Minnesota’s Caribou Coffee Could Be Named America’s Best Brand

There are two types of people in this world: those who wake up energized, and those who require a legally concerning amount of caffeine to resemble a functioning human. I proudly belong to group number two.

Which is why, no matter where I am, the second I spot a familiar drive-thru sign, my car basically swerves on autopilot.

Fortunately, there’s no shortage of excellent coffee options in the Land of 10,000 Lakes, but one homegrown favorite that was born here and has been brewing now for over 30 years is officially in the running for America’s Best Coffee Brand.

Also See: Once Popular Coffee Shop Now Extinct in Minnesota

Here in Minnesota alone, there are over 300 of those teal-lit havens scattered across the state, tucked next to Targets, wedged between gas stations, hiding in strip malls like cozy little caffeine traps.

Life is short, stay awake for it! Yes, of course I’m talking about Caribou Coffee.

They’re going head-to-head with giants like Starbucks, Dunkin’, Scooter’s, and more for USA Today’s 10Best Awards.

And honestly? I’m rooting for the hometown hero.

I worked at Caribou back in college, and I could still make a Caramel High Rise in my sleep. I can practically hear the steamer wand hissing just thinking about it.

If you’ve got a favorite coffee spot in the running, now’s the time to back them - voting is open on USA Today’s site. I know where mine’s going.