that allows us to satisfy both the rushed and the relaxed customer. We have experienced positive customer response from our smaller kiosks in high-traffic areas such as airports, malls, large office buildings and supermarkets and continue to expand our use of these layouts. We also continue to enhance our decor to update the look of our coffeehouses while preserving the warm and friendly environment that our customers enjoy. In addition, we plan to develop relationships with certain retailers to open coffeehouses within their stores.

Site Selection and Construction

Our site selection for our coffeehouses is integral to the successful execution of our growth strategy. We have improved and refined our rigorous site selection process with the aid of a third party consultant. We evaluate potential locations using a statistical model, which compares the demographics of a particular location as well as site attributes, such as the type of venue, the potential for signage, and whether the location will have a drive through, to the demographics and attributes of our existing coffeehouse base. This process allows us to develop revenue forecasts and a financial plan for a potential location, so that we can select sites most likely to produce successful and profitable coffeehouses. We attempt to find geographic areas of expansion within our existing and new markets in which we believe there is significant demand for our products. Specifically, we target market areas that have a residential population of 20,000 or a daytime population of 60,000 within a three-mile radius that meet certain demographic criteria regarding income, education, and occupation. To source competitive leases, our field real estate managers work with local brokers. Our field managers have knowledge of the real estate markets in the regions they cover and have historically been able to negotiate favorable lease terms on our behalf. Additionally, the flexibility of our lodge concept and design allows us to tailor coffeehouse construction to specific selected sites, while ensuring that each coffeehouse maintains the inviting environment our customers identify with the Caribou Coffee brand. After we identify a potential site, we develop a site plan, space plan and project budget that are approved by senior management as well as coffeehouse operations and real estate personnel.

We have an experienced in-house construction team that is dedicated to budgeting and overseeing the construction of each coffeehouse through its opening. Our design management staff coordinates the development of a set of design and construction plans and specifications for each coffeehouse. Experienced outside architects assist our design and construction team with site plan approvals and building permits. Our construction team contracts with preferred general contractors for each market. Projects are also bid out to ensure competitive pricing and to identify new qualified contractors. Our field construction team monitors construction for adherence to plans and specifications as well as alignment with identified project costs. Our construction procurement group places orders with preferred vendors and manages timely

delivery to project sites. We are generally able to purchase materials in sufficient quantities to receive favorable pricing. By utilizing our own dedicated design and construction group, we believe we are able to maximize flexibility in the design process and retain control over the cost and timing of the construction process.

Coffeehouse Operations

Coffeehouse Team Members

We strive for operational excellence by recruiting, training and supporting high-quality managers and coffeehouse employees, whom we refer to as team members. Each of our coffeehouses is managed by a store manager who oversees an average of 15 team members in each coffeehouse. Each coffeehouse manager is responsible for the day-to-day operations of that coffeehouse, including hiring, training and development of personnel, local store marketing and coffeehouse operating results. We also employ district managers, who are responsible for overseeing the operations of approximately 10 coffeehouses, and directors of operations, who are each responsible for overseeing approximately 10 district managers and the operations of approximately 100 stores. As of July 31, 2005, we had 32 district managers and four directors of operations.

We are guided by a pay-for-performance philosophy that allows us to identify and reward team members who meet our high performance standards. We provide incentive bonuses to store managers and district managers. Bonuses for store and district managers are based upon coffeehouse sales, profit and customer service standards. Because of our strong commitment to customer service, if a store or district manager’s score in customer service is below the required minimum, no bonus is given regardless of the score in other areas. To aid us in evaluating service standards in our coffeehouses, we arrange for unannounced visits by “mystery shoppers” from a third-party service provider who supply feedback on the customer service, products, coffeehouse appearance and overall experience they encounter in the coffeehouses they visit.

We believe the personal interaction of our employees with customers is an important differentiating factor for us. We also believe that our selective hiring practices, extensive training program and lower employee turnover compared to industry turnover lead to a superior customer experience. We encourage our employees to know customers’ names and their preferred drink or other menu items, which stimulates customer loyalty through familiarity and helps further differentiate us from our competition.

Training

We believe that the training and development of our employees is key to fulfilling our mission of creating “an experience that makes the day better” for every guest on every visit. Delivering excellent customer service is at the very heart of our company. We instill a sense of purpose in all of our training practices to create a strong sense of commitment in our employees to deliver excellent service.

We have specific training and certification requirements for all new team members, including a combination of in-store training, classroom training, a training video and drink certification. In addition to requiring that all new team members be “drink certified,” we also require ongoing drink re-certifications for team members. This rigorous process helps ensure that all employees are executing our beverage recipes and standards accurately and consistently.

To ensure a consistency of experience, we require our licensees to undergo training at one of our facilities prior to opening their first coffeehouse and to provide ongoing classroom and in-store training for their employees. Employees at licensed locations also go through the same certification process as team members at company-operated coffeehouses.

Hours of Operation

Our coffeehouses provide a clean, smoke-free environment and typically are open sixteen hours a day, seven days a week.

Quality Control

We use a variety of internal audit practices to enforce our high standards for quality in all aspects of our store operations. These practices include our “mystery shopper” program and audits by district managers of beverage quality, facility maintenance, cleanliness, cash-handling procedures and other operational standards for the coffeehouses they oversee.

Commercial Channels

In addition to our focus on the growth of our retail coffeehouses, we also intend to continue to strategically expand into other distribution channels to enhance our growth, profitability and brand awareness. These distribution channels and existing customers in each channel include:


	•	Grocery stores and mass merchandisers — This segment includes grocery stores, mass merchandisers and club stores. Our existing customers in this channel include Byerly’s, Lunds, SuperTarget and Sam’s Club.

	•	Office coffee providers — This segment includes national and regional providers of coffee to offices and other workplaces. Our existing customers in this channel include Aramark, Berry Coffee and Standard Coffee.

	•	Airlines — This segment targets both large multi-hub national operators and smaller single-hub regional operators, as well as private and corporate jet fleets. Our existing customers in this channel are Independence Air, Frontier Airlines and NetJets.

	•	Hotels — This segment includes hotel restaurants, catering and banquet programs and in-room dining. Our existing customers in this channel are The Crowne Plaza Hotel and The Marriott City Center in Minneapolis and suburban Minneapolis Marriott locations.

	•	Sports and entertainment venues — This segment includes multi-use sports and entertainment facilities that serve as the home for major sports teams, music concerts and family events. Our existing customers in this channel are The Palace of Auburn Hills in metropolitan Detroit and The Target Center in Minneapolis.

	•	College campuses — Our products are currently served at St. Lawrence College, The College of St. Catherine’s and Bethel University.

Licensing and Joint Ventures

International Licensing

In 2004, we made a strategic decision to begin licensing locations internationally. We believe that expanding internationally through licensing can provide us with higher returns on investment, while significantly reducing the capital and infrastructure required to own and operate international coffeehouses. We seek qualified licensing partners that are established in their local communities, that have access to prime commercial real estate and that are experienced in retail services, food processes or similar businesses. In general, we will seek licensees that will enter into agreements to open a significant number of units in a geographic market. We have a director of operations who is responsible for overseeing our international licensing activities.

We have entered into a master license agreement that provides for 250 coffeehouses to be opened through 2012 in the Middle East. We chose the Middle East region as our initial international expansion area based upon favorable demographics and demand for coffee and tea in that region and because we

identified a strong local licensee who we believe can help us expand in that region. In addition, we believe there is a small, but growing market for American-branded coffeehouses in this region. Although we have not yet opened any international licensed locations, we expect the first coffeehouses under the master license agreement to open in the fourth quarter of 2005.

Upon signing the master license agreement, our licensee paid us a nonrefundable deposit consisting of a $2 million rental fee for the rights to develop, sublicense and operate coffeehouses in 12 Middle Eastern countries and a $1.25 million upfront license fee. For each of the first 100 coffeehouses opened under the agreement, a $20,000 initial license fee will be due at the time of opening, $15,000 of which is payable in cash and $5,000 of which will be credited against the $1.25 million upfront licensing fee. For each coffeehouse after the first 100 coffeehouses opened under the agreement, the initial license fee will be $15,000, $10,000 of which is payable in cash and $5,000 of which will be credited against the $1.25 million upfront license fee. The licensee also will pay an ongoing royalty of 5% of net sales of each coffeehouse operated by the licensee and 3% of net sales of each coffeehouse operated by a sublicensee. Under this agreement, the licensee is responsible for start-up costs for all coffeehouses. Our master license agreement requires the licensee to operate coffeehouses in accordance with our defined operating procedures, adhere to our established menus and meet applicable quality, service, health and cleanliness standards. The licensee is also required to purchase coffee and other propriety and branded merchandise from us. The master license agreement provides that the licensee may grant sublicenses within the term and territory of the master license agreement. Any sublicensee will be subject to the same operational standards as our licensee. Locations for coffeehouses opened under the master license agreement will be selected by our licensee or its sublicensees.

We anticipate that future license agreements will have similar terms and characteristics as our existing master license agreement, including the type and amounts of fees, allocation of costs and operational requirements. However, the terms of future license agreements may vary based on the number of coffeehouses, the markets covered or other factors.

Domestic Licensing and Joint Ventures

Although we primarily intend to expand in the United States through company-operated coffeehouses, in certain circumstances we may license locations in the United States in order to gain access to attractive locations where we might not otherwise be able to lease space to open a company-operated coffeehouse. For example, airports frequently require that tenants qualify as a disadvantaged business enterprise or lease a substantial minimum square footage.

We currently license two coffeehouses in an airport where we would not have been able to obtain a lease on our own. Upon signing the license agreement for these coffeehouses, the licensee paid us a non-refundable initial license fee of $25,000. The licensee also pays an ongoing royalty of 5% of the first $1 million of net sales and 3% of net sales in excess of $1 million for each coffeehouse in each year. The licensee was responsible for start-up costs for the coffeehouses. Additionally, we license one coffeehouse in a retail store. Under this license arrangement, the retailer paid for the construction, furniture and equipment to locate a Caribou Coffee kiosk in its store, and it pays us an administrative fee to operate the kiosk. Profits or losses in excess of our administrative fee are evenly divided between us and the retailer.

In two circumstances we have entered into joint ventures in order to gain access to attractive locations. One of the joint ventures operates three coffeehouses in an airport. We own a 49% interest in this joint venture and our joint venture partner owns the remaining 51% interest. The other joint venture operates one coffeehouse in a bookstore in suburban Minneapolis. We and the owner of the bookstore each own a 50% interest in this joint venture. Under both joint ventures, we divide the costs and profits with our joint venture partner in proportion to our ownership interests.

All of these licensed and joint venture locations are operated in accordance with our defined operating procedures, adhere to our established menus and meet our quality, service, health and cleanliness standards. We also provide coffee and other proprietary and branded merchandise for all of these locations.

Mail-Order and Internet Channels

Customers may purchase our coffee and merchandise through our mail-order program or from our web site. These channels allow us to provide our products to customers who may not have convenient access to our coffeehouses, or who simply prefer the ease and convenience that mail-order and Internet purchasing offer. In addition, sales through these channels may help us to identify locations for new coffeehouses where there is already demand for our products. In addition, through marketing and other brand building initiatives, we intend to leverage our existing coffeehouse-based growth to drive additional mail-order and Internet sales.

Marketing

We employ marketing strategies to increase brand awareness, encourage trial and repeat purchases by educating potential customers about the distinctive qualities of the Caribou Coffee brand and promote repeat business by reinforcing positive experiences with our products. We rely on a mixture of marketing efforts that are tailored to the specific needs of particular markets or coffeehouses, including:


	•	Point-of-purchase marketing, which encourages existing customers to try new products or services, such as our stored-value Caribou Cards;

	•	Direct marketing, which includes mailings and email distributions which are cost-effective methods to reach potential new customers and encourage repeat visits from existing customers;

	•	Promotions and local store marketing, which allow us to alert our customers to new products, seasonal merchandise and coupon programs;

	•	Community initiatives, which generate favorable publicity and help build our brand; and

	•	Print advertising, which includes advertising in newspapers and other publications to attract new customers within a particular market.

In addition, we receive free marketing through word-of-mouth communication from our current customers who tell their friends and colleagues about their experiences with our products, environment and service.

We also occasionally develop special blends or other products for specific marketing or community initiatives, such as our Amy’s Blend Coffee, a special blend that we sell during several weeks each year to commemorate one of our first roastmasters. We contribute a portion of the proceeds from sales of this blend, along with sales of related merchandise, to the National Breast Cancer Foundation. The Coca-Cola Company provides a matching contribution to the funds we donate. We are also committed to supporting the ongoing and sustainable production of coffee, and we allocate funds to support agriculturally and socially responsible initiatives in the countries from which we source beans. For instance, we recently established a relationship with Rainforest Alliance, an international coalition focused on protecting the environment in coffee-producing regions, to begin buying coffee beans from farms certified by the Rainforest Alliance as adhering to rigorous environmental and social criteria.

Purchasing

Our principal raw material is coffee beans. We typically enter into supply contracts to purchase a pre-determined quantity of coffee beans at a fixed price per pound. These contracts usually cover periods up to a year, as negotiated with the individual supplier. As of July 3, 2005, we had commitments to purchase coffee beans at a total cost of $7.9 million through July 3, 2006. We will purchase the remainder of the coffee beans we need in the spot market at negotiated prices or under additional supply contracts we enter into during the next year.

We obtain our dairy products from regional dairy suppliers. In our established markets, we generally have arrangements with a dairy supplier under which we purchase for fixed prices based upon the commodity price plus a percentage. We obtain the majority of our other non-coffee products, including specialty teas, paper and plastic goods and food items, from regional or national vendors.

Locations and Facilities

Coffeehouse Locations

As of July 31, 2005, we had 337 retail coffeehouses, including three licensed locations and four joint venture locations, in the following states and the District of Columbia:


State	Coffeehouses

Minnesota(1)		154
Illinois		56
Ohio		32
Michigan		23
North Carolina		19
Georgia		13
Maryland(2)		9
Wisconsin		7
Virginia		7
Washington, D.C.		6
Pennsylvania		4
Iowa		2
North Dakota		2
Nebraska		2
Colorado		1

Total		337


(1)	Includes four locations owned by joint ventures and one licensed location.

(2)	Includes two licensed locations.

We lease all of our retail facilities. Most of our existing leases are for five to 10 years and typically have multiple five-year renewal options. We regularly evaluate the economic performance of our coffeehouses and, when feasible, close ones that do not meet our expectations. Although we primarily intend to expand in the United States through company-operated coffeehouses, we have entered into licenses and joint ventures in order to gain access to specific venues. In particular, two of our three licensed coffeehouses and three of our four joint venture coffeehouses are in airports.

Headquarters and Roasting Facility

We currently conduct our roasting and packaging, and warehouse and distribution activities in a 130,000 square foot leased facility in suburban Minneapolis, which also houses our corporate headquarters. We lease this facility under a lease that has an initial term that expires in 2019 and is subject to extensions through 2029. We have an option to purchase the facility at the end of the initial lease term. This facility has approximately 46,000 square feet for warehousing of finished goods and distribution, approximately 42,000 square feet for storage of raw materials, roasting and packaging and approximately 42,000 square feet of office space. We currently have two coffee roasters and expect to add a third roaster in 2006. We also have three coffee packaging stations and expect to add a fourth packaging station later in 2005. At present, we are operating at less than our full capacity, and we believe that our existing infrastructure is scalable so that we can add additional capacity with limited incremental capital expenditures. In addition, when we need to add additional roasting, packaging and fulfillment infrastructure, we believe that we can do so at a relatively inexpensive cost.

Our roasting facility is organic certified by the U.S. Department of Agriculture, allowing us to offer our Rainforest Blend as organic certified. From time to time we engage third party vendors to meet special processing needs, including roasting or specialized packaging for specific commercial accounts.

Competition

The retail segment of the gourmet coffee industry remains highly fragmented and, with the exception of Starbucks, contains few companies with strong brands. Because of the fragmented nature of the gourmet coffee market, we cannot accurately estimate our market share. Only Starbucks has attained a national presence, and to date, no national high-quality alternative to Starbucks has emerged. Our competitors in addition to Starbucks are primarily regional or local market coffeehouses, such as Dunn Brothers in the Minneapolis market. We also compete with numerous convenience stores, restaurants, coffee shops and street vendors and, to a certain degree, with quick service restaurants such as Dunkin’ Donuts. As we continue to expand geographically, we expect to encounter additional regional and local competitors. In the Middle East, the first region in which we are seeking to expand internationally, we believe there is a small, but growing market for American-branded coffeehouses, with Starbucks being the clear leader based on number of coffeehouses.

Despite competing in a fragmented market, increased consumer demand has resulted in gourmet coffee brands being established across multiple distribution channels. Several competitors are aggressive in obtaining distribution in specialty grocery and gourmet food stores, and in office, restaurant and food service locations.

We believe that our customers choose among gourmet coffeehouses based upon the quality and variety of the coffee and other products, atmosphere, convenience, customer service and, to a lesser extent, price. Although consumers may differentiate coffee brands based on freshness (as an element of coffee quality), to our knowledge, few significant competitors focus on craft roasting and product freshness in the same manner as Caribou Coffee. We believe that our growing market share among gourmet coffeehouses is based on the positive response of our customers to the overall experience we provide.

We also compete with numerous other retailers and restaurants for retail real estate locations for our coffeehouses.

Information Systems

We utilize an integrated information system to manage the flow of information within each coffeehouse and between the coffeehouses and our corporate office. This system includes a point-of-sale, or POS, system that is connected to our corporate office and to third party application service providers via a wide area network. The POS system helps facilitate the operations of our coffeehouses by recording sales transactions, providing instantaneous processing of credit card and stored-value Caribou Card transactions, recording employee time clock information and producing a variety of management reports. Select information that is captured from the POS system is transmitted to the corporate office on a daily basis, which enables senior management to continually monitor operating results.

We use a warehouse management system that allows us to efficiently manage our inventory of coffee beans and other products. Orders for products are placed by employees in our coffeehouses through a web-based ordering system that uploads the orders nightly to our warehouse for processing. We are installing software and technology to streamline our interview and hiring processes as we accelerate our new coffeehouse openings in 2005 and 2006.

We use software and hardware developed by reputable vendors and commonly used in our industry. These systems are integrated to provide senior management with daily and weekly sales and cost analysis, monthly detailed profit statements and comparisons between actual and budgeted operating results. We employ back-up, redundancy and disaster recovery procedures to protect against significant system failures or disruptions.

Service Marks and Trademarks

We regard intellectual property and other proprietary rights as important to our success. We own several trademarks and service marks that have been registered with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office, including Caribou Coffee, Reindeer Blend and other product-specific names. We have also registered trademarks on our stylized logo. In addition, we have applications pending with the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office for a number of additional marks, including Caribou Coffee Natural Decaf, Caribou

Cooler and other product-specific names. In addition, we have registered or made application to register one or more of our marks in a number of foreign countries and expect to continue to do so in the future as we expand internationally. There can be no assurance that we can obtain the registration for the marks in every country where registration has been sought.

Our ability to differentiate our brand from those of our competitors depends, in part, on the strength and enforcement of our trademarks. We must constantly protect against any infringement by competitors. If a competitor infringes on our trademark rights, we may have to litigate to protect our rights, in which case, we may incur significant expenses and divert significant attention from our business operations.

Employees

As of July 31, 2005, we employed a workforce of 4,933 people, approximately 1,609 of whom are considered full-time employees. None of our employees are represented by a labor union. We consider our relationship with our employees to be good.

Governmental Regulation

Our coffee roasting operations and our coffeehouses are subject to various governmental laws, regulations and licenses relating to health and safety, building and land use, and environmental protection. Our roasting facility is subject to state and local air-quality and emissions regulations. We believe that we are in compliance in all material respects with all such laws and regulations and that we have obtained all material licenses that are required for the operation of our business. We are not aware of any environmental regulations that have or that we believe will have a material adverse effect on our operations.

