INSIGHT
THERE IS CERTAINLY no shortage of coffee shops in the UK and Ireland . It ’ s impossible to walk down any high street without passing several , and the market is dominated by well-known brands . The biggest three ( Costa Coffee , Starbucks , and Caffé Nero ) have 53 % of all the outlets in the UK between them according to Allegra World Coffee ’ s Project Cafe2017 report .
It is a tough proposition for a national coffee chain that is completely unknown in the UK to try and break into this overcrowded market . But Tim Hortons , Canada ’ s iconic coffee restaurant brand , is a little different . Founded in 1964 by professional ice hockey player Tim Horton , it has a cheerful retro logo , and red and white branding that reflects the era . Tim Horton wanted to create a friendly café where people would feel at home and it would seem he achieved that . The chain is an institution in its home country , and its customers are dedicated and loyal folks .
The first UK restaurant opened in the centre of Glasgow in June . And that ’ s all there is for now . The company plans to focus on the key areas and conurbations where its research shows it has the greatest chance of success . Its Facebook page is full of posts asking when Tim Hortons will open a store in their locality . A second rollout is underway , with restaurants in Cardiff , Manchester and Belfast due to open before the end of the year , along with a second one in Glasgow . It seems that Edinburgh residents will have to wait for their franchise , whose parent company Restaurant Brands International Canada is headed by Clydebankborn David Clanahan , and is one of the world ’ s largest quick service restaurant companies . As well as Tim Hortons , the multinational also owns Burger King and a New Orleans-style chicken business called Popeyes . “ I can ’ t confirm Edinburgh soon , but what I can say is that we will continue to open a store network around the Glasgow area ,” says Hydes .
Kevin Hydes joined Tim Hortons as its Chief Finance and Commercial Officer in July shortly after the Glasgow launch . “ The first store was a rip-roaring success for us . We are right in the heart of the city just off one of the major routes to the railway
8 October 2017