They’re hard to avoid, so you might as well know which of the franchises are worth visiting.
STARBUCKS (139 Yorkville, at Avenue Rd, 416-922-8922) Brad Pitt in his pyjamas? A hungover Marilyn Manson? If it’s celebrities getting their first caffeine fix of the day, the Green Mermaid next to the Four Seasons Hotel is their home away from home.
COFFEE TIME (599 Yonge, at St. Mary, 416-968-0035) Located across from Scientology headquarters, this otherwise low-key franchise’s patio provides front-row seats for regular protests by Anonymous, the mask-wearing Tom Cruise-baiting human rights group.
TIMOTHY’S (500 Church, at Alexander, 416-925-8550) Since the Second Cup closed its gay village location because it attracted “undesirables,” this popular spot right by the Alexander Wood statue has become the new Steps.
TIM HORTONS (581 Parliament, at Winchester, 416-963-9907) Though Timmy deserves credit for retaining much of the period charm of the former Winchester Tavern, couldn’t he have forked out to restore the Cabbagetown landmark’s iconic neon sign?