We are also subject to the federal Fair Labor Standards Act, or the federal FLSA, and various other laws governing such matters as minimum wage requirements, overtime and other working conditions.

Litigation

On July 26, 2005, three of our former employees filed a lawsuit against us in the State of Minnesota District Court for Hennepin County seeking monetary and equitable relief from us under the Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act, or the Minnesota FLSA, the federal FLSA, and state common law. The suit primarily alleges that we misclassified our retail store managers and managers in training as exempt from the overtime provisions of the Minnesota FLSA and the federal FLSA and that these managers and managers in training are therefore entitled to overtime compensation for each week in which they worked more than 40 hours from May 2002 to the present with respect to the claims under the federal FLSA and for weeks in which they worked more than 48 hours from May 2003 to the present with respect to the claims under the Minnesota FLSA. The plaintiffs are seeking to represent themselves and all of our allegedly similarly situated current and former (within the foregoing periods of time) store managers and managers in training. The plaintiffs are seeking payment of an unspecified amount of allegedly owed and unpaid overtime compensation, liquidated damages, prejudgment interest, civil penalties under the Minnesota FLSA, an accounting of the amount allegedly owed to the putative class, temporary and injunctive relief, attorney’s fees and costs. On August 15, 2005, we removed the lawsuit to the Federal District Court for the District of Minnesota and filed our answer to the complaint. We believe that we have defenses to these claims, and we are vigorously defending the lawsuit. This claim could divert our management’s time and attention from our business operations and might potentially result in substantial costs of defense, settlement or other disposition, which could have a material adverse effect on our results of operations in one or more fiscal periods.

In addition, from time to time, we become involved in certain legal proceedings in the ordinary course of business. We do not believe that any such ordinary course legal proceedings to which we are currently a party will have a material adverse effect on our financial position or results of operations.

MANAGEMENT

Directors and Executive Officers

Our board of directors currently consists of three directors. We expect to add the three proposed directors identified below as independent directors upon consummation of this offering. Pursuant to our articles of incorporation, each of our directors is elected by our shareholders to serve until the next annual meeting and until his or her successor is duly elected and qualified. The first annual meeting of our shareholders after this offering will be held in 2006. In addition, we intend to comply with the Nasdaq rule requiring us to have a majority of independent directors on our board of directors within one year after this offering by adding a fourth independent director. Subject to rights pursuant to any employment agreements, officers serve at the pleasure of our board of directors.

The following table sets forth certain information concerning the individuals who will be our directors and executive officers upon the consummation of this offering, with ages as of July 31, 2005:


Name	Age		Position

Michael J. Coles		61	Chief Executive Officer, President and Chairman of the Board(1)
George E. Mileusnic		50	Chief Financial Officer
Amy K. O’Neil		35	Senior Vice President of Store Operations
Janet D. Astor		39	Vice President of Real Estate and Store Development
Edward T. Boyle		43	Vice President of Research and Development
Kathy F. Hollenhorst		43	Vice President of Marketing
Deborah K. Jones		51	Vice President of Training
Dan E. Lee		49	General Counsel, Vice President and Secretary
Karen E. McBride-Raffel		39	Vice President of Human Resources
Michael E. Peterson		42	Vice President, Controller
Christopher B. Rich		49	Vice President of Global Franchising
Henry A. Stein		48	Vice President of Business Development and Commercial Sales
R. Paul Turek		50	Vice President of Support Operations
Kip R. Caffey		49	Director*(2)(3)
Wallace B. Doolin		58	Director*(1)(3)
Charles L. Griffith		50	Director(3)
Jeffrey C. Neal		60	Director*(1)(2)
Charles H. Ogburn		50	Director(2)


	*	Proposed director.


(1)	Proposed member of the nominating and corporate governance committee.

(2)	Proposed member of the audit committee.

(3)	Proposed member of the compensation committee.

Michael J. Coles has served as a Director and as our Chief Executive Officer and President since June 2003 and as the Chairman of our Board since July 2005. Prior to joining us, Mr. Coles co-founded Great American Cookie Company in 1977 and served as Chief Executive Officer until he sold his remaining interest in the company in 1998. From 1987 until 2003, Mr. Coles also served on the board of Charter Bank & Trust, of which he was a founder, and from 1998 to 2001, Mr. Coles was chairman of the board. From 1999 through 2003, Mr. Coles also was a consultant and private investor providing strategic

and management advice to a number of private companies and served on the boards of several not-for-profit organizations.

George E. Mileusnic has served as our Chief Financial Officer since September 2001. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Mileusnic served as Chief Financial Officer of Dean & DeLuca, a gourmet food retailer, from March 2000 to January 2001. From June 1998 through February 2000 and from February 2001 through August 2001, Mr. Mileusnic was a consultant and private investor providing strategic and management advice to a number of public and private companies. From September 1989 to December 1996, he was Chief Financial Officer at The Coleman Company, Inc., a manufacturer of outdoor and camping equipment, and from January 1997 to May 1998, he served as The Coleman Company’s Executive Vice President, Administration for its recreation products division. Mr. Mileusnic currently serves on the board of trustees of American Independence Funds, a family of mutual funds.

Amy K. O’Neil has served as our Senior Vice President of Store Operations since March 2005. From July 2003 through February 2005, Ms. O’Neil was our Vice President of Store Operations, and from January 2001 through June 2003 she was our Director of Retail Operations. Ms. O’Neil also served as our Director of Marketing from January 2000 through December 2000, and prior to that time, she held various other positions with us from the time she joined us in 1993.

Janet D. Astor has served as our Vice President of Real Estate and Store Development since December 2004. Ms. Astor served as the Senior Vice President of Real Estate and Development at Buffets, Inc., a buffet and cafeteria restaurant operator, from 2002 to 2004. From 1993 to 2002, Ms. Astor served in various management capacities at YUM! Brands, Inc., a quick service restaurant company, including serving as Director of Development from 2000 to 2002.

Edward T. Boyle has served as our Vice President of Research and Development since June 2003, our Director of Research and Development from January 2002 through May 2003, our Director of Operations — Midwest from September 1999 through December 2001 and our Regional Director — Ohio/ Illinois from May 1996 through August 1999.

Kathy F. Hollenhorst has served as our Vice President of Marketing since April 2005. Prior to joining us, Ms. Hollenhorst worked with Carlson Companies, Inc., a large private company in the hospitality, marketing and travel industries, from 1996 to 2005 where she was the Executive Vice President of Marketing, Radisson Hotels and Executive Vice President CRM, Carlson Consumer Group.

Deborah K. Jones has served as our Vice President of Training since July 2003 and as our Director of Training from March 1999 through June 2003. Ms. Jones also served in various other positions since joining Caribou in 1995, including Coffeehouse Manager, Training Coffeehouse Manager and Region Director.

Dan E. Lee has served as our General Counsel, Vice President and Secretary since August 2005. Prior to joining the Company, Mr. Lee served as an attorney for MoneyGram International, Inc., a global payment services company, from April 2005 to July 2005. From 1988 to 2004, Mr. Lee worked with Carlson Companies, Inc., a large private company in the hospitality, marketing and travel industries. From 2003 to 2004, he was Executive Vice President, Program Manager and Associate General Counsel for CW Government Travel, a part of the travel operations of Carlson Companies responsible for soliciting and managing travel for U.S. government departments. From 1988 to 2003, he was Associate General Counsel and Assistant Secretary for Carlson Companies.

Karen E. McBride-Raffel has served as our Vice President of Human Resources since June 2003 and as our Senior Director of Field Human Resources from March 2000 through May 2003. Prior to that time she held various other positions with us since joining us in 1995, including Human Resource Manager and Director of Human Resources.

Michael E. Peterson has served as our Vice President, Controller since March 2005 and served as our Controller from 1997 through February 2005.

Christopher B. Rich has served as our Vice President of Global Franchising since August 2005. Prior to joining us, Mr. Rich served as Director of Franchising for Glory Days Grill, a sports-themed casual dining concept, from January 2005 to August 2005. From April 1995 to December 2004, Mr. Rich was the Owner and General Manger of Fowlers Mill Group, a restaurant and catering complex.

Henry A. Stein has served as our Vice President of Business Development and Commercial Sales since March 2005 and served as our Senior Director, Commercial Sales from October 2003 through February 2005. Prior to joining us, Mr. Stein served in various management positions at The Coca-Cola Company, including Director, Corporate Customer Development and Regional Sales Manager, Midwest Region, from 1997 to 2003.

R. Paul Turek has served as our Vice President of Support Operations since June 2003 and served as our Senior Director and General Manager of Support Operations from July 1999 to June 2003.

Kip R. Caffey has been Managing Director of Cary Street Partners, LLC, an investment banking and wealth management firm, since July 2004. From July 1999 to March 2004, Mr. Caffey was employed by SunTrust Robinson Humphrey and its predecessor firm, The Robinson-Humphrey Company, Inc., where he was Senior Managing Director and co-head of Investment Banking. Upon consummation of this offering, Mr. Caffey will become one of our independent directors.

Wallace B. Doolin has been Chairman of the Board of Directors, Chief Executive Officer and President of Buca, Inc., an owner and operator of full service restaurants, since November 2004. From May 2002 to October 2004, Mr. Doolin was Chief Executive Officer and President of La Madeleine de Corps, Inc., a French restaurant and bakery company. From January 1994 to May 2002, he was Chief Executive Officer and President of TGI Friday’s, an owner and operator of casual dining restaurants, and its parent, Carlson Restaurants Worldwide Inc., a global restaurant company. Upon consummation of this offering, Mr. Doolin will become one of our independent directors.

Charles L. Griffith has been a director since July 2005. Mr. Griffith has been an Executive Director of Arcapita since February 2005. From 2003 until 2004, he served as Group President for Johns Manville, a Berkshire Hathaway-owned company that manufactures insulation and building products. From 2002 until 2003, Mr. Griffith served as Executive Vice President of Electronic Data Systems Corporation, a global technology services company. From 2001 to 2002, he was a Partner with Investcorp International, a global investment group, and from 1998 until 2000, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Ingersoll Dresser Pump Company, a manufacturer and aftermarket service provider of comprehensive flow control systems. Prior to this, Mr. Griffith was with Allied Signal Corporation and McKinsey and Company.

Jeffrey C. Neal held a variety of positions at Merrill Lynch & Co. Inc. and a predecessor firm from 1973 until 2004 including serving as Chairman of the Global Investment Banking Group from March 2003 to August 2004, Chief Operating Officer of the Global Investment Banking Group from September 2001 to March 2003 and Chairman of the Global Corporate Finance Group from 2000 until August 2001. Mr. Neal has been retired since September 2004. Upon consummation of this offering, Mr. Neal will become one of our independent directors.

Charles H. Ogburn has been a director since January 2003. Mr. Ogburn has been an Executive Director of Arcapita since March 2001. Prior to joining Arcapita, Mr. Ogburn spent more than 15 years at the investment banking firm of The Robinson-Humphrey Company, Inc., most recently as Senior Managing Director and co-head of Investment Banking.

Board Committees

Our board of directors has appointed an audit committee, compensation committee and nominating and corporate governance committee effective upon consummation of this offering. The board of directors has adopted a written charter for each of these committees, copies of which will be posted on our web site at cariboucoffee.com. The inclusion of our web site address in this prospectus does not incorporate by reference the information on our web site into this prospectus.

Under our committee charters, the composition of each committee must comply with the rules and regulations of the SEC and Nasdaq, as amended or modified from time to time. Pursuant to the rules of the SEC and Nasdaq, we intend that (a) upon consummation of this offering three directors will serve on our audit, compensation and nominating and corporate governance committees and each committee will have a majority of independent directors and (b) the committees will be composed solely of independent directors within 12 months after this offering. Our committee charters define “independent director” by reference to the rules and regulations of Nasdaq, which generally deem a director to be independent if the director has no relationship to us that may interfere with the exercise of his or her independence from management. The board of directors has determined that Messrs. Caffey, Doolin and Neal qualify as independent directors.

Audit Committee. The audit committee will help ensure the integrity of our financial statements, the qualifications and independence of our independent auditors and the performance of our internal audit function and independent auditors. The audit committee will:


	•	evaluate the independent auditors’ qualifications, independence and performance;

	•	determine the terms of engagement of the independent auditors;

	•	approve the retention of the independent auditors to perform any proposed permissible non-audit services;

	•	monitor the rotation of partners of the independent auditors on the engagement team as required by law;

	•	review our financial statements;

	•	review our critical accounting policies and estimates; and

	•	discuss with management and the independent auditors the results of the annual audit and the review of our quarterly financial statements, among other things.

Mr. Neal will be designated as chair and Messrs. Caffey and Ogburn will be appointed as a members of our audit committee upon consummation of this offering. Mr. Neal will also be designated as an “audit committee financial expert.” We intend to appoint at least one additional independent member of the audit committee within 12 months after this offering, at which time Mr. Ogburn would cease to be a member of this committee.

Compensation Committee. The compensation committee will review and approve the compensation and benefits of our executive officers, administer and make recommendations to our board of directors regarding our compensation and equity incentive plans and produce an annual report on executive compensation for inclusion in our proxy statements. Mr. Griffith will be designated as chair and Messrs. Caffey and Doolin will be appointed as a members of our compensation committee upon consummation of this offering. We intend to appoint at least one additional independent member of the compensation committee within 12 months after this offering, at which time Mr. Griffith would cease to be a member of this committee.

Nominating and Corporate Governance Committee. The nominating and corporate governance committee will adopt a code of ethics, adopt policies with respect to conflicts of interest, monitor our compliance with corporate governance requirements of state and federal law and the rules and regulations of Nasdaq, establish criteria for prospective members of our board of directors, conduct candidate searches and interviews, oversee and evaluate our board of directors and management, evaluate from time to time the appropriate size and composition of our board of directors, recommend, as appropriate, increases, decreases and changes in the composition of our board of directors and formally propose the slate of directors to be elected at each annual meeting of our shareholders. Mr. Coles will be designated as chair and Messrs. Doolin and Neal will be appointed as a members of our nominating and corporate governance committee upon consummation of this offering. We intend to appoint at least one additional independent member of the nominating and corporate governance committee within 12 months after this offering, at which time Mr. Coles would cease to be a member of this committee.

Our board of directors may from time to time establish certain other committees to facilitate the management of our company.

Compensation Committee Interlocks and Insider Participation

None of our executive officers who are members of our board of directors participate in the approval of matters relating to their compensation, and none of them serve as members of the compensation committee. None of our executive officers currently serve on the compensation committee or board of directors of any other company of which any member or proposed member of our compensation committee is an executive officer.

Compensation of Directors

Our directors who also are our employees or are affiliated with Arcapita receive no compensation for serving on the board of directors. We have agreed to provide our independent directors $15,000 per member in cash consideration annually for serving on our board of directors, an additional $5,000 per member for serving on any committee of our board of directors and an additional $2,000 per board meeting attended in person or by telephone. In addition, under our 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, each independent director will receive an initial option grant to purchase 10,000 shares of our common stock upon the effective date of this offering with a per share exercise price equal to the initial public offering price in this offering, and thereafter any new independent director will receive an initial option grant to purchase 10,000 shares of our common stock upon the director’s election or appointment to our board of directors. We have agreed to reimburse all of our directors for all reasonable expenses incurred in connection with their duties as directors.

Executive Officer Compensation

The table below summarizes the compensation awarded or paid to, or earned for, services rendered to us in all capacities during fiscal year 2004, by our Chief Executive Officer and President and the other four most highly compensated executive officers. These executives are referred to as the “named executive officers” elsewhere in this prospectus.

Summary Compensation Table


		Annual Compensation
						All Other
Name and Principal Position		Salary ($)		Bonus ($)		Compensation

Michael J. Coles
	Chief Executive Officer and President	$	371,154	$	375,000		—
George E. Mileusnic
	Chief Financial Officer		243,671		93,813		—
Amy K. O’Neil
	Senior Vice President of Store Operations		154,368		33,963		45,225	(1)
Bachir A. Mihoubi(2)
	Vice President of Global Franchising		200,000		100,000		—
R. Paul Turek
	Vice President of Support Operations		143,603		35,183		—


(1)	Represents payment of relocation expenses, including temporary living expenses, costs associated with the sale of a residence and an associated tax gross-up payment, and certain group term life and medical benefits attributed to Ms. O’Neil.

(2)	Mr. Mihoubi’s employment with us ended on July 19, 2005.

Option Grants in Last Fiscal Year

There were no option grants in fiscal year 2004 to any of our named executive officers.

Aggregated Option Exercises in Last Fiscal Year and Fiscal Year-End Option Values

The following table sets forth information for the named executive officers concerning stock option exercises during fiscal year 2004 and options outstanding at the end of fiscal year 2004. There was no public trading market for our common stock as of January 2, 2005. Accordingly, the value of unexercised options at the end of fiscal year 2004 have been calculated based on the initial public offering price of $14.00 per share, minus the exercise price, multiplied by the number of shares issuable upon the exercise of the option.

Number of Securities Underlying

Value of Unexercised In-

Shares

Unexercised Options at Fiscal

The-Money Options at

Acquired

Value

Year End Exercisable/

Fiscal Year End

Name and Principal Position

on Exercise

Realized

Unexercisable

Exercisable/ Unexercisable

Michael J. Coles

—

166,666/500,000

$1,216,662/$3,650,000

George E. Mileusnic

—

150,000/50,000

1,257,000/419,000

Amy K. O’Neil

—

41,666/25,000

340,161/182,500

Bachir A. Mihoubi

—

16,666/50,000

121,662/365,000

R. Paul Turek

—

41,666/25,000

340,161/182,500

Stock Options

1994 Stock Awards Plan

Our 1994 Stock Awards Plan, or the 1994 Plan, became effective on May 1, 1994. The 1994 Plan terminated on January 1, 2001 and no further awards will be made under the 1994 Plan; however, termination of the 1994 Plan did not affect awards of stock options already outstanding under the 1994 Plan. As of August 15, 2005, options to purchase a total of 3,331 shares of our common stock were outstanding under the 1994 Plan, all of which are fully vested.

2001 Stock Option Plan

Our 2001 Stock Option Plan, or the 2001 Plan, became effective on January 1, 2001. Under our 2001 Plan, we may grant stock options to certain of our employees and the employees of our subsidiaries and affiliates. Upon the effective date of this offering, no further option grants will be made under the 2001 Plan; however, effectiveness of this offering will not affect awards of stock options already outstanding under the 2001 Plan. As of August 15, 2005, options to purchase a total of 2,255,447 shares of our common stock were outstanding under the 2001 Plan, 1,006,804 of which are fully vested. General administrative authority of the 2001 Plan has been delegated to the compensation committee.

If there is a change of control event (as defined in the 2001 Plan), outstanding options held by persons who are then our employees, or employees of our subsidiaries or affiliates, become fully vested and shall be cancelled in exchange for a cancellation payment to the option holder equal in value to the difference between the option exercise price per share of our common stock and the price per share paid by the persons acquiring an interest in our company in connection with the change of control event. In the case of an option holder who is not entitled to fully vest in the holder’s option due to the change of control event, the option cancellation payment described in the prior sentence will be determined based on the vested portion of the option held by such holder.

2005 Equity Incentive Plan

Our board of directors has adopted and our shareholders have approved our 2005 Equity Incentive Plan, or the 2005 Plan, which will be effective upon the consummation of this offering. Under the 2005 Plan, we may grant stock options, restricted stock, stock appreciation rights and other incentive awards to

employees and directors (who are not employees) of our company or a parent, subsidiary or affiliate of our company. Only employees who are employed by our company or a parent, subsidiary or affiliate of our company are eligible to receive incentive stock options under the 2005 Plan. We have reserved a total of 666,666 shares of our common stock for issuance pursuant to the 2005 Plan, subject to certain adjustments as set forth in the 2005 Plan. Any shares of our common stock that are issuable pursuant to a grant under the 2001 Plan that are forfeited shall increase the number of shares of our common stock that may be issued under the 2005 Plan on a one-for-one basis.

