Tim Horton's

Tim Horton's

Information based on 2024 FDD

Food & Beverage · Coffee & Tea

Investment min
$971K
Total: $971K–$2M
Avg gross revenue
$1M
Unit-level, 2024
Franchise fee
$50K
Per current disclosure
Royalty
4.5% - 6%
Locations
642
Franchising since 1964

Description

What is Tim Horton's?

Tim Hortons stands as an iconic Canadian institution that has revolutionized the quick-service restaurant industry since its founding in 1964. Named after its co-founder, NHL hockey player Tim Horton, this beloved franchise has grown from a single shop in Hamilton, Ontario, to become one of North America's most recognized coffee and baked goods chains.

The brand is renowned for its premium-blend coffee, made-fresh-daily donuts, and signature Timbits® (donut holes) that have become a cultural phenomenon. Tim Hortons differentiates itself through its commitment to quality, freshness, and value, serving always-fresh coffee and baked goods throughout the day.

Beyond its famous coffee and donuts, Tim Hortons offers a comprehensive menu including breakfast sandwiches, soups, sandwiches, and wraps, catering to various dayparts and customer preferences. The franchise has successfully created a warm, welcoming atmosphere that serves as a community gathering place, embodying Canadian hospitality at its finest.

What sets Tim Hortons apart is its strong brand loyalty, driven by consistent quality and a deep understanding of local market preferences. The franchise provides comprehensive training programs and proven operational systems that help franchisees deliver the signature Tim Hortons experience. Their digital innovation, including a robust mobile app and loyalty program, keeps the brand relevant in today's competitive marketplace.

For entrepreneurs seeking a proven business model in the quick-service restaurant sector, Tim Hortons offers the opportunity to join a globally recognized brand with strong growth potential and a loyal customer base.
  • 60-year proven operational heritage
  • 642 units demonstrate system stability
  • Canadian coffee culture authenticity
  • Breakfast-focused menu differentiation
  • Premium coffee positioning advantage
  • Established brand recognition strength

Location Analysis

Where Tim Horton's wins

Tim Horton's, established in 1964, maintains a strategic presence across multiple states, demonstrating a concentrated footprint primarily in the northeastern United States. The brand shows a strong presence in New York, with additional market penetration in New Jersey and Pennsylvania, while maintaining a developing presence in Michigan, Ohio, and Colorado. This geographic distribution suggests a deliberate expansion strategy focusing on dense urban markets with strong coffee consumption habits.

Customer satisfaction metrics show a solid average rating across their locations, indicating consistent service quality across markets. The notable concentration of locations in New York suggests successful market penetration in areas with high foot traffic and strong competition from other coffee chains.

With nearly 60 years of operational experience, Tim Horton's shows particular strength in northeastern markets where Canadian brand recognition meets American coffee culture. Ideal locations typically include high-visibility sites in urban centers, near office complexes, and along major commuter routes. The emerging presence in Michigan, Ohio, and Colorado presents significant expansion opportunities, particularly in metropolitan areas with similar demographics to successful New York locations.

For prospective franchisees, optimal locations should target areas with strong morning commuter patterns, proximity to business districts, and demographics that align with premium coffee consumption habits. The brand's success in New York provides a blueprint for expansion, suggesting focus on areas with high population density and strong breakfast-focused food service demand.
Total US locations
642
Franchise units
642
Corporate locations
0
Avg. sq. footage
N/A

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Financial Analysis

The numbers behind Tim Horton's

Avg gross revenue$1,263,600
Investment range$971,000 – $1,717,500
Investment midpoint$1,344,250
Brand fund4%
Royalty4.5% - 6%
Franchise fee$50,000
Min. net worth
Min. liquid capital
Tim Hortons requires a substantial investment of $971,000 to $1,717,500, positioning it as a premium franchise opportunity that significantly exceeds coffee and tea sub-sector averages of $296,954-$610,306. This investment level reflects the brand's established market position and comprehensive store buildout requirements, including equipment, signage, and initial inventory. The reported gross revenue of $1,263,600 substantially outpaces the sub-sector average of $307,288, indicating strong unit-level performance potential.

