Look out Iowa State, a Caribou is coming to campus – Caribou Coffee, that is.

ISU Dining will be opening a store of the Minnesota-based coffee chain this summer. The location is a part of the extensive Hub renovation project, which is slated to open July 21.

Nancy Levandowski, director of campus dining, said a grand opening will take place at the beginning of the fall semester, when students return to campus.

With seven cafes on campus and more well-known names, such as Starbucks, floating around, why was Caribou Coffee chosen? ISU Dining was taking its cue from students when the decision was made.

“Students told us they wanted a branded coffee,” Levandowski said.

Starbucks was the first pick to fill the space, but Caribou Coffee stood out because it has more of a Midwest, local feel.

“Their philosophy matched better with what the campus is looking for,” Levandowski said.

Zach Beversdorf, senior in chemical engineering, said he prefers Caribou Coffee over Starbucks.

“I like the taste of their coffee,” Beversdorf said.

But some people don’t go to the cafes for coffee, and Caribou Coffee might not be such a big draw for them.

Rachel Rozell, junior in management, said she usually gets tea at the cafes.

While the Hub has been closed students have taken their business to Bookends Café. At peak hours, Bookends stays very busy and the lines are often long. Levandowski said Bookends wasn’t built to support the massive crowds that it has.

The Beardshear Cart was also introduced as a temporary outlet to accommodate customers of the Hub. The cart will close at the end of June.

The Hub renovation was designed with what Levandowski calls “the commuter student population” in mind. These are the students who are crossing campus and are looking for a quick bite to eat.

The familiar deli menu will include more hot items, and the remodeled location will include an expanded eating area. These improvements will hopefully bring back the commuter students who enjoyed what the Hub had to offer.

“I believe they are looking for a space to come back to,” Levandowski said.

Levandowski isn’t worried about competition between the campus cafes and Caribou Coffee.

“What we have is different opportunities for people on campus,” Levandowski said.

The full Caribou Coffee counter will be in the south end of the Hub – closest to Beardshear. The north end will be retaining its trademark venues – vending machines and a grill, soup and deli counter, plus the expanded seating area. But students will notice a new atmosphere.

Caribou Coffee stores have a distinct decorating theme and atmosphere. It is relaxed and cabin-esque. This northwoods atmosphere is quintessentially Caribou and that concept will be carried throughout the entire Hub, Levandowski said.

Caribou Coffee fans will be glad to know that the ISU location will carry the entire Caribou menu – from coffee to lattes to baked goods. Dining Dollar$ and CyCash can be used at Caribou Coffee.

Although the franchise is big in Minnesota, the Caribou name has only recently made an appearance in Iowa. The Des Moines metro area has four Caribou Coffee stores.

Iowa State will be the third college campus to have the franchise.