Is Tim Hortons in business because of its quality food and drinks or is it a nostalgic Canadian staple that keeps residents coming back? One person on social media has started a debate on why the Canadian coffee chain is still standing.
The ubiquitous Canadian brand recently celebrated 60 years in business; six decades in and there are over 4,000 locations across the country.
Hot takes on its prolonged success and sustained popularity are always circulating, but the latest seems to have struck a nerve.
According to a recent tweet by self-proclaimed social commentator JB, “The only reason Tim Hortons is still in business in Canada isn’t because of its quality. It’s because of the nostalgia and culture.” He also predicted that the business will fold entirely before the end of the decade.
Hot Take: The only reason Tim Hortons is still in business in Canada isn’t because of its quality. It’s because of the nostalgia and culture.
— JB | Polisci (@cdnpoli101) April 8, 2024
I honestly wouldn’t be surprised if they fold by the end of the decade.
Many X users were quick to chime in on his take. Some agreed that convenience and habit simply trump the poor quality of its products, and claimed the reason it’s still in business is because it’s the only option for quick drive-thru food in most small towns.
Other users added they are continuously disappointed by the declining quality of its products, saying its donuts were “rock hard,” and that the coffee tastes like “bog water.”
READ MORE: Ontario university shuts down rat-infested Tim Hortons on campus
Despite a general consensus online that Tim Hortons could make some improvements, people still line-up out the door for it.
“Tim Hortons is disgusting, the food is flavourless, the doughnuts leave a slimy film in your mouth and maybe 1 out of 10 coffees are decent tasting. Yet there’s still lineups in the street every morning at my local slop house,” one user commented.
“I think people just keep going there because they think they’re supporting Canadian business or something,” another X user suggested.
“No one really *likes* Tim’s anymore, they’re just everywhere. Fast, cheap and convenient,” another person wrote.
Many also agreed that its coffee and food was much better 20-plus years ago and that its staff were more friendly in days gone by, and attributed the downturn in quality to a shift in ownership.
Tim Hortons was acquired by Restaurant Brands International (RBI) in 2014. The Toronto-based conglomerate also owns Burger King, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs.
Now Toronto reached out to Tim Hortons for comment but did not receive a response in time for publication.
