New owners want to keep the homemade recipes of iconic Caribou sub shop

CARIBOU, Maine – After going on the market last year, a popular sub shop in downtown Caribou has new owners who want to keep the tasty traditions going.

Cindy Johnston has owned and operated Cindy’s Sub Shop at 264 Sweden Street since 1999, after purchasing the former McCarthy’s Sub Shop building. For over 25 years, she served homemade sandwiches, soups, chowders and desserts to a loyal customer base. As she approached retirement , Johnston hoped that a young and motivated entrepreneur would continue where she left off.

Many Aroostook County businesses have closed in recent years after owners retired, especially when younger generations have not taken over the business . But Johnston can step down with relief, knowing that Derek and Kayla Bosse will soon continue her legacy.

The Bosses will officially own the shop Aug. 19 and rename it Caribou Sub Shop. But aside from the name and the building’s signage, not much else will change.

“People love the fresh bread and the homestyle meals, so we’ve been learning the recipes to get everything right,” Derek Bosse said. “[Cindy’s] has been such a staple to Caribou, so the new name makes it our own but keeps it community based.”

Derek, 34, is originally from Madawaska and Kayla, 32, is a Caribou native. The couple has lived in Caribou since 2013 and are now raising two daughters, 5-year-old Charlotte and 2-year-old Evelyn.

The sub shop will be the first business that Derek and Kayla have owned. Since 2017, Kayla has worked at Safe Alternatives, a nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary in Caribou, first as general manager, then as finance director. Prior to those roles, she worked in management at Tim Horton’s.

In 2023, Derek joined Safe Alternatives as the dispensary manager. He previously was business development manager at North Country Auto and an insurance products salesperson at F.A. Peabody.

The couple had been looking for an opportunity to own a local business and were excited when they learned that Cindy’s, a favorite of theirs, was for sale. Kayla has been a lifelong customer and has fond memories of going there for lunch.

“I remember as a senior [at Caribou High School], we could go out for lunch, so I would eat here,” Kayla said. “It’s our go-to place.”

Today, Derek and Kayla’s favorite meals from the shop are chicken salad sandwiches and meatloaf, respectively.

The shop will be closed Aug. 19 and 20 to allow Johnston and the Bosses to finalize the ownership transition, and will reopen Aug. 21. Johnston did not disclose the final purchase price.

Johnston will remain on board briefly after the transition to continue teaching Derek and Kayla, and looks forward to seeing them bring a fresh vision. Johnston’s eight employees will remain on staff.

Over the years, Johnston has been most grateful for locals who stuck by her business, and helped her get through the pandemic.

“It’s a special place and we’ve had a lot of loyal repeat customers,” Johnston said. “The people have been the best memories.”