The 2005 Plan is administered by our compensation committee. The 2005 Plan provides that the compensation committee has the authority to designate recipients of awards and to determine the terms and provisions of awards, including the expiration date, vesting schedule and terms of exercise.

Under the 2005 Plan, we may not grant any employee or director in any calendar year an option to purchase more than 133,333 shares of our common stock or a stock appreciation right based on the appreciation of more than 133,333 shares of stock or a stock grant or stock unit grant where the fair market value of our common stock subject to such grant on the date of the grant exceeds $5,000,000. We also may not issue more than 333,333 nonforfeitable shares of our common stock pursuant to stock grants under the 2005 Plan.

The exercise price of nonqualified stock options and incentive stock options granted under the 2005 Plan must be at least 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Options intended to qualify as performance-based compensation under Section 162(m) of the Code must have an exercise price of at least 100% of the fair market value of our common stock on the date of grant. Incentive stock options granted to optionees who own more than 10% of our outstanding common stock on the date of grant (considering certain attribution rules) must have an exercise price that is at least 110% of our outstanding common stock on the grant date. Incentive stock options granted under the 2005 Plan will expire no later than ten years after the date of grant, or five years after the date of grant with respect to optionees who own more than 10% of our outstanding common stock on the grant date.

In the event of certain changes in our capitalization, such as spin offs, stock dividends, large non- recurring dividends, rights offerings or stock splits, in order to preserve the intrinsic value of each outstanding award immediately before such change, the compensation committee may make appropriate adjustments to:


	•	the number and class of shares of our common stock subject to outstanding awards; and

	•	the grant or exercise price of each outstanding award.

Our compensation committee may likewise adjust the number, kind or class (or any combination thereof) of shares of our common stock issuable under the 2005 Plan to give effect to such a change in our capitalization.

In addition, in the event of a change in control (as defined in the 2005 Plan), all conditions (other than payment conditions) to the exercise of outstanding options and stock appreciation rights and all outstanding issuance and forfeiture conditions (other than payments conditions) on stock grants and stock unit grants shall be deemed 100% satisfied. The board of directors will have the right, to the extent expressly required as part of such transaction, to cancel options and other awards after providing the award holder a reasonable period of time to exercise his or her options and stock appreciation rights and to take such other actions as necessary to receive the stock subject to the stock grants and the cash payable under any stock unit grants.

The board of directors may at any time amend or revise the terms of the 2005 Plan; provided, however, that without the approval of our shareholders, no amendment may effect any change that would require shareholder approval under applicable law or the rules of the stock exchange on which shares of our common stock is listed, and no amendment may be made on or after the date of a change of control which might adversely affect any rights which would otherwise vest on the related change effective date (as defined in the 2005 Plan). The board of directors at any time may suspend granting options or stock

appreciation rights or making stock grants or stock unit grants and may terminate the 2005 Plan at any time. In addition, any modification, amendment or cancellation of any outstanding award requires consent of the affected holder absent certain corporate events. No grants under the 2005 Plan may be made after the earlier of the expiration of ten years from the effective date of the 2005 Plan (in which case the 2005 Plan otherwise continues until all outstanding options and stock appreciation rights have been exercised in full or are no longer exercisable and all stock issued under any stock grants have been forfeited or have become non-forfeitable, and all stock unit grants have been forfeited or paid) or the date on which all of the stock reserved under the 2005 Plan has been issued or is no longer available for use under the 2005 Plan.

Bonus Plans

Senior Executive 2005 Supplemental Bonus Plan

Our Chief Financial Officer and our Vice Presidents are eligible for performance-based awards for the 2005 fiscal year under our Senior Executive 2005 Supplemental Bonus Plan. If we attain a targeted level of Adjusted EBITDA, we will create a bonus pool from a significant portion of the incremental earnings above the performance goals. Bonuses will be paid from the pool at the discretion of the Chief Executive Officer. All eligible participants will receive a minimum of one-half of the participant’s pro-rated share of the pool, provided the participant’s performance is at a “meets expectations” level or above, and no one individual will receive more than two times his or her pro-rata share. Eligible participants that have been in their position less than 12 months as of December 31, 2005 will receive a pro-rated bonus based on their total time in their senior executive position.

Annual Support Center and Field Management Bonus Plan

Under our Annual Support Center and Field Management Bonus Plan, our Vice Presidents, Senior Directors, Directors, Directors of Operations, Regional Human Resources Managers, Regional Training Managers and District Managers are eligible to receive cash bonuses ranging from 10% to 50% of base compensation. The total amount of bonus paid is based 50% on the achievement of certain corporate performance goals and 50% on the individual participant’s performance as compared to pre-determined goals and objectives. Each fiscal year, our board of directors sets the performance goals for this plan to be achieved. No bonuses are paid if we do not meet the corporate performance goal. For fiscal 2005, our board of directors has set a corporate performance goal of achieving a set level of Adjusted EBITDA.

Employment Agreements

Michael J. Coles

We entered into an employment agreement, dated June 29, 2005, with Michael J. Coles to serve as our Chief Executive Officer and President. The employment agreement has a term of four years.

The employment agreement provides for:


	•	an annual base salary of $450,000;

	•	eligibility for target annual bonuses to be determined by our compensation committee, which shall be equal to 100% of Mr. Coles’s then current base salary, provided that our board of directors or our compensation committee may establish a bonus plan that pays more than 100% of base salary for above-target performance; and

	•	participation in employee benefit plans, programs and policies generally made available to our senior executives.

The employment agreement provides that, if Mr. Coles’s employment is terminated by us without “good cause” or by Mr. Coles for “good reason” (each as defined in the employment agreement), Mr. Coles will be entitled to all compensation earned and all benefits and reimbursements due through the

effective date of termination and a pro rated share of his target annual bonus for that year. If upon such a termination, Mr. Coles executes a general release of claims, he will also be entitled to the following:


	•	a lump sum payment equal to (a) two times his base salary then in effect plus (b) an amount equal to two times the average target annual bonus paid to Mr. Coles prior to the date of termination; and

	•	if Mr. Coles elects continued coverage for himself or his qualified dependents under our group health plan, payment of the portion of those healthcare costs for up to 24 months.

Under the employment agreement, we have agreed to make an additional tax gross-up payment to Mr. Coles if any amounts paid or payable to him would be subject to the excise tax imposed on certain so-called “excess parachute payments” under Section 4999 of the Internal Revenue Code, which we refer to as the Code. However, if a repayment of the payments and benefits by Mr. Coles to us of $50,000 or less would render the excise tax inapplicable, then Mr. Coles will make such repayment to us.

Upon a “change of control event” (as such term is defined in the 2001 Plan), all of Mr. Coles’s outstanding equity awards that are not otherwise exercisable will be accelerated.

Mr. Coles’s employment agreement also provides that in the event of Mr. Coles’ death or disability, he or his estate will be entitled to a pro rata share of his annual bonus calculated from the beginning of the calendar year through the date of his death or disability.

The employment agreement also contains non-compete, confidentiality and non-solicitation provisions that apply during the term of the employment agreement and for a 12-month period thereafter.

This employment agreement with Mr. Coles replaced a prior employment agreement we entered into with Mr. Coles in 2003. Among other things, the prior employment agreement provided that Mr. Coles was eligible to receive a one-time cash bonus based upon the valuation of our company if there had been a sale of our company or certain other corporate transactions. In consideration for Mr. Coles entering into the new employment agreement, which among other things eliminated this bonus, we paid Mr. Coles a one-time cash bonus of $750,000 and granted him 100,000 shares of our common stock. In addition, in connection with Mr. Coles entering into the new employment agreement, we granted him options to purchase 133,333 shares of our common stock at $9.87 per share that will vest in four equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of the grant date and expire on the tenth anniversary of the grant date.

George E. Mileusnic and Amy K. O’Neil

We entered into an employment agreement, effective as of July 1, 2005, with George E. Mileusnic to serve as our Chief Financial Officer. The employment agreement for Mr. Mileusnic provides for an annual base salary of $275,000 and the grant of options to purchase 66,666 shares of our common stock at $9.87 per share that will vest in four equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of his employment agreement and expire on the tenth anniversary of the grant date. The employment agreement provides that, if Mr. Mileusnic is terminated by us without “cause” or by Mr. Mileusnic for “good reason” (each as defined in the employment agreement), Mr. Mileusnic will be entitled to all base salary and bonus, if any, which were earned and payable on the date of termination. If upon such a termination Mr. Mileusnic executes a general release of claims, Mr. Mileusnic will be entitled to a lump sum payment in cash equal to one and one-half times of the following:


	•	Mr. Mileusnic’s annual base salary then in effect; and

	•	the most recent annual bonus paid to Mr. Mileusnic.

However, if Mr. Mileusnic is a “specified employee” (as defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code) at the time Mr. Mileusnic has a “separation from service” (as defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Code), we will not make any of the above payments before the date that is six months after the date of Mr. Mileusnic’s termination.

We entered into an employment agreement, effective as of July 1, 2005, with Amy K. O’Neil to serve as our Senior Vice President of Store Operations. The employment agreement for Ms. O’Neil provides for an annual base salary of $250,000 and the grant of options to purchase 133,333 shares of our common stock at $9.87 per share that will vest in four equal annual installments beginning on the first anniversary of her employment agreement and expire on the tenth anniversary of the grant date. The employment agreement provides that, if Ms. O’Neil is terminated by us without “cause” or by Ms. O’Neil for “good reason” (each as defined in the employment agreement), Ms. O’Neil will be entitled to all base salary and bonus, if any, which were earned and payable on the date of termination. If upon such a termination Ms. O’Neil executes a general release of claims, Ms. O’Neil will be entitled to 18 consecutive monthly payments which, in the aggregate, will be equal to one and one-half times:


	•	Ms. O’Neil’s annual base salary then in effect; and

	•	the most recent annual bonus paid to Ms. O’Neil.

However, if Ms. O’Neil is a “specified employee” (as defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(B)(i) of the Code) at the time Ms. O’Neil has a “separation from service” (as defined in Section 409A(a)(2)(A)(i) of the Code), we will not make any of the above payments before the date that is six months after the date of Ms. O’Neil’s termination.

Other than the foregoing, the employment agreements for Mr. Mileusnic and Ms. O’Neil are identical and are summarized below.

The employment agreements have an initial term of two years, and each year thereafter the agreements will be automatically extended for an additional year unless either party to the agreement notifies the other that it wishes to terminate the agreement at least 90 days before the scheduled expiration of the agreement.

Each employment agreement provides for eligibility for target annual bonuses to be determined by our compensation committee, which will be equal to 50% of the executive’s then applicable current annual base salary. In addition, in 2005, the executives also are entitled to participate in our Senior Executive 2005 Supplemental Bonus Plan. Also, under the employment agreements, we have agreed to make available to the executives our employee benefit plans, programs and policies, which are generally available to our similarly-situated senior executives.

Under the employment agreements, we have agreed to make an additional tax gross-up payment to the executive if any amounts paid or payable to the executive would be subject to the excise tax imposed on certain so-called “excess parachute payments” under Section 4999 of the Code. However, if a repayment of the payments and benefits by the executive to us of $50,000 or less would render the excise tax inapplicable, then the executive will make such repayment to us.

Upon a “change of control event,” all of the executives’ outstanding equity awards that are not otherwise exercisable will be accelerated.

If the executive’s employment terminates in the case of death or disability, our only obligation under each employment agreement is to pay the executive or, in the case of an executive’s death, the executive’s estate, the annual base salary and target annual bonus, if any, which were earned and payable on the date the executive’s employment terminated.

The employment agreements also contain non-compete and confidentiality and non-solicitation provisions that apply during the term of the employment agreements and for an 18-month period thereafter.

Indemnification of Directors and Officers and Limitation of Liability

As allowed by the Minnesota Business Corporation Act, we have adopted provisions in our articles of incorporation to provide that our directors shall not be personally liable for monetary damages to us or

our shareholders for a breach of fiduciary duty as a director to the full extent that the act permits the limitation or elimination of the liability of directors.

Insofar as indemnification for liabilities arising under the Securities Act of 1933 may be permitted to our directors or officers pursuant to the foregoing provisions, or otherwise, we have been advised that in the opinion of the SEC this indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933, and is therefore unenforceable. In the event that a claim for indemnification for these liabilities, other than the payment by us of expenses incurred or paid by a director or officer in the successful defense of any action, suit or proceeding, is asserted by a director or officer, we will, unless in the opinion of our counsel the matter has been settled by controlling precedent, submit to a court of appropriate jurisdiction the question as to whether this indemnification is against public policy as expressed in the Securities Act of 1933 and will be governed by the final adjudication of the issue.

We have entered into indemnification agreements with each of our current directors to give such directors additional contractual assurances regarding the scope of their indemnification. The indemnification agreements provide indemnification to the full extent permitted under Minnesota law, and provide for the advancement of expenses incurred by a director in connection with the investigation, defense, settlement or appeal of any action or investigation. In addition, we maintain liability insurance for our directors and officers as required by their indemnification agreements.

CERTAIN RELATIONSHIPS AND RELATED PARTY TRANSACTIONS

In December 2000, we executed a management agreement with Arcapita Inc., an affiliate of our majority shareholder. Under the management agreement, Arcapita Inc. has provided general advisory services to us. The management agreement requires us to pay an annual management fee of $200,000, which we paid in respect of 2001, 2002, 2003 and 2004. For 2005, we will pay a prorated portion of the $200,000 management fee for the portion of the year prior to the completion of this offering. Upon completion of this offering, the management agreement will terminate.

Messrs. Ogburn and Griffith, each of whom is one of our directors, have agreed to purchase $140,000 and $28,000 in shares of our common stock, respectively, in this offering at the initial public offering price. Messrs. Neal and Doolin, each of whom is one of our proposed directors, have agreed to purchase $140,000 and $70,000 in shares of our common stock, respectively, in this offering at the initial public offering price. These shares will be purchased from the shares the underwriters reserved for sale to some of our directors, officers, employees, business associates and related persons as described in “Underwriting — Reserved Shares.”

PRINCIPAL SHAREHOLDERS

The following table sets forth the beneficial ownership of shares of our common stock before and immediately following the consummation of this offering by:


	•	each shareholder who is known by us to be a beneficial owner of 5% or more of our outstanding shares of common stock;

	•	each of our directors and each proposed director;

	•	our Chief Executive Officer and President, each of our four named executive officers and our other executive officers; and

	•	all of our directors and executive officers as a group.

The column entitled “Percentage of Shares Outstanding — Before Offering” is based on 13,904,086 shares of our common stock outstanding as of August 15, 2005. The column entitled “Percentage of Shares Outstanding — After Offering” is based on 19,262,086 shares of common stock to be outstanding after this offering after giving effect to the 5,358,000 shares we are selling in this offering and assumes no further exercises of outstanding options or the underwriters’ over-allotment option. The number of shares listed in the table gives effect to the four-for-three split of shares of our common stock prior to the date of this prospectus.

Unless otherwise indicated in the footnotes to the table, each person named in the table has sole voting and investment power with respect to all of the shares of our common stock shown as beneficially owned by such person. Beneficial ownership is determined in accordance with the rules of the SEC. In computing the number of shares beneficially owned by a person and the percentage of ownership held by that person, shares of common stock subject to options that are currently exercisable or will become exercisable within 60 days after August 15, 2005 are deemed outstanding, while these shares are not deemed outstanding for computing percentage ownership of any other person. Unless otherwise indicated below, the address of each named person is c/o Caribou Coffee Company, Inc., 3900 Lakebreeze Avenue, North, Brooklyn Center, Minnesota 55429.


				Percentage of
	Number of			Shares Outstanding
	Shares
	Beneficially			Before			After
Name of Beneficial Owner	Owned			Offering			Offering

Caribou Holding Company Limited		11,672,245	(1)		84.0	%		60.6%
c/o Arcapita Inc.
75 Fourteenth Street, 24th Floor
Atlanta, GA 30309

Arcapita Investment Management Limited		11,672,245	(1)		84.0	%		60.6%
c/o Paget Brown & Company Ltd.
West Wind Building
P.O. Box 1111
Grand Cayman
Cayman Islands, B.W.I.

Arcapita Bank B.S.C.(c)		11,672,245	(2)		84.0	%		60.6%
P.O. Box 1406
Manama, Bahrain

James R. Jundt		990,078	(3)		7.1	%		5.1%
c/o Jundt Associates
301 Carlson Parkway
Suite 120
Minnetonka, MN 55305

Michael J. Coles		749,142	(4)		5.2	%		3.8%

Kip R. Caffey		—	(5)		—			—

Wallace B. Doolin		—	(6)		—			—

Charles L. Griffith		—	(1)		—			—

Jeffrey C. Neal		—	(7)		—			—


				Percentage of
	Number of			Shares Outstanding
	Shares
	Beneficially			Before			After
Name of Beneficial Owner	Owned			Offering			Offering


Charles H. Ogburn		—	(1)		—			—

George E. Mileusnic		150,000	(8)		1.1	%		*

Amy K. O’Neil		50,000	(8)		*			*

Janet D. Astor		—			—			—

Edward T. Boyle		50,000	(8)		*			*

Kathy F. Hollenhorst		—			—			—

Deborah K. Jones		43,333	(8)		*			*

Dan E. Lee		—			—			—

Karen E. McBride-Raffel		50,000	(8)		*			*

Bachir A. Mihoubi		19,648	(9)		*			*

Michael E. Peterson		33,333	(8)		*			*

Christopher B. Rich		—			—			—

Henry A. Stein		5,000	(8)		*			*

R. Paul Turek		50,000	(8)		*			*
All directors, proposed directors and executive officers as a group (19 persons)		1,200,456	(10)		8.1	%		5.9%


	*	Less than 1%


	(1)	As of August 15, 2005, Caribou Holding Company Limited (“CHCL”) has 150,600 shares of voting stock and 6,815,038 shares of non-voting stock outstanding. 5,971,218 of the shares of non-voting stock are held by five companies (the “Five Non-Voting Holding Companies”), which are Cayman Island entities owned by approximately 160 international investors. Arcapita Bank B.S.C.(c) (“Arcapita Bank”) holds a minority interest in three of the Five Non-Voting Holding Companies, which each own 1,587,180 shares of the non-voting stock of CHCL. 572,820 of the remaining shares of non-voting stock are held by Premium Coffee Holdings Limited, an indirect subsidiary of Arcapita Bank. The remaining 271,000 shares of non-voting stock are held by Arcapita Incentive Plan Limited (“AIPL”), a Cayman Islands entity owned by management of Arcapita Bank (including Messrs. Ogburn and Griffith). 10,040 shares of voting stock are held by each of 15 separate Cayman Islands entities formed by Arcapita Bank (the “Voting Cayman Entities”). The Voting Cayman Entities are owned by approximately 50 international investors (the “International Investors”).

		Each of the Voting Cayman Entities owns 6²/3% percent of the voting stock of CHCL. Each International Investor has granted Arcapita Investment Management Limited (“AIML”), a direct subsidiary of Arcapita Bank, a revocable proxy to vote its shares of voting stock in the Voting Cayman Entities on all matters. In addition, each Voting Cayman Entity has entered into an administration agreement with AIML pursuant to which AIML is authorized to vote the voting stock of CHCL held by such Voting Cayman Entity. Each administration agreement is terminable by a Voting Cayman Entity upon 60 days’ prior written notice to AIML by a vote of two-thirds of its shareholders.

