Written by: Harnoor Chahal
Edited by: Avah Manu
Designed by: Serena Sclippa
Published by: Andrew Jackson
When people think of Canada, many imagine maple syrup, hockey, and, of course, Tim Hortons. Known for its coffee, Timbits, and friendly atmosphere, Tim Hortons has become a major part of our culture. But how did it all begin? Let’s take a look at the story behind this iconic brand.
Tim Hortons was started by Tim Horton, a professional hockey player in the National Hockey League, and his business partner, Ron Joyce. The first store opened on May 17, 1964, in Hamilton, Ontario. At first, the restaurant was called Tim Horton Donuts, and it mainly sold coffee and donuts. One of its earliest and most popular donuts was the apple fritter, which is still sold today. Tim Horton believed in simplicity and serving fresh food at a good price. After Horton passed away in a car accident in 1974, Ron Joyce took full control of the company and helped it grow quickly. By the 1980s, Tim Hortons was opening stores all across Canada. One of the biggest reasons for its success was the company’s focus on coffee. While it started as a donut shop, it soon became a popular place to grab a cup of coffee, especially for people on the go. Another big hit was the invention of Timbits — the small, round donut holes that became a favourite snack for many Canadians.
Over time, Tim Hortons expanded its menu. It added soups, sandwiches, breakfast items, and iced drinks. In the 1990s and 2000s, the brand became a place not just to get coffee, but also to enjoy lunch or a quick meal. In 1995, Tim Hortons merged with Wendy’s, a US fast food chain, to help it grow further in the United States. Although they later separated in 2006, the move helped Tim Hortons expand beyond Canada. Today, Tim Hortons has over 4,000 locations worldwide, including stores in the United States, the Middle East, China, India, and the UK.
Tim Hortons is more than just a restaurant; it’s a big part of the Canadian lifestyle. It’s common to see long drive-through lines in the morning or people sitting down for coffee with friends. Many Canadians say that a trip to Tim Hortons is part of their daily routine. The company is also known for its Tim Hortons Foundation Camps, which help support children from low-income families through camp experiences across Canada and the US. Even though it has had some ups and downs over the years, like the complaints about service changes or new owners, many Canadians still feel a strong connection to the brand identity and love the company’s products. Tim Hortons is not just another restaurant; it’s a part of everyday Canadian life.
Sources:
- https://www.timhortons.ca
- https://www.cbc.ca/archives
- https://www.thecanadianencyclopedia.ca
- https://www.britannica.com