Giving up Tim Hortons

[Secam]

Great article from the National Post. It details a letter that an avid customer of Tim Hortons wrote to the restaurant's executives. He and his family spend $3,000 a year at Tim's, but he's done with it.

He lists a number of complaints, but foremost the idea that he is taken for granted as a customer. He also gets frustrated when cars in the drive through get precedent over customers who actually get out of their cars and stand in line in the store.

Personally, I don't get the Tim's obsession. I think that the coffee is good, and I like their chili, but I'd never make Tim's part of my daily routine. After all, it's only a cup of coffee.

Anyway, interesting read for all you Timmies lovers and haters.

http://news.nationalpost.com/2015/01/02/former-tim-hortons-customer-vows-to-give-up-his-timmies-habit-forever-in-scathing-email-rant/

[Weirfan]

Re: Giving up Tim Hortons

I like Tim's coffee and go there pretty much daily to get one. Can't stand Starbucks coffee ( only get it in the US where there is no good coffee) and while McDonalds has decent coffee, avoid that place if we can.

We Frequent Timmies a lot to grab a quick bagel, sammy or smoothie as always on the go for hockey in the winter. Food is fast , fresh, service always friendly and acceptable quality for a fast food spot ( we also eat Subway a fair bit in hockey and soccer seasons)

Tim's is just Tim's, a Canadian institution, there's one everywhere ( unless you are actually looking for one) it's predictable and consistent. Consistent right down to them not knowing how to completely cut a bagel in half

Can't ever see myself giving up on Tim's. When we go on holiday in the US, always bring a tin with us and usually grab a coffee firstbthing when get back across the border

[Davepm]

Re: Giving up Tim Hortons

Agree with Weirfan. Timmies is Timmies. The Americans have Mom, baseball and apple pie, we have Mom, hockey and timmies.

I have cut back a lot and use my Kuerig a lot but I still make at least one trip a day to Tims.

[bl8d]

Re: Giving up Tim Hortons

Augusta has Patrons and Timmie has Guests. Who knew?

[Smittyman]

Re: Giving up Tim Hortons

I wouldn't walk across the street for a Tim's; mediocre coffee has somehow become an national institution.

[MannyR]

Re: Giving up Tim Hortons

It boggles my mind why so many people drink that swill that is called coffee at Tim's.
Even McD's is better and that doesn't say much.
Starbucks has some very good blends but can be inconsistent.

If you want excellent coffee, try Aroma or find a blend you like and grind/brew at home.

[caddishack]

Re: Giving up Tim Hortons

Was driving to Ottawa this weekend and stopped at the Enroute for coffee and gas.... The Tim's lineup was at least 25 deep and there on the other side was a Starbucks...nobody.....

I don't wait in lines, but also not a big fan of Starbucks pricing, but ordered a regular coffee and the price was competitive with Tim's and it came with the little cardboard dooey so I did not burn my hands and tasted better than Tim's.

[hackerhare]

Re: Giving up Tim Hortons

Not really into their coffee. BUT, there is so many of them that its a good place to meet up, hang around if you are early for an appointment, have time to kill, etc.

[Ignatius Reilly]

Re: Giving up Tim Hortons

Was driving to Ottawa this weekend and stopped at the Enroute for coffee and gas.... The Tim's lineup was at least 25 deep and there on the other side was a Starbucks...nobody.....

I don't wait in lines, but also not a big fan of Starbucks pricing, but ordered a regular coffee and the price was competitive with Tim's and it came with the little cardboard dooey so I did not burn my hands and tasted better than Tim's.

And this is exactly why Timmies won't and shouldn't change.

That part about the lineups is saying something. And it's hard to hear over the sound of the crowd and the cash registers....

FWIW, I find Starbucks to be much better coffee, but much higher priced. I haven't been to one in ages, in part because I hated having to learn a second language to order there and in part because I can't afford it.

[bl8d]

Re: Giving up Tim Hortons

am not a fan of Starbucks coffee, but their cups are better and the extra paper insulator is a nice touch. I just feel silly asking for a grande latte frappe thingy whatyoumacallit.

[ndrpar]

Re: Giving up Tim Hortons

If I’m out for a coffee Tim’s might be #4 on the list. Starbuck, McD’s, Second Cup would come ahead for taste.

Generally a small specialized coffee shop will get you the best brew.

Most franchise coffees are quite bitter. Hence the reasoning to mask the bitterness by adding sugar and cream, double double anyone.

Anyone who has kids and are on the road taking them to games, tourneys or events usually ducks into Tim’s as you know what you’re going to get. Not the best food mind you, but good enough to get you through the moment.

I think the Canadian history goes a long way. Always glad to see the sign when you are out of town.

[BigRedLefty]

Re: Giving up Tim Hortons

And this is exactly why Timmies won't and shouldn't change.

That part about the lineups is saying something. And it's hard to hear over the sound of the crowd and the cash registers....

FWIW, I find Starbucks to be much better coffee, but much higher priced. I haven't been to one in ages, in part because I hated having to learn a second language to order there and in part because I can't afford it.

I wouldn't say they won't change. There is a place in Mississauga that does consumer testing and I usually go once every two weeks and a lot of the times it's a new product Tim Hortons is testing out. I have tried New coffee blends, breakfast sandwiches, salads, oatmeal, etc.

I think from a consumer standpoint QSR aren't innovative or change very often but I think all QSR are always developing and testing new products for the market (probably 90% don't make it to market).

[Ignatius Reilly]

Re: Giving up Tim Hortons

I wouldn't say they won't change. There is a place in Mississauga that does consumer testing and I usually go once every two weeks and a lot of the times it's a new product Tim Hortons is testing out. I have tried New coffee blends, breakfast sandwiches, salads, oatmeal, etc.

I think from a consumer standpoint QSR aren't innovative or change very often but I think all QSR are always developing and testing new products for the market (probably 90% don't make it to market).

Oh yeah - I didn't mean they would never change anything. They've made ongoing menu changes, and now we can even get a "dark" cup. And I'm sure they look for ways to continuously improve service.

However, the angry letter-writer seemed to have misunderstood where he was and what they offer at a very low price. The "problems" he was complaining about are accompanied by long lines of customers... so those "problems" may be bigger in his eyes than in the eyes of the franchisee or corporate.

[Tyger]

Re: Giving up Tim Hortons

am not a fan of Starbucks coffee, but their cups are better and the extra paper insulator is a nice touch. I just feel silly asking for a grande latte frappe thingy whatyoumacallit.

Just ask for a Tall Blonde

I been going to Starbucks more and more, I usually just order their regular coffees, wife likes the expresso drinks and I get my daughters the kid's hot chocolate (which is great bc they're not too hot).

Their rewards system is pretty good too, with with regular discounts, rewards, and the free coffee refills when in-store.

[thebogeyman]

Re: Giving up Tim Hortons

The thing that bugs me the most about Tims isn't the mediocre coffee, it's the lack of quality control in regards to the food/drink.

The fact that I have to order a bagel double toasted so that it isn't just a piece of lukewarm bread is ridiculous.

You could go to 10 Tims locations that are close together and order a double double (yuck, why not just drink cream and sugar?) at each one and they would all probably taste different.