If your morning routine runs through Park Road Shopping Center, brace yourself for a big change. The co-branded Bruegger’s Bagels and Caribou Coffee outpost at the center is set to close, with a Caribou employee confirming the last day of operations will be Tuesday, May 26. The dual shop has long been a reliable stop for commuters, families and casual neighborhood meet-ups, and its exit will leave a noticeable hole in the local breakfast circuit.
Two brands in one suite
The bakery and café share a 4,624-square-foot suite at Park Road Shopping Center, according to the Charlotte Observer. The shutdown itself was first reported by The Charlotte Ledger. A Caribou employee told the Observer that May 26 will be the final day of business, and the reason for the closure was not immediately clear.
Corporate context
Bruegger’s and Caribou are both part of the growing breakfast and coffee empire controlled by investor JAB Holding Company, which has been scooping up brands in the category for years. The Bruegger’s sale and its position inside that larger portfolio were detailed in 2017 by the Star Tribune. For Park Road regulars, the corporate backstory will be little comfort as one of the center’s busiest morning spots goes dark.
What’s expected at Park Road
Once the coffee cups and bagel racks are cleared out, the large corner suite will not stay empty for long. The Charlotte Ledger reports that Charlotte Running Company is expected to move into the space, shifting it from a food-and-drink hub to a retail destination. Park Road Shopping Center is owned and managed by EDENS, which has overseen the mall’s renovations and evolving tenant mix over the past decade. In its own materials, EDENS highlights the center’s long history and its emphasis on dining and community-focused retailers.
What to know now
For now, it is business as usual, at least for a few more days. Both Bruegger’s and Caribou are slated to remain open through next Tuesday for regular service. Customers looking to squeeze in a final visit, or to double-check hours and any catering commitments, should consult the brands’ location pages before heading over. This story will be updated if EDENS, Bruegger’s or Caribou release official statements or once a lease agreement for the space is finalized.