The coffee shop segment benefits from consistent consumer demand and growing specialty coffee market trends, though faces intensifying competition from established chains and independent operators. Tim Hortons' 60-year operational history since 1964 and 642 units demonstrate proven system maturity and scalable business model execution.

This investment suits well-capitalized investors with significant liquid capital requirements and restaurant industry experience. The operational complexity demands hands-on management or experienced operational teams. Multi-unit development opportunities exist for qualified investors seeking portfolio expansion.

Key considerations include high initial capital requirements, competitive market dynamics, and operational intensity typical of food service franchises. Territory rights and market protection vary by development agreements. The brand's Canadian heritage and breakfast-focused menu positioning provide differentiation in crowded coffee markets.

Prospective investors should thoroughly review the Franchise Disclosure Document and conduct comprehensive due diligence, including market analysis and financial projections with qualified advisors, before making investment decisions in this premium-tier franchise opportunity.
Did you know? Starting your own Tim Hortons franchise - Canada's beloved coffee and donut empire that's conquered hearts worldwide - requires a total investment between $971,000 and $1,717,500, which includes the $50,000 franchise fee plus all the essential startup costs like equipment, build-out, and working capital needed to bring that signature "double-double" experience to your community.

Financing partners

Vetted partners, tailored to franchisees

Your Franzy advisor can connect you with these partners later in the process — competitive rates, specialized in franchise financing.

FranFund

Lender

CRF USA

Nonprofit SBA lender; provides financing for franchise acquisitions, startups, and expansion.

Lender

First Bank of the Lake

Lender

Pension Pros

Lender

FDD Item 7

Initial investment range

$971K–$2M
Most common
$971,000
Minimum
$1,344,250
Midpoint
$1,717,500
Maximum

Per FDD Item 7, total initial investment ranges from $971,000 to $1,717,500. The midpoint $1,344,250 is what most franchisees report at signing — financing typically reduces cash-at-close by 80–90%. Knowing the investment range helps you plan confidently and ensure you're fully prepared to make the leap.

FDD Item 19

Average gross sales

$2M$1M$900K$600K$300KN/A
$1M
$1M
$1M
2022
2023
2024
Avg
$1M
YOY change (2023 -> 2024)
+7%

According to Item 19 of the Franchise Disclosure Document, Tim Horton's has an average gross revenue of $1M. (Note: This information is based on the latest FDD in our records. Please review the Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) and confirm this information directly with the brand. We make no claims of accuracy for the information presented.)

Growth over time

Franchise footprint

+1% YoY
8,0006,4004,8003,2001,6000
2017
2018
2019
2020
2021
2022
2023
2024
642 units open as of 2024 FDD+6 in last 12 mo

2024 Franchise Disclosure

FDD documents

Below are items 2, 3, 4, 7, 11 and 19 for Tim Horton's's 2024 FDD. The complete FDD is delivered to you directly by the franchisor, per the FTC Franchise Rule.

Estimated initial investment
FDD Item 7 · PDF
Financial performance representations
FDD Item 19 · PDF
Members-only items
Executive team
FDD Item 2 · PDF
Litigation
FDD Item 3 · PDF
Bankruptcy
FDD Item 4 · PDF
Franchisor assistance
FDD Item 11 · PDF
Members only
Unlock the 2024 FDD

Connect to download Items 2, 3, 4, and 11 — direct from the franchisor.

Buyer FAQs

Frequently asked questions

The initial investment for a Tim Horton's franchise typically ranges between $971,000.00 and $1,717,500.00. This includes the franchise fee, equipment, real estate, and other startup costs. To get a detailed breakdown and better understand the financial requirements, we recommend scheduling a call with the Franzy team. We'll walk you through the specifics and answer any questions you might have. For more detailed information, refer to the financial sections of the FDD.

Disclaimer. The information provided on this page is based on the latest Franchise Disclosure Document (FDD) that is publicly available and that we have on record, which was issued in 2024. This information is for informational purposes only and is not intended to constitute legal, financial, or business advice. We make no guarantees or claims regarding the completeness or accuracy. For the most current and detailed information, we recommend consulting the franchisor directly for the most recent FDD and regarding any questions that you may have about the information provided.

Tim Horton's
Tim Horton's
$1M avg revenue · 642+ US franchises

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