	(2)	Arcapita Bank does not directly own any stock of CHCL, Caribou Coffee Company, Inc., AIPL or the Voting Cayman Entities. The number of shares of stock shown as owned by Arcapita Bank includes all of the shares of CHCL subject to the revocable proxies granted to AIML as described in note (1) above. Arcapita Bank is a Bahrain joint stock company.

	(3)	Consists of 921,641 shares held by James R. Jundt, 8,445 shares held by Mary Joanne Jundt, and 59,992 shares held by Marcus E. Jundt.

	(4)	Consists of 249,142 shares of common stock and 500,000 shares of common stock issuable with respect to options exercisable within 60 days of August 15, 2005.

	(5)	The address for Mr. Caffey is c/o Cary Street Partners, 3060 Peachtree Road, Suite 780, Atlanta, Georgia 30305.


	(6)	The address for Mr. Doolin is c/o Buca, Inc., 1300 Nicollet Mall, Suite 5003, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55403.

	(7)	The address for Mr. Neal is 1099 Pelham Road, Winnetka, Illinois 60093.

	(8)	Represents shares of common stock issuable with respect to options exercisable within 60 days of August 15, 2005.

	(9)	Consists of (a) 2,982 shares of common stock and (b) 16,666 shares of common stock issuable with respect to options exercisable within 60 days of August 15, 2005.


(10)	Consists of (a) 249,142 shares of common stock held by Michael J. Coles, (b) 2,982 shares of common stock held by Bachir A. Mihoubi and (c) 948,332 shares of common stock issuable with respect to options exercisable within 60 days of August 15, 2005 by our executive officers and directors.

DESCRIPTION OF CAPITAL STOCK

Upon consummation of this offering, our authorized capital stock will consist of 200,000,000 shares of common stock, par value $.01 per share, and 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock, par value $.01 per share.

As of August 15, 2005, there were 13,904,086 shares of common stock outstanding, which were held by 58 shareholders of record.

The following description of our capital stock is not complete and is subject to and qualified in its entirety by our articles of incorporation and bylaws as they will be in effect upon consummation of this offering, which are included as exhibits to the registration statement of which this prospectus forms a part, and by the provisions of applicable Minnesota law.

Common Stock

Holders of shares of common stock are entitled to one vote for each share held of record on all matters on which shareholders are entitled or permitted to vote. In accordance with Minnesota law, the shareholders will take action by the affirmative vote of the holders of the greater of (a) a majority of the voting power of the shares present and entitled to vote on that item of business and (b) a majority of the voting power of the minimum number of the shares entitled to vote that would constitute a quorum for the transaction of business at the meeting, except for the election of directors and except where Minnesota law or any provision of our articles of incorporation require a larger proportion or number. Directors are elected by a plurality of the voting power of the shares present and entitled to vote on the election of directors at a meeting at which a quorum is present. There is no cumulative voting for the election of directors. Subject to the prior rights of holders of preferred stock, the holders of common stock are entitled to receive dividends when and as declared by the board of directors out of funds legally available for the payment of dividends. Upon a liquidation, our creditors and any holders of preferred stock with preferential liquidation rights will be paid before any distribution to holders of our common stock. Subject to the participation rights of any holders of preferred stock, the holders of our common stock would be entitled to receive a pro rata amount per share of any remaining distribution. Holders of common stock have no preemptive or subscription rights. There are no conversion rights, redemption rights, sinking fund provisions or fixed dividend rights with respect to the common stock. All outstanding shares of common stock are fully paid and nonassessable.

Preferred Stock

Our articles of incorporation empower our board of directors to issue up to 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock from time to time in one or more classes or series. The board also may fix the relative rights and preferences of those shares, including dividend rights, conversion rights, voting rights, redemption rights, terms of sinking funds, liquidation preferences and the number of shares constituting any class or series or the designation of the class or series. Terms selected could decrease the amount of earnings and assets available for distribution to holders of common stock or adversely affect the rights and powers, including voting rights, of the holders of the common stock without any further vote or action by the shareholders. The rights of holders of common stock will be subject to, and may be adversely affected by, the rights of the holders of any preferred stock that may be issued by us in the future. Additionally, the issuance of preferred stock may have the effect of decreasing the market price of the common stock and may adversely affect the voting and other rights of the holders of common stock. While we have no present intention to issue any shares of preferred stock, any issuance could have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire a majority of our outstanding voting stock.

Potential Anti-takeover Effect of Minnesota Law and Our Articles of Incorporation and Bylaws

Provisions of Minnesota law and of our articles of incorporation and bylaws may have the effect of making it more difficult for a third party to acquire control of us, or of discouraging a third party from attempting to acquire control of us.

We are governed by the provisions of Sections 302A.675 and 302A.673 of the Minnesota Business Corporations Act, which are anti-takeover laws.

Section 302A.675 generally prohibits an offeror from acquiring shares of a publicly held Minnesota corporation within two years following the offeror’s last purchase of the corporation’s shares pursuant to a takeover offer with respect to that class, unless the corporation’s shareholders are provided a reasonable opportunity to sell their shares to the offeror upon substantially equivalent terms as those provided in the earlier takeover offer. This statute will not apply if the acquisition of shares is approved by a committee comprised solely of disinterested members of our board of directors before the purchase of any shares by the offeror pursuant to the earlier takeover offer.

Section 302A.673 prohibits a publicly-held Minnesota corporation from engaging in a “business combination” with an “interested shareholder” for a period of four years after the date of the transaction in which the person became an interested shareholder, unless the business combination or the acquisition of shares that results in the shareholder becoming an “interested shareholder” is approved by a committee of disinterested members of our board of directors before the shareholder becomes an “interested shareholder.”

Under our articles of incorporation, we are not subject to Section 302A.671 of the Minnesota Business Corporations Act, which generally provides that the shares of a corporation acquired in a “control share acquisition” have no voting rights unless voting rights are approved in a prescribed manner.

As described above, our articles of incorporation allow our board of directors to issue up to 20,000,000 shares of preferred stock with rights or preferences that could impede the success of any hostile takeover or delay a change in control of change in our management.

Our bylaws provide that the authorized number of directors may be changed only by resolution of the board of directors. Our bylaws also provide that any action required or permitted to be taken by our shareholders must be effected at a duly called annual or special meeting of shareholders or by the written consent of all the shareholders entitled to vote on that action. In addition, under Minnesota law, the right of shareholders to call special meetings of shareholders is limited to a shareholder or shareholders holding at least 10% of the voting power of all shares entitled to vote, except that a special meeting for the purpose of considering any action to directly or indirectly facilitate or effect a business combination, including any action to change or otherwise affect the composition of the board of directors for that purpose, must be called by at least 25% of the voting power of all shares entitled to vote. Our bylaws require the advance notice of shareholders’ nominations for the election of directors and business to be brought before a meeting of shareholders. Furthermore, our bylaws provide that during a director’s term, the director may only be removed by the shareholders for cause by a majority vote of the shares present at a duly held shareholders’ meeting and entitled to vote at an election of directors.

Nasdaq National Market

Our common stock has been approved for quotation on Nasdaq under the symbol “CBOU.”

Transfer Agent and Registrar

The transfer agent and registrar for our common stock is Wells Fargo Shareowner Services.

SHARES ELIGIBLE FOR FUTURE SALE

General

Prior to this offering, there has been no market for shares of our common stock, and we cannot predict the effect, if any, that market sales of shares of our common stock or the availability of shares of our common stock for sale will have on the market price of shares of our common stock prevailing from time to time. Nevertheless, sales of substantial amounts of shares of our common stock in the public market could adversely affect the market price of shares of our common stock and could impair our future ability to raise capital through the sale of our equity securities.

Upon completion of this offering, we expect to have outstanding 19,262,086 shares of our common stock (20,065,786 shares if the underwriters’ over-allotment option is exercised in full). We have 2,303,088 shares of common stock reserved for issuance upon exercise of options outstanding under our 1994 Stock Awards Plan and our 2001 Stock Option Plan and 666,666 shares reserved for future issuance under our 2005 Equity Incentive Plan. The grant of options to purchase shares of our common stock or other stock-based awards under our 2005 Equity Incentive Plan is conditional on our having available a sufficient number of shares of our common stock authorized for issuance.

Of these shares of our common stock, all of the shares sold in this offering will be freely transferable without restriction or further registration under the Securities Act of 1933, except for any shares purchased by our “affiliates,” as that term is defined in Rule 144 under the Securities Act of 1933. The remaining 13,904,086 shares of our outstanding common stock will be “restricted securities” under the Securities Act of 1933, as defined in Rule 144.

We intend to file a registration statement covering shares of our common stock issuable under our option plans described above. Once we register those shares, shares issued under these plans will be freely tradable, subject to any vesting or other restrictions imposed by the terms of those awards, the volume, manner of sale, holding period and other limitations of Rule 144 that will apply to our officers, directors and other affiliates and, in the case of approximately 79% of the 2,258,778 shares issuable upon exercise of stock options outstanding as of August 15, 2005, the lock-ups described above.

Rule 144

In general, under Rule 144 as currently in effect, a person who has beneficially owned shares of our common stock that constitute “restricted securities” for at least one year would be entitled to sell, within any three-month period, that number of shares that does not exceed the greater of:


	•	1% of the shares of our common stock then outstanding, which will equal approximately 192,621 shares immediately after this offering (200,658 shares if the underwriters exercise their over-allotment option in full); and

	•	the average weekly trading volume of shares of our common stock on Nasdaq during the four calendar weeks preceding the date on which notice of the sale is filed with the SEC.

Sales under Rule 144 are also subject to manner of sale provisions, notice requirements and the availability of current public information about us. Under Rule 144(k), a holder of “restricted securities” who is not deemed to have been one of our affiliates at any time during the three months prior to a sale and who has beneficially owned his or her shares for at least two years, including the holding period of any prior owner other than our affiliates, is entitled to sell such shares pursuant to Rule 144(k) without regard to the limitations described above.

Lock-Up Agreements

All of our directors and officers, our majority shareholder and the holders of all but 1,733,950 of our other shares of outstanding common stock (and the option holders of all but 143,308 shares that are or will be issuable upon exercise of stock options outstanding as of August 15, 2005 within 180 days after this prospectus) are subject to lock-up agreements under which they have agreed, with limited exceptions, not to transfer or dispose of, directly or indirectly, any shares of our common stock or any securities convertible into or exercisable or exchangeable for shares of our common stock for at least 180 days after the date of this prospectus, subject to extension as described under “Underwriting — No Sales of Similar Securities” below. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Thomas Weisel Partners LLC may, in their sole discretion, at any time and without prior notice or announcement, release all or any portion of shares subject to the lock-up agreements.

MATERIAL UNITED STATES FEDERAL TAX CONSIDERATIONS FOR

NON-UNITED STATES HOLDERS

The following is a general discussion of material U.S. federal income and estate tax consequences of the ownership and disposition of shares of our common stock by a beneficial owner thereof that is a “Non-U.S. Holder.” A “Non U.S. Holder” is a person or entity that, for U.S. federal income tax purposes, is a non-resident alien individual, a foreign corporation or a foreign estate or trust. The test for whether an individual is a resident of the United States for federal estate tax purposes differs from the test used for federal income tax purposes. Some individuals, therefore, may be “Non-U.S. Holders” for purposes of the federal income tax discussion below, but not for purposes of the federal estate tax discussion, and vice versa.

This discussion is based on the U.S. Internal Revenue Code, judicial decisions and administrative regulations and interpretations in effect as of the date of this prospectus, all of which are subject to change (possibly with retroactive effect). This discussion does not address all aspects of U.S. federal income and estate taxation that may be relevant to Non-U.S. Holders in light of their particular circumstances, does not address holders that are pass-through entities or that hold their shares of common stock through pass-through entities, and does not address any tax consequences arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. jurisdiction. This discussion is not intended or written to be used, and cannot be used, to avoid any tax penalties and was written to support the promotion of the sale of shares of our common stock. Prospective holders should consult their own tax advisors with respect to the federal income and estate tax consequences of holding and disposing of shares of our common stock in light of their particular situations and any consequences to them arising under the laws of any state, local or non-U.S. jurisdiction.

Dividends

Subject to the discussion below, distributions, if any, made to a Non-U.S. Holder out of our current or accumulated earnings and profits generally will constitute dividends for U.S. tax purposes and will be subject to withholding tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. To obtain a reduced rate of withholding under a treaty, a Non-U.S. Holder generally will be required to provide us or our paying agents with a properly-executed IRS Form W-8BEN certifying the Non-U.S. Holder’s entitlement to benefits under that treaty. Treasury Regulations provide special rules to determine whether, for purposes of determining the applicability of a tax treaty, dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder that is an entity should be treated as paid to the entity or to those holding an interest in that entity. To the extent such distributions exceed our current and accumulated earnings and profits for U.S. tax purposes, they will constitute a return of capital and will first reduce your basis in shares of our common stock, but not below zero, and then will be treated as gain from the sale of stock.

There will be no withholding tax on dividends paid to a Non-U.S. Holder that are effectively connected with the Non-U.S. Holder’s conduct of a trade or business within the United States if a properly-executed IRS Form W-8ECI, stating that the dividends are so connected, is provided to us or our paying agents. Instead, the effectively connected dividends will be subject to regular U.S. income tax, generally in the same manner as if the Non-U.S. Holder were a U.S. citizen or resident alien or a domestic corporation, as the case may be, unless a specific treaty exemption applies. A corporate Non-U.S. Holder receiving effectively connected dividends may also be subject to an additional “branch profits tax,” which is imposed, under certain circumstances, at a rate of 30% (or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable treaty) of the corporate Non-U.S. Holder’s effectively connected earnings and profits, subject to certain adjustments. If you are eligible for a reduced rate of withholding tax pursuant to a tax treaty, you may obtain a refund of any excess amounts currently withheld if you file an appropriate claim for refund with the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

Gain on Disposition of Shares of Common Stock

A Non-U.S. Holder generally will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax with respect to gain realized on a sale or other disposition of shares of our common stock unless: (1) the gain is effectively

connected with a trade or business of such holder in the United States and a specific treaty exemption does not apply to eliminate the tax; (2) if a tax treaty would otherwise apply to eliminate the tax, the gain is attributable to a permanent establishment of the Non-U.S. Holder in the United States; (3) in the case of Non-U.S. Holders who are nonresident alien individuals and hold shares of our common stock as a capital asset, such individuals are present in the United States for 183 or more days in the taxable year of the disposition and certain other conditions are met; (4) the Non-U.S. Holder is subject to tax pursuant to the provisions of the Code regarding the taxation of U.S. expatriates; or (5) we are or have been a “United States real property holding corporation” within the meaning of Section 897(c)(2) of the U.S. Internal Revenue Code at any time within the shorter of the five-year period preceding such disposition or such holder’s holding period. We believe that we are not, and do not anticipate becoming, a United States real property holding corporation. Even if we are treated as a United States real property holding corporation, gain realized by a Non-U.S. Holder on a disposition of shares of our common stock will not be subject to U.S. federal income tax so long as: (a) the Non-U.S. Holder owned directly or indirectly no more than five percent of shares of our common stock at all times within the shorter of (x) the five year period preceding the disposition or (y) the holder’s holding period; and (b) shares of our common stock is regularly traded on an established securities market. There can be no assurance that shares of our common stock will continue to qualify as being regularly traded on an established securities market.

If you are a Non-U.S. Holder described in (1) or (2) above, you will be required to pay tax on the net gain derived from the sale at regular graduated U.S. federal income tax rates, and corporate Non-U.S. Holders described in (1) or (2) above may be subject to the branch profits tax at a 30% rate or such lower rate as may be specified by an applicable income tax treaty. If you are an individual Non-U.S. Holder described in (3) above, you will be required to pay a flat 30% tax on the gain derived from the sale, which tax may be offset by certain U.S. source capital losses (even though you are not considered a resident of the United States).

Information Reporting Requirements and Backup Withholding

Generally, we must report to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service the amount of dividends paid, the name and address of the recipient, and the amount, if any, of tax withheld. A similar report is sent to the holder. Pursuant to tax treaties or certain other agreements, the U.S. Internal Revenue Service may make its reports available to tax authorities in the recipient’s country of residence.

Backup withholding will generally not apply to payments of dividends made by us or our paying agents to a Non-U.S. Holder if the holder has provided its U.S. federal taxpayer identification number, if any, or the required certification that it is not a U.S. person (which is generally provided by furnishing a properly-executed IRS Form W-8BEN), unless the payor otherwise has knowledge or reason to know that the payee is a U.S. person.

Under current U.S. federal income tax law, information reporting and backup withholding will apply to the proceeds of a disposition of shares of our common stock effected by or through a U.S. office of a broker unless the disposing holder certifies as to its non-U.S. status or otherwise establishes an exemption. Generally, U.S. information reporting and backup withholding will not apply to a payment of disposition proceeds where the transaction is effected outside the United States through a non-U.S. office of a non-U.S. broker. However, U.S. information reporting requirements (but not backup withholding) will apply to a payment of disposition proceeds where the transaction is effected outside the United States by or through an office outside the United States of a broker that fails to maintain documentary evidence that the holder is a Non-U.S. Holder and that certain conditions are met, or that the holder otherwise is entitled to an exemption, and the broker is (1) a U.S. person, (2) a foreign person which derived 50% or more of its gross income for certain periods from the conduct of a trade or business in the United States, (3) a “controlled foreign corporation” for U.S. federal income tax purposes, or (4) a foreign partnership (a) at least 50% of the capital or profits interest in which is owned by U.S. persons, or (b) that is engaged in a U.S. trade or business. Backup withholding will apply to a payment of disposition proceeds if the broker has actual knowledge that the holder is a U.S. person.

Backup withholding is not an additional tax. Rather, the tax liability of persons subject to backup withholding will be reduced by the amount of tax withheld. If withholding results in an overpayment of taxes, a refund may be obtained, provided that the required information is furnished to the U.S. Internal Revenue Service.

Federal Estate Tax

The estates of nonresident alien individuals are subject to U.S. federal estate tax on property with a U.S. situs. Because we are a U.S. corporation, shares of our common stock will be U.S. situs property and therefore will be included in the taxable estate of a nonresident alien decedent. This U.S. federal estate tax liability of the estate of a nonresident alien may be affected by a tax treaty between the United States and the decedent’s country of residence.

THE PRECEDING DISCUSSION OF U.S. FEDERAL TAX CONSEQUENCES IS FOR GENERAL INFORMATION ONLY. IT IS NOT TAX ADVICE AND CANNOT BE USED TO AVOID TAX PENALTIES. EACH PROSPECTIVE HOLDER SHOULD CONSULT ITS OWN TAX ADVISOR REGARDING THE PARTICULAR U.S. FEDERAL, STATE, LOCAL AND NON-U.S. TAX CONSEQUENCES OF PURCHASING, HOLDING AND DISPOSING OF SHARES OF OUR COMMON STOCK.

UNDERWRITING

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated, Thomas Weisel Partners LLC, SG Cowen & Co., LLC and SunTrust Capital Markets, Inc. are acting as representatives of each of the underwriters named below. Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in a purchase agreement between us and the underwriters, we have agreed to sell to the underwriters, and each of the underwriters has agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase from us, the number of shares of common stock set forth opposite its name below.


	Number of
	Shares
Underwriters
Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated		2,366,100
Thomas Weisel Partners LLC		1,445,950
SG Cowen & Co., LLC		788,700
SunTrust Capital Markets, Inc.		657,250
Maxim Group LLC		50,000
Wells Fargo Securities, LLC		50,000

Total		5,358,000

Subject to the terms and conditions set forth in the purchase agreement, the underwriters have agreed, severally and not jointly, to purchase all of the shares sold under the purchase agreement if any of these shares are purchased. If an underwriter defaults, the purchase agreement provides that the purchase commitments of the nondefaulting underwriters may be increased or the purchase agreement may be terminated.

