After long absence, popular coffee chain returns to Lake Norman with new store

After an absence of at least a decade-and-a-half, Caribou Coffee opened a Lake Norman-area store on Monday with plans for a second location.

On a personal note: It was a very long time for me, a patron of the former store that closed in the mid-2000s, if memory serves, in the Super Target-anchored Winslow Bay Commons retail center in Mooresville near the lake .

The store was always packed, but corporate decided to curtail expansion plans in North Carolina and other markets at the time, store employees and management told us back then.

I was distraught.

I’m from New England, where Dunkin’ Donuts still rules, but those Pacific Northwest Caribou Coffee blends? My wife and I were hooked .

Luckily for myself and other fans of Caribou, I no longer have to do without my favorite order, a large, hot mocha.

The new coffeehouse opened at the corner of N.C. 150 (East Plaza Drive) and N.C. 115 in a Food Lion-anchored retail center in Mooresville.

The location includes indoor and patio seating and a drive-thru. Breakfast sandwiches, bakery items and Caribou’s new iced beverages, Fruit Shakers and energy drinks are available, in addition to its line of specialty coffees.

Daily grand opening specials continue from Friday, July 19, through Sunday, July 28.

Caribou plans to open a second Lake Norman location on Sept. 11 at 7925 Commerce Drive, off N.C. 16 in Denver, according to the store website.

Caribou Coffee

Location: 553 E. Plaza Drive, Mooresville NC 28115 .

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