Caribou Coffee launches mobile app

From the better-late-than-never department: Caribou Coffee Co. is launching its first mobile app, giving customers a more convenient pay option.

Brooklyn Center-based Caribou on Monday debuted the app, which allows patrons to pay with their phone and get easier access to the Caribou Perks loyalty program.

Starbucks is the pioneer among quick-service outlets with mobile apps, introducing its first in 2009. Caribou, though dwarfed by Starbucks, is the nation's second largest premium coffeehouse with about 400 stores in 18 states.

Caribou's mobile app lets users add money to and manage their accounts. The app is aimed at being the easiest way for customers to sign up for and use the company's Caribou Perks loyalty program.

"The mobile app has been a long time coming, and we're thrilled to introduce a technology solution that enhances our guests' experience," Michelle Vig, Caribou's senior vice president of marketing, said in a prepared statement.

Mobile apps are hot right now in the restaurant industry. Taco Bell rolled one out last fall. Domino's has been running commercials for a mobile app that would allow for voice commands. Chipotle has mobile ordering and a pay-ahead function on its app.

The Caribou app is available on iOS and Android mobile platforms. To create the app, Caribou partnered with Modern Climate, a Minneapolis-based technology and brand firm.

Caribou, founded in 1992, was purchased for $340 million in 2013 by Joh. A. Benckiser, a privately held German company.

Mike Hughlett • 612-673-7003