The Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons is slated to open its first location in Katy in June, to be followed soon after by stores in Spring, Northwest Houston, The Woodlands, Sugar Land, Rosenberg, the Energy Corridor, West University and Tomball.
Photo: Restaurant Brands International
There are already more than 600 U.S. locations, making it the third-largest coffee chain in the country behind Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts. But most locations are in Michigan, Ohio and New York.
Once owned by Wendy’s, today the chain is part of Restaurant Brands International, which includes Popeyes Louisiana Kitchen, Burger King and Firehouse Subs. The coffee and donut operation was founded by and named for Hockey Hall of Famer Tim Horton.
In the Houston area, the exclusive franchisee is CSM Group, which also runs 63 Popeyes restaurants.
The Houston stores will be smaller than the typical 2,400-square-foot Canadian versions and will have more limited menus, focused on baked goods and hot breakfast sandwiches. At Tim Hortons in Canada, customers usually sit down to have coffee, donuts and sandwiches, but Houston's stores will be aimed at customers accustomed to just picking up or driving through.
Tim Hortons may also have an advantage over some local competitors. Its coffee prices are lower than Starbucks, and its breakfast sandwiches and other goods are baked on site, something Starbucks and Dunkin’ Donuts don't offer.