A Song of Coffee and Donuts
Since its opening in 1964, Tim Horton’s has become such an integral part of our culture that no matter where you go in Canada, you’ll always be able to find a Tim Horton’s. Even across campus, there are four locations, all of which are within a five minute walk from each other. It makes you wonder, how did this donut shop spread across the Great White North? It could be due to the fact that it combines two great things that we all love: coffee and hockey. It all started with Tim Horton, a Canadian hockey player, who opened up the first shop in Hamilton, Ontario, and soon found his way into Canadian hearts through coffee and pastries. Whether you needed a quick cup of coffee to start off your day, or something to keep your hands warm as you watch a game in the local arena, Tim Horton’s was the ideal choice – and still is to this day. Tim Horton’s also kept the Canadian hockey spirit alive with the help of Timbits Hockey, created in 1982, to assist children across the country.
However, over its 51-year tenure, Canada has seen a lot of change, and so has Tim Horton’s. In the past decade, there has been an increased focus on health and diet, where healthier alternatives are becoming more important for the average consumer. We can see this reflected in Tim Horton’s and their menu, as yogurts, whole wheat breads, egg whites, soups, and other healthy options have been added to cater to a healthier diet. We can also see change in their approach to business, with their partnership with CIBC for the new Double Double Visa Card. This card combines the function of a Visa credit card and a Tim’s card, earning one per cent of Visa purchases in the form of Tim’s money. As a frequent Tim Horton’s consumer myself, I couldn’t possibly resist the idea of free coffee.
Tim Horton’s is not only changing their menus for health-conscious consumers, but also adding specialty beverages, such as lattes and other espresso-based drinks to their menu, becoming a stronger competitor in the food and drink industry. In order for Tim Horton’s to maintain its claim to the Canadian coffee shop throne, these changes are necessary. Tim Horton’s adapting to its consumers might signal a change in Canadian culture as well. What used to be a small local café and donut shop has transformed into a massive fast food restaurant chain, fighting against American competitors like Starbucks and McDonald’s. It seems like Canadians are slowly moving to a more American culture, but one thing that will never change is our passion for hockey, coffee, and donuts.