Tim Hortons to fuel UK outlet growth with new franchise model

Drive-thru currently makes up 75% of Tim Hortons’ UK store network | Photo credit: Tim Hortons

Tim Hortons has announced plans to launch a new franchise model in the UK to accelerate its expansion across the country. 
 

The Canadian coffee chain entered the UK in 2017 with an outlet in Glasgow and currently operates 75 UK stores.  

In a press release Tim Hortons said it has a ‘refined operating model and robust infrastructure’ to facilitate franchise growth in the UK following a five-year ‘test and learn phase’.  

It said the new model will enable the brand to grow ‘its national reach at pace’, with between 20-25 new stores expected annually. The launch will include opportunities to develop high street and drive-thru outlets, the latter of which currently makes up 75% of Tim Hortons’ UK store network. 

“We want to take Tim Hortons to more local communities across the nation at pace and we’re confident that our franchise model will be core to us achieving this goal. We continue to see high consumer demand for the brand, with every opening exceeding commercial expectations, so we are confident that our strong market position – being the third largest coffee brand in the world – and our unique customer proposition of a beverage led, quick service restaurant will be of huge interest and will provide commercial value to our franchise partners,” said Kevin Hydes, Chief Commercial Officer, Tim Hortons UK. 
 

Tim Hortons currently operates more than 5,600 outlets globally. More than 1,500 of its approximately 3,900 stores in Canada are franchise operated, with the coffee chain also rapidly expanding its franchise model in China, India, the UAE and Mexico. 
 

World Coffee Portal research shows the total branded UK coffee shop market comprised 9,885 outlets as of January 2023 and is expected to exceed 10,200 outlets within the next six months and 11,600 by January 2028.