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Mmm! Tim Hortons: Part Two

© Mary M. Alward

Tim Horton played for the NHL (National Hockey League) for 22 years. He started his career with the Toronto Maple Leafs. His name is etched on the Stanley Cup four times. When he was killed in a car accident in 1974, he was playing for the Buffalo Sabres. At that time, Ron Joyce, his partner in the chain of Tim Hortons coffee shops, established the Tim Horton Children's Foundation in his honour. Each year, the Tim Hortons chain gives sales of their products to one day send children to camp who otherwise could not afford to go. Since 1974, over 63,000 children have attended these camps. In 2003, Camp Day raised 5.5 million Canadian.

The only two doughnuts that were served when the Tim Hortons store opened in Hamilton in 1964, were the Dutchie and Apple Fritter. Tim Horton himself helped to develop the doughnuts and both are still available in the stores today.

Timbits® weren't on the original menu. It wasn't until 1976, after Tim Horton's death, that they were introduced. Muffins and cakes were added in 1981, pies in 1982, and cookies in 1984. Soups and chili were new on the menu in 1985. Bagels became available in 1996.

In 1978, the 100th store opened in Thunder Bay, Ontario. In 1995, the 1000th store opened in Ancaster, Ontario. This was the same year that Tim Hortons® merged (went together) with Wendy's®.

The first U.S. location opened in Amherstburg, New York in 1985. In 1998, the 100th U.S. store opened in Columbus, Ohio. The merge with Wendy's® had opened the U.S. market, and more stores will open across the nation.

At present, Tim Hortons® has stores in Michigan, Ohio, New York, Maine, Kentucky and West Virginia. In 2004, Tim Hortons® expanded into Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island when the chain purchased forty-two Bess Eaton coffee and doughnut shops.

I wonder if Tim Horton realized that his first coffee and doughnut shop would grow into a North American icon? Remember, always follow your dreams. You never know where they might lead.

Links:

More information on Tim Hortons.

Tim Hortons Website

Information on Tim Horton and his hockey career.

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