A family affair: How one mother-son duo brews connection on the job
Coffee has always brought people together and for this mother and son duo, working for Caribou Coffee is a special part of their bond. Working for the same company wasn’t something they planned, but Shirley and her son Mike now have about four decades of experience working at Caribou between them.
Years ago, Shirley had been looking for a part-time job, so Mike introduced her to one of the Caribou store managers. When the manager heard she was Mike’s mom, Shirley was quickly recruited. There was even a time when Shirley and Mike worked under the same roof at a Caribou coffeehouse. After some time working elsewhere, Mike joined the team at the same store, and while their shifts didn’t overlap, sharing the same workplace deepened their bond. Whether they were discussing new menu items or swapping stories about regular guests, their shared experience added a special layer to their relationship.
Today, Mike works for our corporate office and Shirley works at the same coffeehouse where she started. Working for Caribou has given them an understanding of each other’s days, and it’s been helpful to have the other’s perspective. Shirley shared, “Michael has helped me many times. I love working for Caribou and I’m proud to say he works for Caribou too and is my son.”
Mike and Shirley’s similarities go beyond working for the same organization – they even share the same usual order (a hot Americano) and favorite Caribou Coffee blend (Reindeer Blend). Like mother, like son.
One of their fondest memories working together was celebrating Shirley’s 20-year anniversary at Caribou. Mike and several coworkers showed up and surprised Shirley at work. Shirley was shocked and delighted to see Mike and their colleagues, despite her aversion to being in the spotlight. Special moments like this one and the exceptional people at Caribou are a big part of why Shirley continues making handcrafted beverages for our amazing guests. “After 15 years at Caribou I thought I might retire, then I thought maybe at 20 years, and now I’ll be here until I can’t do it anymore. The people are too wonderful,” Shirley said.
Mike and Shirley’s bond isn’t just about being family — it’s about shared purpose, loyalty to the same mission, and decades of overlapping stories that most coworkers never get to experience. Mike shared, “Because it’s been so long, it’s special but just part of who we are.” And they both wouldn’t have it any other way.
