CARIBOU, Maine – August 14, 2024 – Cindy’s Sub Shop on Sweden Street in Caribou will soon have new owners and will be renamed Caribou Sub Shop. (Melissa Lizotte | Aroostook Republican)
CARIBOU, Maine – After being sold last year, a popular sandwich shop in downtown Caribou has new owners looking to continue the tasty traditions.
Cindy Johnston has owned and operated Cindy’s Sub Shop at 264 Sweden Street since 1999 after purchasing the building that was formerly McCarthy’s Sub Shop. For over 25 years, she served homemade sandwiches, soups, chowders and desserts to her loyal customers. As she neared retirement, Johnston hoped that a young and motivated entrepreneur would pick up where she left off.
Many Aroostook County businesses have had to close in recent years after owners retired, especially when younger generations haven’t taken over the business. But Johnston can step down with relief, knowing that Derek and Kayla Bosse will soon carry on her legacy.
On August 19, the Bosses will officially own the store and rename it Caribou Sub Shop. But aside from the name and signage on the building, not much will change.
“People love the fresh bread and home-cooked meals, so we learned the recipes to get it right,” Derek Bosse said. “(Cindy’s) was such a staple at Caribou, so the new name makes it our own but keeps the community feel.”
Derek, 34, is originally from Madawaska and Kayla, 32, is from Caribou. The couple has lived in Caribou since 2013 and are currently raising two daughters, 5-year-old Charlotte and 2-year-old Evelyn.
The sandwich shop will be the first business owned by Derek and Kayla. Since 2017, Kayla has worked at Safe Alternatives, a nonprofit medical marijuana dispensary in Caribou, first as general manager and then as finance director. Before that, she served on the executive board of Tim Horton’s.
In 2023, Derek joined Safe Alternatives as Pharmacy Manager. Previously, he was Business Development Manager at North Country Auto and an insurance product salesperson at FA Peabody.
The couple had been looking for an opportunity to own a local business and were thrilled to learn that Cindy’s, their favorite local eatery, was for sale. Kayla has been a customer her entire life and has fond memories of her lunches there.
“I remember when I was a senior (at Caribou High School) we could go out for lunch, so I ate here,” Kayla said. “It’s our regular place.”
Today, Derek and Kayla’s favorite items from the store are chicken salad sandwiches and meatloaf, respectively.
The store will be closed on August 19 and 20 so Johnston and the Bosses can complete the ownership transition. It will reopen on August 21. Johnston did not disclose the final purchase price.
Johnston will stay on board briefly after the transition to continue training Derek and Kayla, and is excited to bring their new vision to bear. Johnston’s eight employees will remain with the company.
Over the years, Johnston has been most grateful to the locals who stuck with her business and helped her get through the pandemic.
“It’s a special place and we have a lot of loyal customers,” Johnston said. “The people are the best memories.”
