Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons is a Canadian quick service restaurant brand centered on coffee, baked goods, and straightforward hot food, serving guests across Canada, the United States, and a growing set of international markets. As of November 2025, the company operates roughly 6,000 locations, giving it a presence that can support both neighborhood-oriented and high-traffic roadside sites. The concept has become a familiar stop for commuters, families, and workers looking for an everyday coffee and snack destination.

The brand traces its roots to 1964, when National Hockey League player Tim Horton opened the first shop in Hamilton, Ontario as a simple donut and coffee counter. Over the following decades, Tim Hortons expanded across Canada, adding muffins, cookies, and breakfast sandwiches while becoming part of the daily routine in many communities. A notable milestone was the move into the United States in the 1980s, which set the stage for the cross-border and international growth that followed in later years.

Today, Tim Hortons is part of Restaurant Brands International Inc., the global restaurant group that also includes Burger King, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs. Within that portfolio, Tim Hortons is positioned as the coffee and bakery-led concept, with a menu that has broadened to include hot and iced coffee, espresso-based drinks, frozen blended beverages, and localized breakfast and snack offerings. The brand continues to adjust its menu and in-store experience to match regional tastes while maintaining a consistent core of coffee and baked goods.

Growth for Tim Hortons in recent years has come through a mix of traditional franchising and development agreements. As of November 2025, the company remains in expansion mode in Canada and selected international markets, while adding new units more selectively in the United States. The brand has also focused on remodeling and infill development in core Canadian trade areas, using new store designs and upgrades to support traffic and keep older centers relevant.

For landlords, brokers, and developers, Tim Hortons typically appears in three main formats: in-line units, endcaps with drive-thru, and freestanding buildings with drive-thru service where sites allow. The chain often locates near daily-needs and convenience-based tenants, and its strong morning and daytime business can help support surrounding retail and service uses. With a long operating history, a large base of loyal customers, and backing from a global restaurant company, Tim Hortons can function as a recognizable, traffic-driving tenant for new construction, pad redevelopment, and repositioning projects in many markets.