We have agreed to indemnify the underwriters against certain liabilities, including liabilities under the Securities Act of 1933, or to contribute to payments the underwriters may be required to make in respect of those liabilities.

The representatives are offering the shares, subject to prior sale, when, as and if issued to and accepted by them, subject to approval of legal matters by their counsel, including the validity of the shares, and other conditions contained in the purchase agreement, such as the receipt by the underwriters of officer’s certificates and legal opinions. The underwriters reserve the right to withdraw, cancel or modify offers to the public and to reject orders in whole or in part.

Commissions and Discounts

The underwriters have advised us that they propose initially to offer the shares to the public at the initial public offering price set forth on the cover page of this prospectus and to dealers at that price less a concession not in excess of $.57 per share. The underwriters may allow, and the dealers may reallow, a discount not in excess of $.10 per share to other dealers. After the initial public offering, the public offering price, concession and discount may be changed.

The following table shows the public offering price, underwriting discount and proceeds before expenses to us. The information assumes either no exercise or full exercise by the underwriters of their over-allotment option.


	Per Share		Without Option		With Option

Public offering price	$	14.00	$	75,012,000	$	86,263,800
Underwriting discount		$.98		$5,250,840		$6,038,466
Proceeds, before expenses, to us	$	13.02	$	69,761,160	$	80,225,334

The total expenses of this offering, not including the underwriting discount, are estimated at $2,045,000 and are payable by us.

Over-allotment Option

We have granted an option to the underwriters to purchase up to 803,700 additional shares at the public offering price, less the underwriting discount. The underwriters may exercise this option for 30 days from the date of this prospectus solely to cover any over allotments. If the underwriters exercise this option, each will be obligated, subject to conditions contained in the purchase agreement, to purchase a number of additional shares proportionate to that underwriter’s initial amount reflected in the above table.

Reserved Shares

At our request, the underwriters have reserved for sale, at the initial public offering price, up to 5% of the shares of common stock for sale to some of our directors, officers, employees, business associates and related persons. If these persons purchase reserved shares, this will reduce the number of shares available for sale to the general public. Any reserved shares that are not orally confirmed for purchase within one day of the pricing of this offering will be offered by the underwriters to the general public on the same terms as the other shares offered by this prospectus.

No Sales of Similar Securities

We, our executive officers and directors, our majority shareholder and certain of our other existing security holders have agreed not to sell or transfer any shares of common stock or securities convertible into, exchangeable for, exercisable for, or repayable with shares of common stock, for 180 days after the date of this prospectus, subject to extension as described below, without first obtaining the written consent of Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated and Thomas Weisel Partners LLC. Specifically, we and these other persons have agreed, with certain limited exceptions, not to directly or indirectly:


	•	offer, pledge, sell or contract to sell any shares of common stock;

	•	sell any option or contract to purchase any shares of common stock;

	•	purchase any option or contract to sell any shares of common stock;

	•	lend or otherwise dispose of or transfer any shares of common stock; or

	•	enter into any swap or other agreement that transfers, in whole or in part, the economic consequence of ownership of any shares of common stock whether any such swap or transaction is to be settled by delivery of shares or other securities, in cash or otherwise.

This lock-up provision applies to shares of common stock and to securities convertible into or exchangeable or exercisable for or repayable with shares of common stock. It also applies to shares of common stock owned now or acquired later by the person executing the agreement or for which the person executing the agreement later acquires the power of disposition, except for reserved shares acquired by non-management employees and certain other shareholders as part of this offering or shares acquired in open market transactions by such holders. This lock-up provision does not apply to reserved shares purchased by individuals who were not our shareholders prior to this offering. In addition, if we issue an earnings release or material news or a material event relating to us occurs during the last 17 of the 180 days or if, prior to the expiration of the 180 days, we announce that we will release earnings results during the 16-day period beginning on the 180th day, the restrictions imposed by these lock-up agreements may be extended until the expiration of the 18-day period beginning on the issuance of the earnings release or the occurrence of the material news or material event for all such shares.

Quotation on the Nasdaq National Market

Our common stock has been approved for quotation on Nasdaq under the symbol “CBOU.”

Before this offering, there has been no public market for shares of our common stock. The public offering price will be determined through negotiations among us and the representatives. In addition to

prevailing market conditions, the factors to be considered in determining the initial public offering price are:


	•	the valuation multiples of publicly traded companies that the representatives believe to be comparable to us;

	•	our financial information;

	•	the history of, and the prospects for, our past and present operations, and the prospects for, and timing of, our future revenues;

	•	an assessment of our management, our past and present operations, and the prospects for, and timing of, our future revenues;

	•	the present state of our development; and

	•	the above factors in relation to market values and various valuation measures of other companies engaged in activities similar to ours.

An active trading market for the shares may not develop. It is also possible that after this offering the shares will not trade in the public market at or above the initial public offering price. The underwriters do not expect to sell more than five percent of the shares being offered in this offering to accounts over which they exercise discretionary authority.

Price Stabilization, Short Positions and Penalty Bids

Until the distribution of the shares is completed, SEC rules may limit the underwriters and selling group members from bidding for and purchasing shares of our common stock. However, the representatives may engage in transactions that stabilize the price of shares of the common stock, such as bids or purchases to peg, fix or maintain that price.

The underwriters may purchase and sell shares of our common stock in the open market. These transactions may include short sales, stabilizing transactions and purchases to cover positions created by short sales. Short sales involve the sale by the underwriters of a greater number of shares than they are required to purchase in this offering. “Covered” short sales are sales made in an amount not greater than the underwriters’ option to purchase additional shares from the issuer in this offering. The underwriters may close out any covered short position by either exercising their option to purchase additional shares or purchasing shares in the open market. In determining the source of shares to close out the covered short position, the underwriters will consider, among other things, the price of shares available for purchase in the open market as compared to the price at which they may purchase shares through the over-allotment option. “Naked” short sales are any sales in excess of such option. The underwriters must close out any naked short position by purchasing shares in the open market. A naked short position is more likely to be created if the underwriters are concerned that there may be downward pressure on the price of the common shares in the open market after pricing that could adversely affect investors who purchase in this offering. Stabilizing transactions consist of various bids for or purchases of shares of common stock made by the underwriters in the open market prior to the completion of this offering.

The underwriters may also impose a penalty bid. This occurs when a particular underwriter repays to the underwriters a portion of the underwriting discount received by it because the representatives have repurchased shares sold by or for the account of such underwriter in stabilizing or short covering transactions.

Similar to other purchase transactions, the underwriters’ purchases to cover the syndicate short sales may have the effect of raising or maintaining the market price of shares of our common stock or preventing or retarding a decline in the market price of shares of the common stock. As a result, the price of shares of our common stock may be higher than the price that might otherwise exist in the open market.

Neither we nor any of the underwriters make any representation or prediction as to the direction or magnitude of any effect that the transactions described above may have on the price of shares of our common stock. In addition, neither we nor any of the representatives make any representation that the representatives will engage in these transactions or that these transactions, once commenced, will not be discontinued without notice.

Electronic Offer, Sale and Distribution of Shares

Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated will be facilitating Internet distribution for this offering to certain of its Internet subscription customers. Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated intends to allocate a limited number of shares for sale to its online brokerage customers. An electronic prospectus is available on the Internet web site maintained by Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated. Other than the prospectus in electronic format, the information on the Merrill Lynch, Pierce, Fenner & Smith Incorporated website is not part of this prospectus.

LEGAL MATTERS

The validity of the shares of our common stock offered by this prospectus will be passed upon for us by Dorsey & Whitney LLP, Minneapolis, Minnesota. Certain other legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for us by King & Spalding LLP. King & Spalding LLP also represents Arcapita from time to time. Certain legal matters in connection with this offering will be passed upon for the underwriters by Pillsbury Winthrop Shaw Pittman LLP, New York, New York.

EXPERTS

The consolidated financial statements of Caribou Coffee Company, Inc. at January 2, 2005 and December 28, 2003, and for each of the three years in the period ended January 2, 2005, appearing in this prospectus and the related registration statement have been audited by Ernst & Young LLP, independent registered public accounting firm, as set forth in their report thereon appearing elsewhere herein, and are included in reliance upon such report given on the authority of such firm as experts in accounting and auditing.

Ernst & Young LLP recently informed the SEC and us that a member firm of the Ernst & Young global organization outside the United States performed certain services for Arcapita Bank B.S.C., an affiliate of our controlling majority shareholder, which are not in accordance with the auditor independence standards of Regulation S-X and of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board. The services performed by Ernst & Young LLP and reported to us are as follows:


	•	Ernst & Young in Manama, Bahrain performed payroll related services for Arcapita Bank related to administering the disbursement of payroll for certain Arcapita Bank employees. The services were discontinued in April 2005. Ernst & Young-Bahrain’s fees for these services were $24,000, $24,000 and $24,000 for Arcapita Bank’s years ended December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively, and $8,000 for the period from January 1, 2005 through April 2005.

	•	Ernst & Young in Manama, Bahrain provided staffing on an outsourced basis to support the activities of Arcapita Bank’s internal audit department. The staff of Ernst & Young in Bahrain assisted Arcapita Bank’s internal audit department with their activities at the direction and under the complete oversight of Arcapita Bank’s internal audit director. The services were discontinued in July 2005. Ernst & Young’s fees for these services were $177,000, $104,000 and $216,000 for Arcapita Bank’s years ended December 31, 2002, 2003 and 2004, respectively, and $81,000 for the period from January 1, 2005 through July 15, 2005.

Our board of directors and Ernst & Young LLP have separately considered the impact that these non-audit services may have had on Ernst & Young LLP’s auditor independence with respect to us. Our board of directors and Ernst & Young LLP concluded that there has been no impairment of Ernst &

Young LLP’s auditor independence. In connection with this determination our board of directors and Ernst & Young LLP considered, among other things, the nature of the services and the fact that these services were provided to an affiliate of our controlling majority shareholder and not directly to us, the amount of fees involved, the fact that the services were performed by the Ernst & Young firm in Bahrain, and the fact the Ernst & Young LLP personnel and our personnel were unaware of these services until very recently, at which time they were terminated.

In September 2005, Ernst & Young LLP issued its independence letter to our board of directors pursuant to Rule 3600T of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board, which adopts on an interim basis the Independence Standards Board’s Statement No. 1. Such letter reported that Ernst & Young LLP satisfies the auditor independence standards of Regulation S-X in connection with its audit opinion for the financial statements contained in this prospectus.

WHERE YOU CAN FIND ADDITIONAL INFORMATION

We have filed with the SEC a registration statement on Form S-1, including exhibits, schedules and amendments filed with the registration statement, under the Securities Act of 1933 with respect to the shares of our common stock to be sold in this offering. This prospectus does not contain all of the information set forth in the registration statement and exhibits and schedules to the registration statement. For further information with respect to our company and the shares of our common stock to be sold in this offering, reference is made to the registration statement, including the exhibits to the registration statement. Statements contained in this prospectus as to the contents of any contract or other document referred to in this prospectus are not necessarily complete and, where that contract is an exhibit to the registration statement, each statement is qualified in all respects by the exhibit to which the reference relates. Copies of the registration statement, including the exhibits and schedules to the registration statement, may be examined without charge at the public reference room of the SEC, 100 F Street, N.E., Room 1580, Washington, D.C. 20549. Information about the operation of the public reference room may be obtained by calling the SEC at 1-800-SEC-0300. Copies of all or a portion of the registration statement can be obtained from the public reference room of the SEC upon payment of prescribed fees. Our SEC filings, including our registration statement, will also available to you on the SEC’s web site, www.sec.gov. As a result of this offering, we will become subject to the information and reporting requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934 and will file annual, quarterly and other periodic reports and proxy statements and will make available to our shareholders quarterly reports for the first three quarters of each fiscal year containing unaudited interim financial information.

INDEX TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements:
	Condensed Consolidated Balance Sheets as of January 2, 2005 and July 3, 2005 (Unaudited)	F-2
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Operations for the thirteen-week and twenty-six-week periods ended June 27, 2004 (Unaudited) and July 3, 2005 (Unaudited)	F-3
	Condensed Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the thirteen-week and twenty-six-week periods ended June 27, 2004 (Unaudited) and July 3, 2005 (Unaudited)	F-4
	Notes to Condensed Consolidated Financial Statements	F-5

Consolidated Financial Statements:
	Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	F-12
	Consolidated Balance Sheets as of December 28, 2003 and January 2, 2005	F-13
	Consolidated Statements of Operations for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2002, December 28, 2003 and January 2, 2005	F-14
	Consolidated Statements of Changes in Shareholders’ Equity for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2002, December 28, 2003 and January 2, 2005	F-15
	Consolidated Statements of Cash Flows for the fiscal years ended December 29, 2002, December 28, 2003 and January 2, 2005	F-16
	Notes to Consolidated Financial Statements	F-17

Financial Statement Schedule:
	Report of Independent Registered Public Accounting Firm	F-31
	Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves	F-32

F-1

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

(A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


			January 2,			July 3,
			2005			2005

						(Unaudited)
ASSETS
Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents			$7,618,470			$3,147,727
	Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of approximately $34,900 and $21,800 at January 2, 2005 and July 3, 2005)			857,692			939,749
	Other receivables			1,093,675			1,385,268
	Income tax receivable			451,168			253,415
	Inventories			5,704,440			7,544,008
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets			441,014			1,171,285

		Total current assets		16,166,459			14,441,452
	Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization			67,639,732			73,249,796
	Notes receivable			80,649			72,590
	Restricted cash			539,983			321,030
	Other assets			1,780,105			1,730,679

		Total assets	$	86,206,928			$89,815,547


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable			$5,311,686			$7,458,720
	Accrued compensation			4,707,242			4,566,230
	Accrued expenses			5,469,931			5,792,234
	Deferred revenue			5,308,713			4,261,674

		Total current liabilities		20,797,572			22,078,858
Revolving credit facility				19,923,930			23,923,930
Deferred rent liability				8,420,509			8,844,704
Deferred revenue				3,055,000			3,055,000
Minority interests in affiliates				217,206			230,330

		Total long term liabilities		31,616,645			36,053,964
Commitments and contingencies
Shareholders’ equity:
	Common stock, par value $.01, 20,000,000 shares authorized; 13,801,436 and 13,903,420 shares issued and outstanding at January 2, 2005 and July 3, 2005, respectively			138,014			139,034
	Additional paid-in capital			53,634,009			54,628,739
	Accumulated deficit			(19,979,312	)		(23,085,048	)

		Total shareholders’ equity		33,792,711			31,682,725

		Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity	$	86,206,928			$89,815,547

See accompanying notes.

F-2

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

(A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS


		Thirteen Weeks Ended						Twenty-Six Weeks Ended

		June 27,			July 3,			June 27,			July 3,
		2004			2005			2004			2005

		(Unaudited)
Coffeehouse sales		$	37,206,663		$	47,002,708		$	71,603,930		$	91,189,764
Other sales			715,549			1,084,637			1,329,544			2,130,703

Total net sales			37,922,212			48,087,345			72,933,474			93,320,467
Cost of sales and related occupancy costs			15,909,051			19,371,860			30,283,557			37,416,701
Operating expenses			15,646,363			19,404,425			30,244,087			37,776,602
Opening expenses			254,338			469,502			451,127			777,821
Depreciation and amortization			3,079,873			3,659,774			5,889,474			7,346,712
General and administrative expenses			3,819,560			7,014,999			7,029,154			11,615,951
Closing expense and disposal of assets			438,168			119,771			558,168			120,668

Operating loss			(1,225,141	)		(1,952,986	)		(1,522,093	)		(1,733,988	)
Other income (expense):
	Interest income		1,456			25,613			2,912			26,978
	Interest expense		(229,695	)		(488,104	)		(362,808	)		(912,337	)

Loss before provision for income taxes and minority interest			(1,453,380	)		(2,415,477	)		(1,881,989	)		(2,619,347	)
Provision for income taxes			—			150,000			1,330			301,323

Loss before minority interest			(1,453,380	)		(2,565,477	)		(1,883,319	)		(2,920,670	)
Minority interest			(75,844	)		(103,044	)		(145,746	)		(185,066	)

Net loss		$	(1,529,224	)	$	(2,668,521	)	$	(2,029,065	)	$	(3,105,736	)

Basic and diluted net loss per share		$	(0.11	)	$	(0.19	)	$	(0.15	)	$	(0.23	)

Basic and diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding			13,796,103			13,806,753			13,795,258			13,804,387

See accompanying notes.

F-3

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

(A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited)

CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


			Thirteen Weeks Ended						Twenty-Six Weeks Ended

			June 27,			July 3,			June 27,			July 3,
			2004			2005			2004			2005

			(Unaudited)
Operating activities
Net loss			$	(1,529,224	)	$	(2,668,521	)	$	(2,029,065	)	$	(3,105,736	)
Adjustments to reconcile net loss to net cash provided by (used in) operating activities:
	Depreciation and amortization			3,399,309			4,090,535			6,486,454			8,196,177
	Amortization of deferred financing fees			48,013			82,632			96,025			164,197
	Minority interests in affiliates			75,844			103,045			145,746			185,066
	Provision for closing expense and asset disposals			258,168			11,771			258,168			12,668
	Non cash compensation			—			987,750			—			987,750
	Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
		Restricted cash		—			218,953			—			218,953
		Accounts receivable and other receivables		(9,456	)		(169,415	)		(285,964	)		(365,591	)
		Income tax receivable		(307,080	)		—			(347,351	)		197,753
		Inventories		69,618			(1,485,579	)		(60,838	)		(1,839,568	)
		Prepaid expenses and other assets		(240,496	)		(339,817	)		7,462			(774,581	)
		Accounts payable		1,291,000			3,348,655			2,710,463			2,147,034
		Accrued compensation		(170,594	)		(2,375,528	)		178,183			(846,738	)
		Accrued expenses		2,393,368			5,468,602			1,621,156			659,310
		Deferred revenue		(590,638	)		58,888			(888,563	)		(1,047,039	)
		Deferred compensation		(165,781	)		—			(165,781	)		—

Net cash provided by operating activities				4,522,051			7,331,971			7,726,095			4,789,655
Investing activities
Payments for property and equipment				(8,369,676	)		(9,302,901	)		(14,122,939	)		(13,025,995	)

Net cash used in investing activities				(8,369,676	)		(9,302,901	)		(14,122,939	)		(13,025,995	)
Financing activities
Borrowings under revolving credit facility				5,000,000			1,500,000			9,000,000			4,000,000
Repayment of revolving credit facility				—			—			(3,263,904	)		—
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock				49,309			—			49,309			8,000
Distribution of minority interests’ earnings				(66,810	)		(82,023	)		(94,922	)		(171,942	)
Deferred financing fees paid				(9,364	)		(49,527	)		(9,364	)		(70,461	)

Net cash provided by financing activities				4,973,135			1,368,450			5,681,119			3,765,597

Increase (decrease) in cash and cash equivalents				1,125,510			(602,480	)		(715,725	)		(4,470,743	)
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of period				2,938,082			3,750,207			4,779,317			7,618,470

Cash and cash equivalents at end of period			$	4,063,592		$	3,147,727		$	4,063,592		$	3,147,727

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Noncash financing and investing transactions:
	Non cash stock issuance		$	—		$	987,750		$	—		$	987,750

	Accrual for leasehold improvements, furniture, and equipment		$	758,967		$	792,214		$	758,967		$	792,214

See accompanying notes.

F-4

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

(A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited)

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


1.	Basis of Presentation

The “Company” and “Caribou” refer to Caribou Coffee Company, Inc. and affiliates, collectively.

