MINNEAPOLIS — Caribou Coffee Company, Inc., the second largest company-operated premium coffeehouse retailer in the United States, has partnered with grocery chain Jewel-Osco to open retail locations within the latter company’s Chicago-area stores.

In addition to opening Caribou coffeehouses in the stores, Caribou will introduce its packaged coffee throughout the Supervalu-owned grocery chain. The offerings include a range of roasts and blends.

“This is a significant partnership for Caribou, as it allows us to expand our distribution in one of our key markets and accelerate Caribou’s growth among diverse business units in partnership with Chicago's market-leading grocery chain,” said Mike Tattersfield, president and chief executive officer of Caribou Coffee.

The Jewel-Osco partnership is part of Caribou’s plans for multi-channel growth. As part of its expansion strategy, Caribou said it plans to further expand among grocery and mass merchandise retailers nationwide.