Tim Horton's

The Story of Tim Hortons
The Tim Hortons chain was founded in 1964 in Hamilton, Ontario. The chain's focus on top quality, always fresh product, value, great service and community leadership has allowed it to grow into the largest quick service restaurant chain in Canada specializing in always fresh coffee, baked goods and homestyle lunches.

The first Tim Hortons stores offered only two products - coffee and donuts. The selection of donuts to enjoy was highlighted by two original Tim Hortons creations, the Apple Fritter and the Dutchie. They became the most popular donut choices in the 60's, and remain two of the most popular today.

But as consumer tastes grew, so did the choices at Tim Hortons. The biggest change in the chain's product focus took place in 1976 with the introduction of the phenomenally successful Timbit (bite-sized donut hole), today available in over 35 different varieties. The chain's growth into the 1980's brought about a whole series of new product introductions: muffins (1981), cakes (1981), pies (1982), croissants (1983), cookies (1984), and soups & chili (1985). Sandwiches, which were originally introduced in 1993, were re-introduced as a new and improved line-up of 6 varieties, called "Tim's Own", in 1998. Also, in the 1990's, bagels (1996), flavored cappuccino (1997), Café Mocha (1999) and Iced Cappuccino (1999) were introduced. In 2003, the Turkey Bacon Club sandwich and Maple Pecan Danish were successful menu additions. In 2005 Tim Hortons introduced, Yogurt & Berries, Cinnamon Roll and Hot Smoothee to the menu. Many new great products were added to the menu in 2006 such as the Chicken Salad Wrap and the hot Breakfast Sandwich (eggs, sausage or bacon, processed cheese on a toasted homestyle biscuit).

The chain's biggest drawing card remains its legendary Tim Hortons coffee. The special blend is also available in cans, as are Tim Hortons hot chocolate and English Toffee and French Vanilla cappuccinos, so customers can also enjoy these great tasting products at home.

In addition to our regular stand alone stores, Tim Hortons locations can also be found in shopping malls, highway outlets, universities and hospitals, providing prominent visibility for the chain. Most standard Tim Hortons locations offer 24-hour drive-thru service, catering to consumers on the go. Combo unit locations, which house both a Tim Hortons and Wendy's, offer customers the convenience of both restaurants under one roof.

In 1995, Tim Hortons merged with Wendy's International, Inc., giving new focus and impetus to the expansion of the Tim Hortons concept in the United States. Tim Hortons locations can presently be found in Michigan, Maine, Connecticut, Ohio, West Virginia, Kentucky, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, Massachusetts and New York, with responsible expansion continuing in these core markets. The Canadian operation is 95% franchise owned and operated, and plans in the U.S. call for the same key strategy to be implemented as expansion progresses. Currently, there are more than 2,750 stores across Canada, and over 350 locations in the United States.

In March 2006, Tim Hortons completed an initial public offering of the company and was fully spun off as a separate company as of September 29, 2006. Tim Hortons trades on the NYSE and TSX (THI).

Monumental Moments
1964 - First Store opens in Hamilton, Ontario
1964 - First Store opens in Hamilton, Ontario
The very first Tim Hortons store opened on Ottawa Street in Hamilton, Ontario in 1964.

1967 - Tim Horton and Ron Joyce become full partners
1967 - Tim Horton and Ron Joyce become full partners
Few could have imagined that a 1,500 square foot coffee and donut shop opened in Hamilton, Ontario in 1964 would become the launching pad for a giant Canadian chain. Ron Joyce (left in photo), franchisee of Store # 1, managed to get three successful stores running by 1967 and became full partners with Tim Horton, a legend in the National Hockey League.

1974 - Tim Horton is killed in a tragic accident
1974 - Tim Horton is killed in a tragic accident
In February 1974, Tim Horton died in a tragic car accident. Ron Joyce established the Tim Horton Children's Foundation that year in honour of Tim's love for children and desire to help those less fortunate. In 1975, Ron Joyce became sole owner of the chain which then consisted of 40 stores. He built a formula for success by focusing on "always fresh" product and outstanding service.

1976 - Introduction of Timbits®
1976 - Introduction of Timbits®
As consumer tastes grew, so did the menu choices in the Tim Hortons stores. In 1976, the popular Timbit, a bite-sized treat was introduced. Over the next several years, items like muffins, cakes, pies, croissants, soups and chili were added to the menu.

1987 - Store 300 opens in Calgary, Alberta
1987 - Store 300 opens in Calgary, Alberta
The 300th store in the Tim Hortons chain opened in Calgary, Alberta in February 1987.

1991 - Store 500 opens in Aylmer, Quebec
1991 - Store 500 opens in Aylmer, Quebec
The Tim Hortons chain celebrated this significant milestone - their 500th store opening - in January 1991 in Aylmer, Quebec.

1995 - Tim Hortons merges with Wendy's International Inc.
1995 - Tim Hortons merges with Wendy's International Inc.
In 1995, Tim Hortons merged with Wendy's International, Inc. Tim Hortons continued to operate as a separate entity. The merger provided a new focus for the expansion of the Tim Hortons concept in the United States. Tim Hortons locations can presently be found in Michigan, New York, Ohio, Kentucky, Maine, West Virginia, Massachusetts, Connecticut and Rhode Island. The Canadian operation is 95% franchise owned and operated, and plans in the U.S. call for the same key strategy to be implemented as expansion progresses.

In March 2006, Tim Hortons completed an initial public offering, and was fully spun off as a separate company as of September 29, 2006. Tim Hortons trades on the NYSE and TSX (THI).






Store 1000 opens in Ancaster, Ontario

1996 - Introduction of Bagels
1996 - Introduction of Bagels
The 1980's and 90's brought the introduction of deli-style sandwiches and the extremely successful launch of the bagel program. The chain's biggest drawing card, however, remains its legendary Tim Hortons coffee. The special blend is also available in cans and pouches so customers can enjoy this great tasting coffee at home.

1997 - Store 1500 opens in Pickerington, Ohio
1997 - Store 1500 opens in Pickerington, Ohio
This Tim Hortons in Pickerington, Ohio, is the chain's 1500th store.

1998 - Introduction of "Tim's Own"T sandwiches
1998 - Introduction of "Tim's Own"T sandwiches
The six varieties of "Tim's Own" sandwiches are made fresh-to-order with the best quality ingredients. The Tim Hortons lunch menu also includes a wide variety of soups, including "Tim's Own" chicken noodle, as well as chili and bagels.

1999 - First store honoured!
1999 - First store honoured!
In October, the very first Tim Hortons store re-opens after renovations, unveiling a special plaque and signage commemorating the historic site. Ottawa Street in Hamilton, Ontario is honourarily renamed "Tim Hortons Way".

2000 - Store 2000 opens in Toronto, Ontario
2000 - Store 2000 opens in Toronto, Ontario
Tim Hortons celebrates the landmark opening of its 2000th store in December, 2000, at Richmond and Sherbourne streets in downtown Toronto.

2001 - New Career Wear launched
2001 - New Career Wear launched
A new line of Career Wear, by international fashion designer Stephan Caras, is introduced to the chain. Over 55,000 store employees, management and owners are proud to be wearing the new look, with its warm beige, brown and black tones. Designed to be professional yet comfortable, it is also durable and functional.

2004 - In May, the Tim Hortons chain celebrates its 40th Anniversary
2004 - In May, the Tim Hortons chain celebrates its 40th Anniversary
Tim Hortons expands its U.S. business into Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts by acquiring 42 Bess Eaton coffee and donut restaurants.

2006 - Tim Hortons goes public