The condensed consolidated financial statements of the Company have been prepared in accordance with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for interim financial information and with the rules and regulations of the Securities and Exchange Commission (the “SEC”). Accordingly, they do not include all information and footnotes required by U.S. generally accepted accounting principles for complete financial statements. In the opinion of management, these statements include all adjustments considered necessary for the fair presentation of all interim periods reported herein. All adjustments are of a normal recurring nature unless otherwise disclosed. Management believes that the disclosures made are adequate for a fair presentation of the Company’s results of operations, financial position and cash flows. These condensed consolidated financial statements should be read in conjunction with the year-end consolidated financial statements and accompanying notes included in the Registration Statement.

The Company’s sales are somewhat seasonal, with the fourth quarter accounting for the highest sales volumes. Operating results for the thirteen week and twenty-six-week periods ended July 3, 2005 are not necessarily indicative of future results that may be expected for the year ending January 1, 2006.


2.	Summary of Significant Accounting Policies


	Revenue Recognition

The Company recognizes retail store revenue (coffeehouse sales) when payment is tendered at the point of sale. Revenue from the sale of products to commercial or mail order customers (other sales) is recognized when ownership and price risk of the products are legally transferred to the customer, which is generally upon the shipment of goods. Revenues include any applicable shipping and handling costs invoiced to the customer and the expense of such shipping and handling costs is included in cost of sales.

The Company sells gift certificates and stored value cards of various denominations. Cash receipts related to gift certificate and stored value cards sales are deferred when initially received and revenue is recognized when the certificate or card is redeemed and the related products are delivered to the customer. Such amounts are classified as a current liability on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.


	Operating Leases and Rent Expense

The Company accounts for its operating leases in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 13, Accounting for Leases, and FASB Technical Bulletin No. 85-3, Accounting for Operating Leases With Scheduled Rent Increases. Certain of the Company’s lease agreements provide for scheduled rent increases during the lease terms or for rental payments commencing at a date other than the date of initial occupancy. Rent expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the initial lease term and renewal periods that are reasonably assured. The difference between rent expense and rent paid is recorded as deferred rent and is included in “accrued expenses” and “deferred rent liability” in the consolidated balance sheets.

Stock Compensation

The Company accounts for its stock-based employee compensation utilizing the intrinsic value method in accordance with the provisions of Accounting Principles Board (“APB”) Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees, and related technical interpretations. SFAS No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, requires companies that elect not to account for stock-based compensation as prescribed by that statement to disclose, among other things, the pro forma effects on

F-5

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

(A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited)

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

operations as if SFAS No. 123 had been adopted. SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure, provides for alternative methods of transitioning to SFAS No. 123. It also amends the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123 and APB Opinion No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting, to require disclosure in the summary of significant accounting policies of the effects of an entity’s accounting policy with respect to stock-based compensation on reported net income and earnings per share in annual and interim financial statements. SFAS No. 148’s amendment of the transition and annual disclosure requirements are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. The amendment of disclosure requirements of APB Opinion No. 28 is effective for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2002. The Company will continue to use the intrinsic value method of accounting for stock-based compensation as allowed by SFAS No. 148 and make the appropriate disclosures. Accordingly, no compensation expense is recognized for fixed option plans because the exercise prices of employee stock options equals or exceeds the market value of the underlying stock on the dates of grant.

Had the Company determined compensation cost based on the fair value at the grant date for its stock options under SFAS No. 123, the Company’s net loss and net loss per share would have been as follows:


		Thirteen Weeks Ended						Twenty-Six Weeks Ended

		June 27,			July 3,			June 27,			July 3,
		2004			2005			2004			2005

		(Unaudited)
Net loss: As reported		$	(1,529,224	)	$	(2,668,521	)	$	(2,029,065	)	$	(3,105,736	)
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under the fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects			111,345			66,352			210,372			80,700

Pro forma net loss			$(1,640,569	)		$(2,734,873	)	$	(2,239,437	)	$	(3,186,436	)

Basic and diluted net loss per share
	As reported	$	(0.11	)	$	(0.19	)	$	(0.15	)	$	(0.23	)

	Pro forma	$	(0.12	)	$	(0.20	)	$	(0.16	)	$	(0.23	)


3.	Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities, which addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 94-3, Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring). The principal difference between SFAS No. 146 and EITF Issue 94-3 relates to its requirements for recognition of a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity. SFAS No. 146 requires that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred. Under EITF Issue No. 94-3, a liability for an exit cost as defined in EITF Issue No. 94-3 was recognized at the date of an entity’s commitment to an exit plan. SFAS No. 146 eliminates the definition and requirements for recognition of exit costs in EITF Issue No. 94-3. SFAS No. 146 also establishes that fair value is the objective for initial measurement of the liability. The Company adopted SFAS No. 146 on January 1, 2003 and the adoption of this statement did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

F-6

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

(A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited)

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, which amended SFAS No. 123. SFAS No. 148 provides alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair value based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. Additionally, SFAS No. 148 amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in the annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. SFAS No. 148 is effective for financial statements with fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. In compliance with SFAS No. 148, the Company has elected to continue to follow the intrinsic value method in accounting for our stock-based employee compensation arrangements as defined by APB Opinion No. 25 and will make the applicable disclosures.

In January 2003, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation No. 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (“FIN 46”). FIN 46 clarifies the application of Accounting Research Bulletin (“ARB”) No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements, to certain entities in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. However, application of the majority voting interest requirement in ARB No. 51 to certain types of entities may not identify the party with a controlling financial interest because the controlling financial interest may be achieved through arrangements that do not involve voting interests. The Company adopted FIN 46 on January 1, 2003 with no impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS No. 123-revised 2004, Share-Based Payment (“SFAS No. 123R”), which replaces No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and supersedes APB Opinion No. 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. SFAS No. 123R requires the measurement of all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, using a fair-value-based method and the recording of such expense in our consolidated statements of operations. The accounting provisions of SFAS No. 123R are effective for us beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2006. The pro forma disclosures previously permitted under SFAS No. 123 no longer will be an alternative to financial statement recognition. We are evaluating the requirements under SFAS No. 123R and expect the adoption will have an impact on our consolidated results of operations and net income (loss) per share. However, it will not have an effect on our overall cash flow.

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections. SFAS No. 154 replaces Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 20, Accounting Changes, and FASB Statement No. 3, Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements, and requires the direct effects of accounting principle changes to be retrospectively applied. The existing guidance with respect to accounting estimate changes and corrections of errors is carried forward in SFAS No. 154. SFAS No. 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 154 to have a material effect on our financial statements.


4.	Store Closing and Asset Disposals

During the thirteen-week and twenty-six-week periods ended July 3, 2005, the Company wrote off the carrying value of property and equipment that were abandoned or disposed of in connection with store

F-7

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

(A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited)

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

remodels, store relocations or general property and equipment impairment. The Company also recognized a loss in fiscal 2004 associated with the exiting rental property in connection with the consolidation of its corporate headquarters, warehouse and roasting facilities, in accordance with Statement of Financial Accounting Standards No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. These consolidating activities consisted of relocating corporate offices, warehousing and coffee roasting and packaging and the respective employees from three separate buildings to one facility. The charge related to these consolidation activities is limited to an accrual for the remaining lease rentals, reduced by estimated sublease rentals that could be reasonably obtained, associated with the leased space which was vacated. Such charges consist of the following:


		Thirteen Weeks Ended					Twenty-Six Weeks Ended

		June 27, 2004			July 3, 2005		June 27, 2004			July 3, 2005

Store closures			2			2		2			2
Amount charged to operations for closed stores:
	Cash closure costs	$	180,000		$	30,000	$	300,000		$	30,000
	Net book value of closed store property and equipment		259,272			—		259,272			—
Amount charged to operations for other property and equipment write-offs			(1,104	)		11,771		(1,104	)		12,668
Amount charged to operations for costs to consolidate facilities — cash			—			78,000		—			78,000

Closing expense and disposal of assets		$	438,168		$	119,771	$	558,168		$	120,668

At January 2, 2005 and July 3, 2005, $500,000 and $500,000, respectively, was accrued related to corporate consolidation activities. Such amounts are included in accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets. During the twenty-six-week period ended July 3, 2005, payments of $78,000 were made related to the lease on the vacated property, and an additional accrual of $78,000 was recorded related to the revision of the estimate of sublease rentals that could be obtained.

The results of operations for the unprofitable stores (which are defined as coffeehouses with operating losses) for the thirteen week periods ended June 27, 2004 and July 3, 2005 included losses of $1,519,865 and $1,355,299, respectively. The results of operations for the unprofitable stores for the twenty-six-week periods ended June 27, 2004 and July 3, 2005 included losses of $2,878,997 and $2,865,335, respectively.

Depreciation expense for the thirteen week periods ended June 27, 2004 and July 3, 2005 included $256,000 and $0, respectively, related to charges for impaired assets. Depreciation expense for the twenty-six week periods ended June 27, 2004 and July 3, 2005 included $256,000 and $134,000, respectively, related to charges for impaired assets.

F-8

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

(A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited)

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


5.	Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:


	January 2,		July 3,
	2005		2005

Coffee	$	2,579,718	$	3,345,117
Merchandise held for sale		1,086,611		1,456,100
Supplies		2,038,111		2,742,791

	$	5,704,440	$	7,544,008

Inventories are net of related reserves totaling $0 and $367,000 at January 2, 2005 and July 3, 2005, respectively.

At January 2, 2005 and July 3, 2005, the Company had fixed price inventory purchase commitments, primarily for green coffee, aggregating approximately $5,863,000 and $7,943,100, respectively. These commitments are for less than one year.


6.	Equity and Stock Based Compensation

The Company maintains stock option plans, which provide for the granting of non-qualified stock options to officers and key employees and certain non-employees. Stock options have been granted at prices equal to the fair market values as of the dates of grant. Options vest generally in four years and expire in ten years from the grant date.

The following table sets forth the number of stock options granted by the Company during the four fiscal quarters ended July 3, 2005:


	Shares Subject
	to Options		Exercise Price
	Granted		per Share
Fiscal Quarter Ended
September 26, 2004		16,000	$	6.70
January 2, 2005		66,666	$	6.70
April 3, 2005		—		—
July 3, 2005		340,431	$	7.09
July 3, 2005		35,044	$	9.87

Subsequent to July 3, 2005, the Company granted 372,931 options with an exercise price of $9.87. In each case, the exercise price of the options was equal to the fair value of the common stock on the date of the grant as determined by the Company’s Board of Directors contemporaneously with the grant and, as such, the stock options had no intrinsic value as of the date of the grant and no compensation expense was recognized. For the options granted during the thirteen weeks ended July 3, 2005 and the options granted subsequent to July 3, 2005, the Board of Directors determined the fair value of the common stock on the date of grant based on an independent valuation as of a recent date prior to the grant date, which valuation the Board of Directors determined was still reflective of the fair value of the common stock as of the grant date.

Pro forma information regarding net income is required by SFAS No. 123, which also requires that the information be determined as if the Company has accounted for its employee stock options under the fair value method. The per share weighted-average fair value of stock options granted during the thirteen week period ended July 3, 2005 was $1.28, and $1.05 and $1.28 for the twenty-six-week periods ended

F-9

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

(A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited)

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

June 27, 2004 and July 3, 2005, respectively, on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model (excluding a volatility assumption) with the following weighted-average assumptions:


	Thirteen			Twenty-Six Weeks Ended
	Weeks Ended
	July 3, 2005			June 27, 2004			July 3, 2005

Expected dividend yield		—			—			—
Risk free interest rate		3.84	%		3.43	%		3.84	%
Expected life		5			5			5

There were no options granted during the thirteen week period ended June 27, 2004.

On June 29, 2005, the Company issued 100,000 shares of common stock and made a $750,000 cash payment to its Chief Executive Officer in connection with amending and restating his prior employment agreement. The shares were issued based on a $9.87 valuation per share, which the Board of Directors determined was the fair market value of the common stock on the date of grant based on an independent valuation. The Company recorded a charge of approximately $1,738,000 related to the issuance of the shares and the cash payment, which is included in general and administrative expenses in the statement of operations. In connection with this transaction, $1,000 was reflected as an increase to common stock, and $986,000 was reflected as an increase to additional paid-in capital.

In June 2005, the Company commenced plans to offer a maximum of $90 million in newly issued shares of common stock in an initial public offering.


7.	Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes for the thirteen week and twenty-six-week periods ended June 27, 2004 and July 3, 2005, is computed at the effective income tax rate expected to be applicable in each respective full year using the applicable statutory rates on a jurisdictional basis, adjusted for changes in the deferred income tax asset valuation allowance.


8.	Net loss per share

Basic and diluted net loss per share for the thirteen week and twenty-six-week periods ended June 27, 2004 and July 3, 2005 were as follows:


	Thirteen Weeks Ended						Twenty-Six Weeks Ended

	June 27,			July 3,			June 27,			July 3,
	2004			2005			2004			2005

	(Unaudited)
Net loss		$(1,529,224	)		$(2,668,521	)		$(2,029,065	)		$(3,105,736	)

Weighted average common shares outstanding (for basic and diluted calculation)		13,796,103			13,806,753			13,795,258			13,804,387

Basic and diluted net loss per share		(0.11	)		(0.19	)		(0.15	)		(0.23	)

For the thirteen week and twenty-six-week periods ended June 27, 2004 and July 3, 2005, stock options were excluded from the calculation of shares applicable to diluted net loss per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.

F-10

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

(A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited)

NOTES TO CONDENSED CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


9.	Commitments and Contingencies

On July 26, 2005, three of the Company’s former employees filed a lawsuit against the Company in the State of Minnesota District Court for Hennepin County seeking monetary and equitable relief from the Company under the Minnesota Fair Labor Standards Act (the “Minnesota FLSA”), the federal Fair Labor Standards Act (the “federal FLSA”), and state common law. The suit primarily alleges that the Company has misclassified its retail store managers and managers in training as exempt from the overtime provisions of the Minnesota FLSA and the federal FLSA and that these managers and managers in training are therefore entitled to overtime compensation for each week in which they worked more than 40 hours from May 2002 to the present with respect to the claims under the federal FLSA and for weeks in which they worked more than 48 hours from May 2003 to the present with respect to the claims under the Minnesota FLSA. The plaintiffs are seeking to represent themselves and all allegedly similarly situated current and former (within the foregoing periods of time) store managers and managers in training of the Company. The plaintiffs are seeking payment of an unspecified amount of allegedly owed and unpaid overtime compensation, liquidated damages, prejudgment interest, civil penalties under the Minnesota FLSA, an accounting of the amount allegedly owed to the putative class, temporary and injunctive relief, attorney’s fees and costs. On August 15, 2005, the Company removed the lawsuit to the Federal District Court for the District of Minnesota and filed its answer to the compliant. The Company believes that it has defenses to these claims and is vigorously defending the lawsuit. This claim could divert management’s time and attention from our business operations and might potentially result in substantial costs of defense, settlement or other disposition, which could have a material adverse effect on the Company’s results of operations in one or more fiscal periods.


10.	Subsequent Events

On September 2, 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a four-for-three stock split effective on September 2, 2005. All share and per share data have been adjusted retroactively to reflect the stock split.

On August 29, 2005, the Company’s shareholders approved amended and restated articles of incorporation for the Company, which will be effective as of the closing of this offering and will increase the Company’s authorized shares to 200 million shares of common stock and 20 million shares of preferred stock.

Subsequent to this offering, Caribou Coffee Holding Company Limited will continue to beneficially own 11,672,245 shares, or 60.6%, of the Company’s outstanding common stock, which will give it voting power sufficient to control the election of directors to the Company’s board of directors and most other matters for which shareholder approval is required.

F-11

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Caribou Coffee Company, Inc. and Affiliates

We have audited the accompanying consolidated balance sheets of Caribou Coffee Company, Inc. and Affiliates (A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited) (the Company) as of January 2, 2005 and December 28, 2003, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 2, 2005. These consolidated financial statements are the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion on these consolidated financial statements based on our audits.

We conducted our audits in accordance with the standards of the Public Company Accounting Oversight Board (United States). Those standards require that we plan and perform the audit to obtain reasonable assurance about whether the financial statements are free of material misstatement. We were not engaged to perform an audit of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Our audits included consideration of internal control over financial reporting as a basis for designing audit procedures that are appropriate in the circumstances, but not for the purpose of expressing an opinion on the effectiveness of the Company’s internal control over financial reporting. Accordingly, we express no such opinion. An audit also includes examining, on a test basis, evidence supporting the amounts and disclosures in the financial statements, assessing the accounting principles used and significant estimates made by management, and evaluating the overall financial statement presentation. We believe that our audits provide a reasonable basis for our opinion.

In our opinion, the consolidated financial statements referred to above present fairly, in all material respects, the consolidated financial position of Caribou Coffee Company, Inc. and Affiliates as of January 2, 2005 and December 28, 2003, and the results of their operations and their cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 2, 2005, in conformity with U.S. generally accepted accounting principles.


	/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Atlanta, Georgia

March 25, 2005, except Note 17,

as to which the date is September 2, 2005

F-12

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

(A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited)

CONSOLIDATED BALANCE SHEETS


		December 28,			January 2,
		2003			2005

ASSETS
Current assets:
	Cash and cash equivalents		$4,779,317			$7,618,470
	Accounts receivable (net of allowance for doubtful accounts of approximately $34,900 at December 28, 2003 and January 2, 2005)		546,831			857,692
	Other receivables		1,391,723			1,093,675
	Income tax receivable		100,000			451,168
	Inventories		4,171,606			5,704,440
	Prepaid expenses and other current assets		783,329			441,014

Total current assets			11,772,806			16,166,459
Property and equipment, net of accumulated depreciation and amortization			49,447,965			67,639,732
Notes receivable			96,705			80,649
Restricted cash			539,983			539,983
Other assets			152,065			1,780,105

Total assets		$	62,009,524		$	86,206,928


LIABILITIES AND SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY
Current liabilities:
	Accounts payable		$3,627,894			$5,311,686
	Accrued compensation		2,750,675			4,707,242
	Accrued expenses		3,674,070			5,469,931
	Deferred revenue		3,439,533			5,308,713
	Current portion of deferred compensation		165,781			—
	Current portion of note payable and revolving credit facility		717,494			—

Total current liabilities			14,375,447			20,797,572
Note payable and revolving credit facility, less current maturities			5,333,587			19,923,930
Deferred rent liability			6,246,729			8,420,509
Deferred revenue			—			3,055,000
Minority interests in affiliates			236,542			217,206

Total long term liabilities			11,816,858			31,616,645
Shareholders’ equity:
	Common stock, par value $0.01 per share, 20,000,000 shares authorized; 13,794,369 and 13,801,436 shares issued and outstanding at December 28, 2003 and January 2, 2005, respectively		137,944			138,014
	Additional paid-in capital		53,584,770			53,634,009
	Accumulated deficit		(17,905,495	)		(19,979,312	)

Total shareholders’ equity			35,817,219			33,792,711

Total liabilities and shareholders’ equity		$	62,009,524		$	86,206,928

See accompanying notes.

F-13

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

(A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF OPERATIONS


		Years Ended

		December 29,			December 28,			January 2,
		2002			2003			2005

Coffeehouse sales		$	103,290,888		$	121,812,018		$	157,534,501
Other sales			4,662,846			1,923,804			3,336,047

Total net sales			107,953,734			123,735,822			160,870,548
Cost of sales and related occupancy costs			44,882,647			50,640,931			65,319,899
Operating expenses			40,064,314			49,363,795			65,029,400
Opening expenses			439,356			822,165			1,201,829
Depreciation and amortization			7,430,665			10,452,583			13,381,562
General and administrative expenses			10,295,502			12,343,113			15,534,987
Closing expense and disposal of assets			917,126			166,577			1,034,422

Operating income (loss)			3,924,124			(53,342	)		(631,551	)
Other income (expense):
	Interest income		29,168			8,902			5,583
	Interest expense		(495,926	)		(511,002	)		(963,356	)

Income (loss) before provision for income taxes and minority interest			3,457,366			(555,442	)		(1,589,324	)
Provision for income taxes			156,000			227,970			219,330

Income (loss) before minority interest			3,301,366			(783,412	)		(1,808,654	)
Minority interest			(187,937	)		(153,415	)		(265,163	)

Net income (loss)			$3,113,429			$(936,827	)		$(2,073,817	)

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share			$0.23			$(0.07	)		$(0.15	)

Basic weighted average number of shares outstanding			13,293,824			13,347,571			13,798,347

Diluted weighted average number of shares outstanding			13,296,304			13,347,571			13,798,347

See accompanying notes.

