Ontario Construction News staff writer
Tim Hortons Inc. has announced a $400 million plan to build or renovate 480 locations across the country amid plans by U.S. Cafe giant Dunkin’ to re-enter Canada with hundreds of new locations.
The Toronto-based multinational coffeehouse and fast-food restaurant chain said Canadian Tim Hortons franchise owners will invest $270 million, with Tim Hortons corporate providing an additional $130 million.
According to a press release, 280 Canadian owners are renovating 400 restaurants, while 60 Canadian owners are building 80 new restaurants. Ontario is to have 26 new locations built and 188 renovated.
Fifteen hundred Canadian franchise holders currently own and operate 4,000 locations across Canada.
A spokesperson for Tim Hortons, which is a unit of Miami-based Restaurant Brands International, said the projects are to be completed this year. He said some outlets have opened or are in the process of being renovated.
“Every dollar of these investments stays close to home. Building and renovating restaurants across the country creates meaningful, ongoing work for local and regional tradespeople – electricians, plumbers, carpenters, masons, painters, tilers, mechanical companies, roofers, general contractors and more – in communities across every province,” the company said in the press release.
Renovation and construction material for Tim Hortons restaurants are sourced through Canadian-owned businesses, with most items manufactured on Canadian soil. Our custom restaurant furniture is handcrafted in Montréal from 100 per cent Canadian-sourced maple. Every piece of signage is designed, fabricated, and installed by Canadian suppliers. And restaurant artwork is conceived by Canadian artists, creatives and brought to life by Canadian makers.
“Tim Hortons was built in Canada by Canadians, and we are proud to continue investing in Canada to give our guests beautiful, modern restaurants to enjoy,” said Axel Schwan, President of Tim Hortons. “These are Canadian families investing their own money in their own communities – and that’s something we’re proud of.”
Renovations will focus on:
- Brighter, more beautiful restaurants
- Improved restaurant layouts
- Celebrating our Canadian heritage
- Improved digital ordering and pick up
- Upgraded kitchen equipment
