This one slipped under my radar, but since this transfer was mutually beneficial, it’s especially significant.
Several weeks ago, Frank Grund, founder and owner of Kayak’s Coffee and Provisions (website in absentia), agreed to sell his cleverly-themed and -decorated coffee house to the group who owns the Kaldi’s conglomerate of coffee shops, kiosks, and grocery cafes. Kayak’s was in its 7th year, and according to Grund, “the time was right.” The shop will retain the Kayak’s name and Grund will stay on for a time to smooth the transition.
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According to some analysts (and I include myself here), Kaldi’s strength has always been its coffee (Q&A with Kaldi’s founder here); and Kayak’s strength has always been its menu offerings (anyone who’s tasted the Yukon sandwich knows where I’m coming from). Look for Kaldi’s impressive array of Fair Trade and “relationship” coffees to emerge at Kayak’s, and I would anticipate some of Kayak’s sure-fire menu items might just get a test at Kaldi’s.
In an era of hostile takeovers and lose-lose scenarios, isn’t it nice when both sides in a sale come out ahead? — George Mahe
