Tim Hortons

Canadian multinational coffeehouse and restaurant chain

Tim Hortons is a Canadian multinational coffeehouse and restaurant chain. It is Canada's largest quick-service restaurant chain, known for its coffee, doughnuts, and other fast food items. The company was founded in 1964 in Hamilton, Ontario, by Canadian hockey player Tim Horton and Jim Charade.

History

Original Tim Horton's location

The first Tim Hortons location opened in 1964 on Ottawa Street in Hamilton, Ontario. Initially, the menu focused on coffee and doughnuts, with the "Apple Fritter" and "Dutchie" being two of the original offerings. The chain quickly expanded across Canada, becoming a staple in Canadian culture.

In 1967, Tim Horton partnered with Ron Joyce, a former Hamilton police officer, who would later become the primary owner of the company. Under Joyce's leadership, the chain expanded rapidly, and by 1974, there were 40 locations.

Expansion and Growth

A Tim Hortons location

Throughout the 1980s and 1990s, Tim Hortons continued to grow, opening new locations across Canada and eventually expanding into the United States. The brand became synonymous with Canadian identity, often associated with hockey and community gatherings.

In 1995, Tim Hortons merged with Wendy's, an American fast-food chain, which helped facilitate further expansion into the U.S. market. However, the merger was dissolved in 2006, and Tim Hortons became a publicly traded company on the Toronto Stock Exchange and the New York Stock Exchange.

Menu

Tim Hortons is renowned for its coffee, which is a blend of 100% Arabica beans. The menu has expanded over the years to include a variety of items such as bagels, sandwiches, soups, and chili. The "Timbits," bite-sized doughnut holes, are a popular item, often associated with the brand.

Cultural Impact

Original Tim Hortons in Hamilton, ON

Tim Hortons has become a cultural icon in Canada, often referenced in media and popular culture. The brand is known for its community involvement, including sponsorship of youth sports and local events. The "Roll Up the Rim to Win" contest is a popular annual promotion that has become a part of Canadian tradition.

International Presence

Tim Hortons has expanded internationally, with locations in the United States, the United Kingdom, the Middle East, and Asia. The brand continues to grow, adapting its menu to suit local tastes while maintaining its core offerings.

Corporate Structure

In 2014, Tim Hortons was acquired by Restaurant Brands International, a multinational fast-food holding company that also owns Burger King and Popeyes. This acquisition has allowed Tim Hortons to leverage global resources for further expansion.

Related pages

• Tim Horton
• Ron Joyce
• Restaurant Brands International
• Wendy's

Tim Hortons logo

A Tim Hortons location in Markham