The coffee and donut business in Fort Frances is about to see a new face as Tim Hortons prepares to open in Fort Frances this winter.
“We are definitely coming to Fort Frances,” corporate communications manager Diane Slopek-Weber said yesterday.
The TDL Group Ltd, who operate Tim Hortons, is currently in the process of acquiring and zoning a piece of land for the new restaurant.
“If everything does go well, we should be up and running by November which is great,” she enthused.
Slopek-Weber couldn’t say for sure the location they are looking at, but some have speculated that it is on the corner of Elm Avenue and King’s Highway, directly across from Subway.
“It’s a good spot for us to go. It is close to the border and has got a good traffic flow going in and out,” she said.
A franchise owner for the new restaurant, which will feature the complete Tim Hortons menu of everything from soups and salads to coffee and donuts, has yet to be determined.
“We’re still looking for the franchisee,” Slopek-Weber said.
The corporation is taking applications for those interested in operating the restaurant and anyone interested in applying can call 1-905-339-5651.
According to their website the franchise cost is between $375,000 and $425,000 plus an additional $50,000 in start up costs to own and operate the new facility.
The franchise cost covers all equipment, furniture, displays, an eight week training course for the owner, use of Tim Hortons name and help from head office. It does not include that of the building or the property.
News of Tim Hortons moving into the area was not completely unexpected for Guy Donaldson, who owns and operates two local Robin’s Donut and Coffee shops with his wife, Kelly Spicer.
“I’d heard rumours, but I hadn’t heard anything confirmed yet,” said Donaldson.
“We have some examples of how they have moved into other markets before, and for the most part, we develop our own niches,” he said.
Donaldson said that Tim Hortons offers a different product than Robin’s. While it will be a change for consumers in Fort Frances, he wasn’t worried that his business would be pushed out by the competition.
“No, I’m not concerned. We’ve been anticipating competition,” he said, adding that he was confident in his consumers and his business.
Slopek-Weber said she can’t wait for the new location to open here.
“It’s always exciting coming into a new town. We’ve got a lot to offer Fort Frances and we are looking forward to being part of the community,” she remarked.
