Across Canada, a significant number of Tim Hortons franchise owners are putting their own capital into new builds and renovations.
CNW Group/Tim Hortons
In total, the brand has 1,500 Canadian owners operating about 4,000 restaurants nationwide. Of those investing this year, 280 owners are backing 400 renovations, while another 60 are behind 80 new locations.
Nationally, Canadian restaurant owners are investing $270 million, in addition to Tim Hortons corporate investing an additional $130 million, in a plan to build or renovate 480 restaurants across the country. This comes in the wake of Dunkin’ returning to Canada and opening hundreds of locations nationwide in the coming years.
Per the news release, construction and renovation work is handled by tradespeople in each region, including electricians, plumbers, carpenters and general contractors. Materials are also sourced domestically, with furniture made from Canadian maple in Montréal and signage produced by Canadian suppliers. Artwork inside the restaurants is created by Canadian artists.
Renovated spaces are designed to feel brighter and more comfortable, with updated layouts to speed up service. Digital ordering is also being emphasized, with clearer pickup areas for mobile and kiosk orders.
CNW Group/Tim Hortons
Kitchen upgrades are part of the plan as well, intended to maintain food quality and consistency.
Elements tied to its history and its support for youth programs through the Tim Hortons Foundation Camps are incorporated into the updated look.
At the centre of many locations, a refreshed display puts baked goods front and centre, reflecting the chain’s position as a leading seller of items like donuts, cookies and Timbits in Canada.
Here’s how the activity breaks down across provinces and territories, including where new restaurants are opening:
- British Columbia
Fifty-one projects include eight new restaurants and 43 renovations. New locations are being added in communities such as Abbotsford, Surrey and Prince George, alongside upgrades across the province. Total investment is about $43 million. - Alberta
Sixty-six projects include 17 new restaurants and 49 renovations. New builds are planned in places like Calgary, Edmonton, Fort McMurray and Lethbridge, alongside upgrades in surrounding communities. The total investment is about $62 million. - Saskatchewan
Fifteen projects include three new restaurants opening in locations such as Regina and Saskatoon, with additional renovations across smaller communities. Investment totals about $13 million.
CNW Group/Tim Hortons
- Manitoba
Thirteen projects include three new restaurants in communities such as Winnipeg and Dauphin, alongside 10 renovations. Total investment is about $13 million. - Ontario
The busiest province, with 214 projects, including 26 new restaurants and 188 renovations. New locations are opening across a wide range of communities, from larger centres like Toronto, Ottawa and Mississauga to smaller towns such as Cobourg, Dryden and Wasaga Beach. Total investment is about $165 million. - Quebec
Sixty-five projects, including 14 new restaurants and 51 renovations, continue steady reinvestment. While specific new locations are not listed, activity spans the province, supported by locally sourced materials such as Montréal-made furniture.
- New Brunswick
Twenty-two projects include three new restaurants opening in communities such as Bathurst and Moncton, with additional renovations across the province. Investment totals about $22 million. - Newfoundland and Labrador
Thirteen projects include two new restaurants and 11 renovations. New builds are part of broader activity in centres like Gander and St. John’s, with about $15 million invested. - Nova Scotia
Seventeen projects include two new restaurants and 15 renovations, continuing gradual upgrades across the province. - Prince Edward Island
Two projects include one new restaurant and one renovation, with activity in Montague and Woodstock. - Northwest Territories
One new restaurant is opening in Inuvik, representing about $400,000 in local investment. - Nunavut
One restaurant in Iqaluit is being renovated, representing a significantly larger investment of about $15 million.