Caribou Coffee announces the promotion of Jessica Monson to Chief Legal Officer

Minneapolis, MN – May 18, 2023

Caribou Coffee®, an international premium coffeehouse and Panera Brands company, recently promoted Jessica Monson to Chief Legal Officer. A member of Caribou’s executive leadership team and the Corporate Secretary, Monson will continue reporting to Chief Executive Officer John Butcher, and lead the growing brands’ legal, enterprise risk, and global ethics and compliance functions, as well as advising on the company’s Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) strategies. Monson has been an integral part of the Caribou Coffee team since 2019, serving as General Counsel and Vice President of Legal and playing a pivotal role in the company’s domestic and international growth. 

“As Chief Legal Officer I will be a steadfast steward for our brand, as well as a trusted advisor for our leaders and stakeholders,” said Monson. “Success is making a lasting impact by serving our internal clients using creativity and collaboration to effectively address any challenges that may arise as we embark on our journey of growth.” 

In addition to her time at Caribou, Monson has more than 14 years of experience working as in-house counsel for growing consumer brands, providing legal advice on corporate governance, franchising, marketing, real estate, consumer protection, intellectual property, employment matters and data privacy. She has also served on the Board of the Better Business Bureau of Minnesota and North Dakota and as a mentor for the University of St. Thomas School of Law, as well as being involved with other Minneapolis-based organizations, including serving on the Green Committee at Hazeltine National Golf Club. She was also named to Twin Cities Business 2022 Notable Women in Law. Monson received a bachelor’s degree from North Dakota State University and a J.D. from the University of St. Thomas School of Law. 

“Jessica has been instrumental in Caribou Coffee’s evolution over the past several years, advising on and managing a variety of areas for all business channels,” said John Butcher, President and CEO of Caribou Coffee. “As we look ahead at future success here at Caribou, we are thrilled to expand our c-suite with talented leaders like Jessica. I’m confident that as our Chief Legal Officer, she will continue to leverage her consumer brands experience to provide pragmatic legal guidance and leadership to support our growing company.” 

Monson’s promotion to the c-suite also comes on the heels of recent announcements about growth for the brand, including expanding its presence in key markets with the signing of several multi-unit development deals to franchise more than 300 Caribou Coffee locations across the United States.  

About Caribou Coffee®   

Founded in 1992, Caribou Coffee provides high-quality, handcrafted coffee-forward beverages and craveable food options in more than 750 coffeehouses worldwide. Each menu item is crafted with the purpose to create day-making experiences. Known for a commitment to sustainable practices and making a difference, Caribou Coffee serves 100% Rainforest Alliance Certified coffees and espresso. This passion for premium is also why Caribou Coffee makes every handcrafted beverage with only clean label ingredients, like real chocolate chips and caramel, and no artificial flavors, colors, sweeteners or preservatives. 

As of March 28, 2023, Caribou Coffee has 330 company-owned, 141 non-traditional and 294 franchise locations in 11 countries. The company is also a craft roaster and retailer of specialty bagged coffee, K-Cup® Pods and ready-to-drink products, which can be found online and in grocery stores, mass retailers, club stores, dining venues and office breakrooms across the United States. 

Caribou Coffee is part of a portfolio of complementary brands bound by common values, Panera Brands, comprised of Panera Bread®, Caribou Coffee® and Bagel Brands®. Panera Brands companies are independently operated and united in their mission to be force multipliers for good for their guests, communities, the planet and the shareholders they serve. 

To learn more about Caribou Coffee, visit CaribouCoffee.com and follow the coffeehouse on Facebook, Twitter, Instagram, TikTok or LinkedIn. Sign up for Caribou Coffee’s loyalty program, Caribou Perks®, at cariboucoffee.com/perks or text “Perks” to 762-CARIBOU.