Tim Hortons: More than just coffee and donuts
- Lucia Kwag
- Sep 21
- 3 min read
In Canada, you’re never far from Tim Hortons. It’s where teenagers hang out after school, seniors sip coffee at sunrise, and road trips begin with a double-double. But how did this simple coffee shop become such a national icon?
A Hockey Player’s Dream - The Beginning
Tim Hortons was founded in 1964 by Tim Horton, a professional NHL hockey player. The first store opened in Hamilton, Ontario, and at the time, it was just a small donut and coffee shop with a big dream.
Shortly after launching, Horton partnered with Ron Joyce, a former Hamilton police officer. When Horton tragically passed away in a car accident in 1974, Joyce took full control and began turning the small chain into a Canadian institution.
From Donuts to Dominance
In the early days, the menu was simple: coffee, donuts, and a sense of community. However, throughout the ‘70s and ‘80s, stores began popping up across Canada. By the 1990s, Tim Hortons had officially overtaken McDonald’s in the number of locations across the country. As tastes evolved, so did Tim Hortons. Breakfast sandwiches, soups, bagels, and wraps made their way onto the menu. Coffee stayed at the heart of the brand, but the food lineup started to resemble more of a full-service fast-food restaurant than a humble donut shop.
Going Global
As Tim Hortons was building its reputation in Canada with a growing menu of food and coffee, the brand began to eye international opportunities.
It first dipped its toe into its closest neighbor: the United States. While success south of the border has been mixed, Tim Hortons now operates around 650 stores in U.S. states like Michigan, New York, and Ohio - places with colder climates and a strong coffee culture that aren’t too different from home.
But it didn’t stop there. The brand has gone into full global growth mode, opening stores in markets all over the world.
Where in the World is Tim Hortons?
Here’s a quick list of Timmies’ global reach as of 2025:
China: The first store opened in Shanghai in 2019, and it currently holds the exclusive franchise rights for Tim Hortons in mainland China, Hong Kong, and Macau. The brand has over 800 stores as of the beginning of 2024 and a target of 2,750 stores by 2026. Tim Hortons China has successfully entered over 56 cities, each boasting a population of more than one million residents.
Middle East: There are 86 locations in the UAE, 162 locations in KSA, 8 locations in Oman, 9 locations in Bahrain, 24 locations in Qatar, and 11 locations in Kuwait. The brand has adapted well to local preferences, offering unique drinks and regional variations on classics.
India: There are 40 Tim Hortons locations in India as of August 08, 2025. They are located in Delhi, Maharashtra, and Punjab. Like in the Middle East, the brand has adapted well to local preferences, like Chole Kulcha Flatbread, Chicken Makhani Ravioli Pasta, and Paneer Tikka Wraps.
The United Kingdom, Singapore, Malaysia, and South Korea are all new territories where Tim Hortons is planting its flag. While still in the early stages, the brand is focusing on building awareness and finding its niche in competitive coffee markets.
How Big is Timmies Now?
All that expansion has added up over 6,000 locations globally, making it one of the largest coffee chains in the world. Here’s a breakdown:
Canada: ~3,900 stores
United States: ~650 stores
International (outside North America): ~1500+ stores in 15+ countries
Tim Hortons continues to evolve. They are rolling out modernized stores, introducing mobile ordering, experimenting with plant-based options, and trying out new coffee blends to compete with specialty cafés.
Final Thoughts
The story of Tim Hortons is one of growth and community. From a small donut shop started by a hockey player to a global brand rooted in Canadian culture, it’s more than just a business - it’s a shared experience.
So next time you’re in line for a double-double or picking up a pack of Timbits for the office or after school, take a second to appreciate the legacy behind it.
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