F-14

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

(A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CHANGES IN SHAREHOLDERS’ EQUITY


		Common Stock
							Additional
		Number of					Paid-In			Treasury			Accumulated			Shareholders’
		Shares			Amount		Capital			Stock			Deficit			Equity

Balance, December 30, 2001			13,293,824			$133,294		$50,288,438			$(356	)		$(20,082,097	)		$30,339,279
	Refund of amounts in escrow related to recapitalization		—			—		43,148			—			—			43,148
	Net income		—			—		—			—			3,113,429			3,113,429

Balance, December 29, 2002			13,293,824			133,294		50,331,586			(356	)		(16,968,668	)		33,495,856
	Stock repurchase		(53,333	)		—		(399,467	)		(533	)		—			(400,000	)
	Issuance of common stock		551,878			4,630		3,641,421			889			—			3,646,940
	Exercise of stock options		2,000			20		11,230			—			—			11,250
	Net loss		—			—		—			—			(936,827	)		(936,827	)

Balance, December 28, 2003			13,794,369			137,944		53,584,770			—			(17,905,495	)		35,817,219
	Exercise of stock options		7,067			70		39,680			—			—			39,750
	Refund of expenses related to sale of common stock		—			—		9,559			—			—			9,559
	Net loss		—			—		—			—			(2,073,817	)		(2,073,817	)

Balance, January 2, 2005			13,801,436		$	138,014	$	53,634,009		$	—		$	(19,979,312	)	$	33,792,711

See accompanying notes.

F-15

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

(A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited)

CONSOLIDATED STATEMENTS OF CASH FLOWS


				Years Ended

				December 29,			December 28,			January 2,
				2002			2003			2005

Operating activities
Net income (loss)					$3,113,429			$(936,827	)		$(2,073,817	)
Adjustments to reconcile net income (loss) to net cash provided by operating activities:
		Depreciation and amortization			8,049,677			11,767,643			14,790,877
		Amortization of deferred financing fees			190,970			192,060			419,195
		Amortization of management fees			200,000			200,000			—
		Provision for closing expense and asset disposals			654,029			141,577			698,569
		Minority interests in affiliates			187,937			153,415			265,163
		Changes in operating assets and liabilities:
			Restricted cash		(16,487	)		—			—
			Accounts receivable and other receivables		426,033			(521,560	)		3,243
			Income tax receivable		(900,078	)		800,078			(351,168	)
			Inventories		(270,760	)		(110,978	)		(1,532,834	)
			Prepaid expenses and other assets		(111,678	)		(119,902	)		(73,548	)
			Accounts payable		659,061			523,099			1,683,792
			Accrued compensation		38,527			(639,819	)		(1,956,567	)
			Accrued expenses		1,472,143			3,257,091			6,554,199
			Deferred revenue		—			1,268,392			4,924,180
			Deferred compensation		221,226			(288,077	)		(165,781	)

Net cash provided by operating activities					13,914,029			15,686,192			23,185,503

Investing activities
Payments for property and equipment					(12,169,916	)		(20,666,281	)		(32,352,637	)

Net cash used in investing activities					(12,169,916	)		(20,666,281	)		(32,352,637	)

Financing activities
Borrowings under revolving credit facility					—			4,300,000			28,923,930
Repayment of note payable and revolving credit facility					(1,845,720	)		(269,753	)		(15,051,081	)
Purchase of treasury stock					—			(400,000	)		—
Proceeds from the issuance of common stock					—			3,658,190			49,309
Refunds of amounts in escrow related to recapitalization					43,148			—			—
Distribution of minority interests’ earnings					(280,277	)		(174,489	)		(284,499	)
Deferred financing fees paid					—			—			(1,631,372	)

Net cash (used in) provided by financing activities					(2,082,849	)		7,113,948			12,006,287

(Decrease) increase in cash and cash equivalents					(338,736	)		2,133,859			2,839,153
Cash and cash equivalents at beginning of year					2,984,194			2,645,458			4,779,317

Cash and cash equivalents at end of year					$2,645,458			$4,779,317			$7,618,470

Supplemental disclosure of cash flow information
Cash paid during the year for:
	Interest				$389,530			$534,894			$1,037,188
	Income taxes				1,035,878			200,389			569,168
Noncash financing and investing transactions:
	Accrual for leasehold improvements, furniture and equipment				$489,891			$26,028			$1,063,274
	Deferred compensation				—			431,423			—

See accompanying notes.

F-16

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

(A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS


1.	Business and Summary of Significant Accounting Policies

Description of Business

Caribou Coffee Company, Inc. and Affiliates (“Caribou” or the “Company”) is a specialty retailer of high-quality coffees, teas, bakery goods, and related merchandise. The Company is a majority-owned subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited. As of January 2, 2005, the Company owned and operated 304 stores located in Minnesota, Wisconsin, Georgia, North Carolina, North Dakota, Illinois, Iowa, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Michigan, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, D.C.

Principles of Consolidation

The Company’s consolidated financial statements include the accounts of Caribou Coffee Company, Inc. and affiliates that it controls and a third party finance company where the Company is the primary beneficiary in a variable interest entity. The affiliates are Caribou Ventures, a partnership in which the Company owns a 50% interest that operates one retail store, Caribou MSP Airport, a partnership in which the company owns a 49% interest that operates three stores, and Caribou Coffee Development Company, Inc., a licensor of Caribou Coffee branded coffeehouses. The Company controls the daily operations of Caribou Ventures and Caribou Coffee Development Company and accordingly consolidates their results of operations. The Company provided a loan to its partner in Caribou MSP Airport for all of the partner’s equity contribution to the venture. Consequently, the Company bears all the risk of loss but does not control all decisions that may have a significant effect on the success of the venture. Therefore, the Company consolidates the Caribou MSP Airport as it is the primary beneficiary in this variable interest entity. All material intercompany balances and transactions between Caribou Coffee Company, Inc. and Caribou Ventures, Caribou MSP Airport, Caribou Coffee Development Company, Inc. and the third party finance company have been eliminated in consolidation.

Use of Estimates

The preparation of financial statements in conformity with accounting principles generally accepted in the U.S. (“GAAP”) requires management to make estimates and assumptions that affect the amounts reported in the accompanying consolidated financial statements. Actual results may differ from those estimates, and such differences may be material to the consolidated financial statements.

Fiscal Year End

The Company’s fiscal year ends on the Sunday closest to December 31. Fiscal year 2004 had 53 weeks and fiscal years 2003 and 2002 had 52 weeks.

Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents include all highly liquid investments with a maturity of three months or less when purchased.

Fair Value of Financial Instruments

The fair values of the Company’s financial instruments, which include cash and cash equivalents, accounts and notes receivable, accounts payable, notes payable and accrued expenses, approximate their carrying values.

F-17

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

(A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

The Company’s financial instruments that are exposed to concentrations of credit risk consist primarily of cash and cash equivalents and accounts receivable. The Company places its cash with high quality FDIC-insured financial institutions. Credit losses have not been significant.

Inventories

Inventories are stated at the lower of cost (first-in, first-out) or market.

Accounts Receivable

The Company performs periodic credit evaluations of its customers’ financial condition and does not require collateral. Receivables are generally due within 30 days. An allowance is recorded as an estimate of probable losses on outstanding receivables. The accounts receivable balance includes trade receivables.

Other Receivables

Other receivables include occupancy related receivables from subtenants of the Company and new lease tenant allowances due from the Company’s landlords.

Property and Equipment

Property and equipment is stated on the basis of cost less accumulated depreciation. The Company capitalizes direct costs associated with the site selection and construction of new coffeehouses, including direct internal payroll and payroll related costs. These costs are amortized over the lease terms of the underlying leases. Depreciation of property and equipment is computed using the straight-line method over the assets’ estimated useful lives of two to 20 years, for financial reporting purposes. Leasehold improvements are amortized using the straight-line method over the shorter of their estimated useful lives or the related initial lease term, excluding renewal option terms, which is generally five to ten years, unless it is reasonably assured that the renewal option term is going to be exercised.

Deferred Financing Fees

The Company capitalized the costs incurred in acquiring its revolving credit facility and included the costs as a component of other assets. The costs are being amortized over the five year life of the agreement on a straight-line basis.

Impairment of Long-Lived Assets and Long-Lived Assets to Be Disposed Of

The Company reviews long-lived assets and certain identifiable intangibles for impairment whenever events or changes in circumstances indicate that the carrying amount of an asset may not be recoverable. Recoverability of assets to be held and used is measured by a comparison of the carrying amount of an asset to future undiscounted net cash flows expected to be generated by the asset. If such assets are considered to be impaired, the impairment to be recognized is measured by the amount by which the carrying amount of the assets exceeds the fair value of the assets. Assets to be disposed of are reported at the lower of the carrying amount or fair value less costs to sell.

Stock Compensation

F-18

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

(A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Accounting Standards (“SFAS”) No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, requires companies that elect not to account for stock-based compensation as prescribed by SFAS No. 123 to disclose, among other things, the pro forma effects on operations as if SFAS No. 123 had been adopted. SFAS No. 148, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation — Transition and Disclosure, provides for alternative methods of transitioning to SFAS No. 123. It also amends the disclosure provisions of SFAS No. 123 and APB No. 28, Interim Financial Reporting, to require disclosure in the summary of significant accounting policies of the effects of an entity’s accounting policy with respect to stock-based compensation on reported net income and earnings per share in annual and interim financial statements. SFAS No. 148’s amendment of the transition and annual disclosure requirements are effective for fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. The amendment of disclosure requirements of APB Opinion No. 28 is effective for interim periods beginning after December 15, 2002. The Company will continue to use the intrinsic value method of accounting for stock-based compensation as allowed by SFAS No. 148 and make the appropriate disclosures. Accordingly, no compensation expense is recognized for fixed option plans because the exercise prices of employee stock options equals or exceeds the market value of the underlying stock on the dates of grant.

Had the Company determined compensation cost based on the fair value at the grant date for its stock options under SFAS No. 123, the Company’s net income for the years ended December 29, 2002, December 28, 2003 and January 2, 2005 would have been decreased to the pro forma net income indicated in the table below. The pro forma net loss for the year ended December 28, 2003 was not different from the reported net loss due to forfeiture of certain options that ultimately did not vest.


		Years Ended

		December 29,		December 28,			January 2,
		2002		2003			2005

Net income (loss): As reported			$3,113,429		$(936,827	)		$(2,073,817	)
Deduct: Total stock-based employee compensation expense determined under fair value based method for all awards, net of related tax effects			429,393		—			399,197

Pro forma net income (loss)			$2,684,036		$(936,827	)		$(2,473,014	)

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share:
	As reported		$0.23		$(0.07	)		$(0.15	)

	Pro forma		$0.20		$(0.07	)		$(0.18	)

Store Preopening and Closing Expenses

Costs incurred in connection with start-up and promotion of new store openings are expensed as incurred. When a store is closed, the remaining carrying amount of property and equipment, net of expected recovery value, is charged to operations. For stores under operating lease agreements, the estimated liability under the lease is also accrued.

Revenue Recognition

F-19

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

(A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

invoiced to the customer and the expense of such shipping and handling costs is included in cost of sales. The Company sells gift certificates and stored value cards of various denominations. Cash receipts related to gift certificate and stored value cards sales are deferred when initially received and revenue is recognized when the certificate or card is redeemed and the related products are delivered to the customer. Such amounts are classified as a current liability on the Company’s consolidated balance sheets.

Advertising

Advertising costs are expensed as incurred. Such amounts aggregated approximately $2,887,000, $3,264,000, and $4,360,000 for the years ended December 29, 2002, December 28, 2003, and January 2, 2005, respectively.

Operating Leases and Rent Expense

The Company accounts for its operating leases in accordance with SFAS No. 13, Accounting for Leases, and FASB Technical Bulletin No. 85-3, Accounting for Operating Leases With Scheduled Rent Increases. Certain of the Company’s lease agreements provide for scheduled rent increases during the lease terms or for rental payments commencing at a date other than the date of initial occupancy. Rent expense is recorded on a straight-line basis over the initial lease term and renewal periods that are reasonably assured. The difference between rent expense and rent paid is recorded as deferred rent and is included in “accrued expenses” and “deferred rent liability” in the consolidated balance sheets. Contingent rents, including those based on a percentage of retail sales over stated levels, and rental payment increases based on a contingent future event are accrued over the respective contingency periods when the achievement of such targets or events are deemed to be probable by the Company.

Income Taxes

The Company accounts for income taxes under the liability method in accordance with SFAS No. 109, Accounting for Income Taxes. Under this method, deferred income tax assets and liabilities are determined based on differences between the financial reporting and tax basis of assets and liabilities and are measured using the enacted tax rates and laws that will be in effect when the differences are expected to reverse.

Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Basic net income (loss) per share was computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding. Diluted net income (loss) per share was computed based on the weighted average number of shares of common stock outstanding plus the impact of potentially dilutive shares, if any.


2.	Store Closings and Asset Disposals

Based on an operating cash flow analysis performed throughout the year, the Company commits to a plan to close unprofitable stores. If the store assets are deemed to be impaired, the Company records a charge to reduce the carrying value of the property and equipment to estimated realizable value. Upon closing of the stores, the Company will accrue for estimated lease commitments and other expenses associated with the closings. During the year, the Company wrote off the carrying value of property and equipment that were abandoned or disposed of in connection with store remodels, store relocations or general property and equipment impairment. The Company also recognized a loss for the year ended January 2, 2005 associated with exiting a leased facility in connection with the consolidation of its corporate headquarters, warehouse and roasting facilities, in accordance with SFAS No. 146, Accounting

F-20

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

(A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities. These consolidating activities consisted of relocating corporate offices, warehousing and coffee roasting and packaging and the respective employees from three separate buildings to one facility. The Company relocated to this new facility because, in order to accommodate its current operations and anticipated growth, it required additional space for its corporate offices, storage of raw materials, roasting, packaging, warehousing of finished goods and distribution. In addition, the consolidation into a single facility allowed the Company to improve the efficiency of its operations. This consolidation was completed in June 2004. The charge related to these consolidation activities is limited to an accrual for the remaining lease rentals, reduced by estimated sublease rentals that could be reasonably obtained, associated with the leased space which was vacated. Such charges consist of the following:


		Years Ended

		December 29,		December 28,		January 2,
		2002		2003		2005

Coffeehouse closures			6		2		4

Amount charged to operations for closed coffeehouses:
	Cash closure costs	$	263,097		$25,000		$335,853
	Net book value of closed coffeehouse property and equipment		333,132		129,835		189,714
	Amount charged to operations for other property and equipment write-offs		320,897		11,742		8,855
	Amount charged to operations for costs to consolidate facilities		—		—		500,000

	Coffeehouse closing expense and disposal of assets	$	917,126	$	166,577	$	1,034,422

At December 28, 2003, $45,310 was accrued related to coffeehouse closings and exit activities. At January 2, 2005, $500,000 was accrued related to corporate consolidation activities. Such amounts are included in accrued expenses in the consolidated balance sheets.

The results of operations for the unprofitable coffeehouses (which are defined as coffeehouses with operating losses) for the years ended December 29, 2002, December 28, 2003, and January 2, 2005 included losses of $2,982,003, $5,328,135, and $5,756,280, respectively.

Depreciation expense for the years ended December 29, 2002, December 28, 2003, and January 2, 2005 included $244,338, $1,839,219, and $985,152, respectively, related to charges for impaired assets.


3.	Recent Accounting Pronouncements

In June 2002, the Financial Accounting Standards Board (“FASB”) issued SFAS No. 146, Accounting for Costs Associated with Exit or Disposal Activities (“SFAS 146”), which addresses financial accounting and reporting for costs associated with exit or disposal activities and nullifies Emerging Issues Task Force (“EITF”) Issue No. 94-3, Liability Recognition for Certain Employee Termination Benefits and Other Costs to Exit an Activity (including Certain Costs Incurred in a Restructuring). The principal difference between this Statement and Issue 94-3 relates to its requirements for recognition of a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity. This Statement requires that a liability for a cost associated with an exit or disposal activity be recognized when the liability is incurred. Under Issue 94-3, a liability for an exit cost as defined in Issue 94-3 was recognized at the date of an entity’s commitment to an exit plan. This Statement eliminates the definition and requirements for recognition of exit costs in

F-21

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

(A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Issue 94-3. This Statement also establishes that fair value is the objective for initial measurement of the liability. The Company adopted SFAS 146 on January 1, 2003 and the adoption of this statement did not have a significant impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

In December 2002, the FASB issued SFAS No. 148, which amended SFAS No. 123. The Standard provides alternative methods of transition for a voluntary change to the fair-value-based method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation. Additionally, the Statement amends the disclosure requirements of SFAS No. 123 to require prominent disclosures in the annual and interim financial statements about the method of accounting for stock-based employee compensation and the effect of the method used on reported results. The Statement is effective for financial statements with fiscal years ending after December 15, 2002. In compliance with SFAS 148, the Company has elected to continue to follow the intrinsic value method in accounting for our stock-based employee compensation arrangements as defined by APB Opinion No. 25 and will make the applicable disclosures.

In January 2003, the FASB issued Financial Interpretation 46, Consolidation of Variable Interest Entities (“FIN 46”). This Interpretation clarifies the application of Accounting Research Bulletin (“ARB”) No. 51, Consolidated Financial Statements, to certain entities in which equity investors do not have the characteristics of a controlling financial interest or do not have sufficient equity at risk for the entity to finance its activities without additional subordinated financial support from other parties. However, application of the majority voting interest requirement in ARB 51 to certain types of entities may not identify the party with a controlling financial interest because the controlling financial interest may be achieved through arrangements that do not involve voting interests. The Company adopted FIN 46 on January 1, 2003 with no impact on the Company’s financial position and results of operations.

In December 2004, the FASB issued SFAS 123-revised 2004, Share-Based Payment, or SFAS 123R which replaces No. 123, Accounting for Stock-Based Compensation, and supersedes APB Opinion 25, Accounting for Stock Issued to Employees. SFAS 123R requires the measurement of all share-based payments to employees, including grants of employee stock options, using a fair-value-based method and the recording of such expense in our consolidated statements of operations. The accounting provisions of SFAS 123R are effective for us beginning with the first quarter of fiscal 2006. The pro forma disclosures previously permitted under SFAS No. 123 no longer will be an alternative to financial statement recognition. We are evaluating the requirements under SFAS 123R and expect the adoption will have an impact on our consolidated results of operations and net income (loss) per share. However, it will not have an effect on our overall cash flow.

In May 2005, the FASB issued SFAS No. 154, Accounting Changes and Error Corrections (“SFAS No. 154”). SFAS 154 replaces Accounting Principles Board Opinion No. 20, Accounting Changes and FASB Statement No. 3, Reporting Accounting Changes in Interim Financial Statements, and requires the direct effects of accounting principle changes to be retrospectively applied. The existing guidance with respect to accounting estimate changes and corrections of errors is carried forward in SFAS No. 154. SFAS No. 154 is effective for accounting changes and corrections of errors made in fiscal years beginning after December 15, 2005. We do not expect the adoption of SFAS No. 154 to have a material effect on our financial statements.

F-22

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

(A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


4.	Cash and Cash Equivalents

Cash and cash equivalents consist of the following:


	December 28,		January 2,
	2003		2005

Operating funds and interest-bearing deposits	$	4,778,211	$	7,617,351
Money market funds		1,106		1,119

	$	4,779,317	$	7,618,470


5.	Restricted Cash

At December 28, 2003 and January 2, 2005, cash of $539,983 was pledged as collateral on outstanding letters of credit related to lease commitments and was classified as restricted cash in the consolidated balance sheets.


6.	Inventories

Inventories consist of the following:


	December 28,		January 2,
	2003		2005

Coffee	$	1,696,607	$	2,579,718
Merchandise held for sale		890,966		1,086,611
Supplies		1,584,033		2,038,111

	$	4,171,606	$	5,704,440

At December 28, 2003, and January 2, 2005, the Company had fixed price inventory purchase commitments, primarily for green coffee, aggregating approximately $4,490,000 and $5,863,000, respectively. These commitments are for less than one year.


7.	Property and Equipment

Property and equipment consist of the following:


	December 28,			January 2,
	2003			2005

Leasehold improvements	$	49,267,663		$	64,519,192
Furniture, fixtures, and equipment		44,902,619			60,265,603

		94,170,282			124,784,795
Less accumulated depreciation and amortization		(44,722,317	)		(57,145,063	)

	$	49,447,965		$	67,639,732

Depreciation expense on furniture, fixtures and equipment and amortization expense on leasehold improvements totaled $8,049,677, $11,767,643 and $14,790,877 for the years ended December 29, 2002, December 28, 2003 and January 2, 2005, respectively, of which $207,559, $314,485 and $543,596, respectively, are included in cost of sales and related occupancy costs and $411,453, $1,000,575 and $865,719, respectively, are included in general and administrative expense on the Company’s statements of operations.

F-23

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

(A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


8.	Note Payable and Revolving Credit Facility

On December 27, 2000, the Company entered into a sale leaseback arrangement with a third party finance company whereby from time to time the Company sells equipment to the finance company, and, immediately following the sale, it leases back all of the equipment it sold to such third party. The Company does not recognize any gain or loss on the sale of the assets. The agreement initially provided for $20 million of such activity and had an expiration date of April 25, 2005. During fiscal 2004, the Company entered into a new sale leaseback arrangement where the maximum amount of equipment the Company can sell and leaseback was increased to $55 million (such amount can be further increased to $60 million after obtaining certain approvals) and the expiration of the agreement was extended to June 29, 2009. Annual rent payable under the lease financing arrangement is equal to the amount outstanding under the lease financing arrangement multiplied by the applicable LIBOR rate plus a specified margin (5.25% at January 2, 2005).

The finance company funds its obligations under the lease financing arrangement through a revolving credit facility that it entered into with a commercial lender. The terms of the revolving credit facility are economically equivalent to the lease financing arrangement such that the amount of rent payments and unpaid acquisition costs under the lease financing arrangement are at all times equal to the interest and principal under the revolving credit facility. The Company consolidates the third party finance company as the Company is the primary beneficiary in a variable interest entity due to the terms and provisions of the lease financing arrangement. Accordingly, the Company’s consolidated balance sheets include all assets and liabilities of the third party finance company under the captions property and equipment and revolving credit facility, respectively. The Company’s consolidated statements of operations include all the operations of the finance company including all interest expense related to the revolving credit facility. Notwithstanding this presentation, the Company’s obligations are limited to its obligations under the lease financing arrangement and the Company has no obligations under the revolving credit facility. The third party finance company was established solely for the purpose of facilitating the Company’s sale leaseback arrangement. The finance company does not have any other assets or liabilities or income and expense other than those associated with the revolving credit facility. At December 28, 2003 and January 2, 2005, there were approximately $6,050,100 and $19,923,930, respectively, of property and equipment at cost leased under this arrangement. The lease financing arrangement has been structured to be consistent with Shari’ah principles.

The terms of the sale leaseback agreement contain certain financial covenants and limitations on the amount used for expansion activities based on operating cash flows of the Company. The Company is liable for a commitment fee on any unused portion of the facility. The unused portion of the facility aggregated approximately $35.1 million at January 2, 2005.

Note payable and revolving credit facility are as follows:


	December 28, 2003			January 2, 2005

Revolving credit facility	$	6,050,100		$	19,923,930
Note payable to a landlord, principal and interest at 8%, due monthly through March 2004		981			—

		6,051,081			19,923,930
Less current portion		(717,494	)		—

	$	5,333,587		$	19,923,930

F-24

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

(A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Deferred financing fees consist of the following:


	December 28, 2003			January 2, 2005

Deferred financing fees	$	760,946		$	1,631,372
Less accumulated amortization		(504,888	)		(163,137	)

	$	256,058		$	1,468,235

Amortization expense on deferred financing fees totaled $190,970, $192,060 and $419,195 for the years ended December 29, 2002, December 28, 2003 and January 2, 2005, respectively. During the year ended January 2, 2005, the Company entered into a new sale leaseback arrangement, at which time it wrote-off the unamortized portion of the deferred financing fees under its prior sale leaseback arrangement. Amortization expense for the year ended January 2, 2005 includes $163,137 from amortization under the new sale leaseback arrangement and $256,058 from amortization and the write-off of unamortized deferred financing fees under the prior sale leaseback arrangement.


9.	Stock Options

Pro forma information regarding net income is required by SFAS No. 123, which also requires that the information be determined as if the Company has accounted for its employee stock options under the fair value method. The per share weighted-average fair value of stock options granted during the years ended December 29, 2002, December 28, 2003 and January 2, 2005 was $1.24, $1.00 and $1.05, respectively, on the date of grant using the Black-Scholes option-pricing model (excluding a volatility assumption) with the following weighted-average assumptions:


	Years Ended

	December 29,			December 28,			January 2,
	2002			2003			2005

Expected dividend yield		0	%		0	%		0	%
Risk free interest rate		5.00	%		3.25	%		3.43	%
Expected life		5 years			5 years			5 years

F-25

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

(A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Stock option activity during the years indicated is as follows:


		Number of			Weighted Average		Range of
		Shares			Exercise Price		Exercise Prices

Outstanding, December 30, 2001			1,181,489			5.61		$3.18 - 5.62
	Granted		243,334			5.62		5.62
	Exercised		—			—		—
	Forfeited		(14,300	)		5.56		5.06 - 5.62

Outstanding, December 29, 2002			1,410,523			5.61		3.18 - 5.62
	Granted		1,040,000			6.70		6.70
	Exercised		(2,000	)		5.62		5.62
	Forfeited		(826,734	)		5.61		4.87 - 6.70

Outstanding, December 28, 2003			1,621,789			6.30		3.18 - 6.70
	Granted		226,000			6.70		6.70
	Exercised		(7,067	)		5.62		5.62
	Forfeited		(69,266	)		6.06		3.18 - 6.70

Outstanding, January 2, 2005			1,771,456			6.36		$3.18 - 6.70

Options granted to employees are exercisable according to the terms of each agreement, ranging from three to four years. At December 28, 2003 and January 2, 2005, 239,348 and 740,123 options outstanding were exercisable with weighted average exercise prices of $5.60 and $5.99, respectively. At December 28, 2003 and January 2, 2005, 2,219,488 and 2,212,421 shares, respectively, of the Company’s common stock were reserved for issuance related to stock options and stock purchase warrants. At December 28, 2003 and January 2, 2005, the weighted-average remaining contractual life of outstanding options was 8.57 and 7.85 years, respectively.


10.	Leasing Arrangements and Commitments

The Company leases retail stores, roasting and distribution facilities, office space and certain equipment under operating leases expiring through December 2019. Most lease agreements contain renewal options and rent escalation clauses. Certain leases provide for contingent rentals based upon gross sales.

Rental expense under these lease agreements, excluding real estate taxes, common area charges and insurance, was as follows:


	Years Ended

	December 29,			December 28,			January 2,
	2002			2003			2005

Minimum rentals		$7,319,721			$9,248,352			$12,018,384
Contingent rentals		1,363,475			1,402,745			1,659,959

		8,683,196			10,651,097			13,678,343
Less sublease rentals		(302,735	)		(286,073	)		(257,640	)

		$8,380,461			$10,365,024			$13,420,703

F-26

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

(A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Minimum future rental payments under these agreements as of January 2, 2005 are as follows:


2005		$14,919,028
2006		14,895,167
2007		14,107,472
2008		12,871,665
2009		12,112,438
Thereafter		46,708,626

	$	115,614,396

Total future minimum sublease rental income is $1,053,392.


11.	Income Taxes

The provision for income taxes consists of the following:


		Years Ended

		December 29,			December 28,			January 2,
		2002			2003			2005

Current:
	U.S. Federal	$	172,218			$(205,117	)		$667,187
	State		178,540			201,124			306,653

			350,758			(3,993	)		973,840
Deferred:
	U.S. Federal		(172,218	)		205,117			(667,187	)
	State		(22,540	)		26,846			(87,323	)

			(194,758	)		231,963			(754,510	)

		$	156,000			$227,970			$219,330

A reconciliation of the differences between income taxes computed at the U.S. Federal statutory tax rate and the Company’s income tax provision is as follows:


	Years Ended

	December 29,			December 28,			January 2,
	2002			2003			2005

Tax at U.S. Federal statutory rate	$	1,111,605			$(241,011	)	$	(630,522	)
State income taxes, net of U.S. Federal income tax benefit		102,960			150,460			111,757
Permanent differences		(9,367	)		17,841			34,381
Changes in valuation allowance		(1,096,751	)		317,268			820,293
Other, net		47,553			(16,588	)		(116,579	)

		$156,000		$	227,970			$219,330

Net operating loss carryforwards totaled $10.6 million at January 2, 2005. The net operating loss carryforwards will begin to expire in 2011, if not utilized. Additional equity offerings or certain changes in control in future years may further limit the Company’s ability to utilize carryforwards. After consideration of all the evidence, both positive and negative, management has recorded a valuation allowance against its deferred income tax assets at January 2, 2005 due to the uncertainty of realizing such deferred income tax assets.

F-27

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

(A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

Deferred income taxes reflect the net income tax effect of temporary differences between the carrying amounts of the assets and liabilities for financial reporting purposes and amounts used for income taxes. The tax effects of temporary differences that give rise to significant portions of the Company’s deferred income tax assets (liabilities) are as follows:


	Years Ended

	December 28,			January 2,
	2003			2005

Depreciation		$(3,613	)		$(2,345,012	)
Deferred rent on leases		2,833,703			2,753,198
Net operating loss carryforwards		2,639,433			4,244,650
Store closing and asset reserves		18,124			344,000
Accrued expenses		462,457			227,055
Deferred revenue		131,074			1,435,108
Other		870,650			1,113,122

Gross deferred income tax assets		6,951,828			7,772,121
Less deferred income tax asset valuation allowance		(6,951,828	)		(7,772,121	)

Net deferred income tax assets	$	—		$	—


12.	Related Party Transactions

Management Agreement

In December 2000, the Company executed a management agreement with an affiliate of the Company’s majority shareholder. The management agreement provides that the affiliate will provide general advisory services to the Company. The management agreement requires the Company to pay an annual management fee of $200,000. The Company prepaid $600,000 for three years of management fees in December 2000. Accordingly, the Company expensed $200,000 of management fees in each fiscal year ended 2001, 2002 and 2003. In 2004, the Company accrued a management fee of $200,000, which amount is included in accrued liabilities at January 2, 2005. The Company paid the accrued liability for management fees during the first quarter of 2005. The management agreement will terminate in connection with the closing of an initial public offering.

Notes from Affiliates

In 1999, the Company issued a note to an affiliate of the Company. The note has a variable interest rate of prime plus 2%, with interest-only payments due each quarter, from January 15, 1999 until October 15, 2001. Beginning January 15, 2002, principal payments of $4,029 and any accrued interest were due each quarter with the final payment due on October 15, 2009. The note receivable balance plus accrued interest totaled $96,705 and $80,649 at December 28, 2003 January 2, 2005, respectively.

Executive Split Dollar Life Insurance

The Company established an Executive Split-Dollar Life Insurance Policy (the “Policy”) for the former Chief Executive Officer (“CEO”) of the Company. Under the Policy, the Company agreed to pay premiums for the life insurance policy that is owned by the CEO. The Company has certain security interests in the Policy as well as the cash value of the Policy. Premiums paid by the Company, net of the increase in cash value, are charged to operations. Concurrent with the termination of its CEO in January 2003 the Company released its security interest in the cash value of the Policy in satisfaction of a portion

F-28

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

(A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)

of its deferred compensation liability to its former CEO. This resulted in a non-cash transaction of $431,423 during the year ended December 28, 2003.

On August 1, 1999, the Company signed a deferred compensation agreement with its then current CEO. This agreement required the Company to credit the CEO’s deferred compensation account (the “Account”) for $154,000 on the effective date of such agreement and each of the seven annual anniversaries of the effective date. Each month the Company credited the Account with earnings or losses based on an earnings rate that was determined by the performance of certain investment funds. In January 2003, the CEO’s employment contract was terminated, thereby ceasing the Company’s future obligations to the deferred compensation agreement, and requiring a scheduled payout of the balance in the Account, which concluded with the final payment during the year ended January 2, 2005. As of December 28, 2003, the Company had $165,781 accrued related to this agreement, which was paid out during 2004.


13.	Employee Benefit Plan

The Company sponsors a 401(k) defined contribution plan for substantially all employees. Amounts expensed for company contributions to the plan aggregated approximately $65,000, $78,000, and $76,000 for the years ended, December 29, 2002, December 28, 2003, and January 2, 2005, respectively.


14.	Master License Agreement

In November 2004, the Company entered into a Master License Agreement with a licensee. The agreement provides the licensee the right to develop, sublicense or operate 250 Caribou Coffee coffeehouses in 12 Middle Eastern countries. The Agreement expires in November 2012 and provides for certain renewal options.

In connection with the agreement the licensee paid the Company a nonrefundable deposit aggregating $3,250,000. In addition to the deposit the licensee is obligated to pay the Company a $20,000 per licensed/sublicensed store (initial license fee) opened for the first 100 Caribou Coffee Coffeehouses and $15,000 for each additional licensed/sublicensed store opened (after the first 100). The agreement provides for $5,000 of the initial deposit received by the Company to be applied against the initial license fee as discussed herein. Monthly royalty payments ranging from 3%-5% of gross sales are also due to the Company.

The Company included $3,055,000 of the deposit in long term liabilities as deferred revenue and $195,000 in current liabilities as deferred revenue on its January 2, 2005 balance sheet. Such initial deposit will be amortized into income on a pro rata basis at the same time the initial license fee payments are received in connection with the execution of the license or sublicense agreements. The Company also deferred approximately $136,000 of costs related to the agreement. At January 2, 2005, there were no coffeehouses operating under this Agreement. The licensee and certain owners of the licensee also own indirect interests in Caribou Holding Company Limited.

F-29

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

(A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited)

NOTES TO CONSOLIDATED FINANCIAL STATEMENTS — (Continued)


15.	Net Income (Loss) Per Share

Basic and diluted net income (loss) per share for the last three fiscal periods were as follows:


	December 29,		December 28,			January 2,
	2002		2003			2005

Net income (loss)	$	3,113,429		$(936,827	)	$	(2,073,817	)

Weighted average number of shares outstanding (for basic calculation)		13,293,824		13,347,571			13,798,347
Effects of dilutive stock options		2,480		—			—

Weighted average number of shares outstanding (for diluted calculation)		13,296,304		13,347,571			13,798,347

Net income (loss) per share — basic and diluted		$0.23		$(0.07	)		$(0.15	)

The computation above does not include 1,400,000 options for 2002 in the fully diluted computation because the option’s exercise price was greater than the average fair value of the common shares and inclusion of the options in the earnings per share calculation would have been anti-dilutive. For fiscal 2003 and 2004, stock options were excluded from the calculation of shares applicable to diluted net loss per share because their inclusion would have been anti-dilutive.


16.	Selected Quarterly Financial Data (Unaudited)


		Fiscal Quarters

Year Ended December 28, 2003		First			Second			Third		Fourth

Net sales		$	26,903,772		$	29,903,918		$	30,707,382	$	36,220,750
Cost of sales and related occupancy costs			10,836,617			11,932,039			12,625,156		15,247,119
Operating income (loss)			130,244			(25,689	)		471,472		(629,369	)
Net (loss) income			(56,127	)		(262,785	)		208,476		(826,391	)
Net (loss) income per share
	Basic		(0.00	)		(0.02	)		0.02		(0.06	)
	Diluted		(0.00	)		(0.02	)		0.02		(0.06	)


		Fiscal Quarters

Year Ended January 2, 2005		First			Second			Third			Fourth

Net sales		$	35,011,262		$	37,922,212		$	38,735,016		$	49,202,058
Cost of sales and related occupancy costs			14,374,506			15,909,052			15,650,631			19,385,710
Operating (loss) income			(296,952	)		(1,225,141	)		(390,845	)		1,281,387
Net (loss) income			(499,841	)		(1,529,224	)		(821,583	)		776,831
Net (loss) income per share
	Basic		(0.04	)		(0.11	)		(0.06	)		0.06
	Diluted		(0.04	)		(0.11	)		(0.06	)		0.06


17.	Stock Split

On September 2, 2005, the Company’s Board of Directors approved a four-for-three stock split effective on September 2, 2005. All shares and per share data have been adjusted retroactively to reflect the stock split.

F-30

REPORT OF INDEPENDENT REGISTERED PUBLIC ACCOUNTING FIRM

The Board of Directors and Shareholders

Caribou Coffee Company, Inc. and Affiliates

We have audited the consolidated financial statements of Caribou Coffee Company, Inc. and Affiliates (A Majority Owned Subsidiary of Caribou Holding Company Limited) (the Company) as of January 2, 2005 and December 28, 2003, and the related consolidated statements of operations, shareholders’ equity, and cash flows for each of the three years in the period ended January 2, 2005 (included elsewhere in this Registration Statement). Our audits also included the financial statement schedule listed in Item 16(b) of this Registration Statement. This schedule is the responsibility of the Company’s management. Our responsibility is to express an opinion based on our audits.

In our opinion, the financial statement schedule referred to above, when considered in relation to the basic financial statements taken as a whole, presents fairly in all material respect the information set forth therein.


	/s/ Ernst & Young LLP

Atlanta, Georgia

March 25, 2005, except Note 17

as to which the date is September 2, 2005

F-31

CARIBOU COFFEE COMPANY, INC. AND AFFILIATES

Item 16(b) — Schedule II — Valuation and Qualifying Accounts and Reserves


		Balance at		Additions
		Beginning of		Charged to				Balance at
Years ended:		Year		Expense		Deductions		End of Year

December 29, 2002
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		$58,000		$41,200		$80,300		$18,900
	Deferred income tax asset valuation allowance		$7,731,311		$—		$1,096,751		$6,634,560
December 28, 2003
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		$18,900		$16,000		$—		$34,900
	Deferred income tax asset valuation allowance		$6,634,560		$317,268		$—		$6,951,828
January 2, 2005
	Allowance for doubtful accounts		$34,900		$—		$—		$34,900
	Deferred income tax asset valuation allowance		$6,951,828		$820,293		$—		$7,772,121

F-32

Through and including October 23, 2005 (the 25th day after the date of this prospectus), all dealers effecting transactions in these securities, whether or not participating in this offering, may be required to deliver a prospectus. This is in addition to the dealers’ obligation to deliver a prospectus when acting as underwriters and with respect to their unsold allotments or subscriptions.

5,358,000 Shares

Common Stock

PROSPECTUS

Merrill Lynch & Co.

Thomas Weisel Partners LLC

SG Cowen & Co.

SunTrust Robinson Humphrey

September 28, 2005