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VOTE: Has your opinion of Tim Hortons worsened?


Tim Hortons has been as quintessentially Canadian as ice hockey and maple syrup, but as conflicts between franchisees and the parent company Restaurant Brands International (RBI) have increased, the company’s reputation has started to falter.

When the iconic Canadian brand was acquired in 2014, various cost-cutting measures were put in place that did not sit well with Tim Hortons franchisees. The federal government announced it will investigate claims from local owners that these cost-cutting measures have led to a decline in quality, service and safety at their restaurants.

“Tim Hortons is a household name, Tim Hortons franchisees exist throughout Canada,” Economic Development Minister Navdeep Bains said to The Canadian Press. “These are many businesses that are owned and operated by families, so of course we’re concerned, we understand that this is an important issue.”

Tim Hortons protests to expand beyond Ontario, 50 rallies planned across Canada
Tim Hortons protests to expand beyond Ontario, 50 rallies planned across Canada

Tim Hortons has also been dealing with the fallout from its reaction to minimum wage increases in Canada. Many Tim Hortons franchises cut back employee benefits when Ontario raised minimum wages to $14. Protests took place at Tim Hortons locations across the country to rally against the Ontario Tim Hortons franchisees who slashed workers’ benefits and breaks.

According to an Angus Reid Institute study, 35 per cent of Canadians surveyed between February 28 and March 2, 2018 said their opinion of Tim Hortons has worsened in the last few years, while 53 per cent of respondent said their opinion has stayed the same.

Research firm Leger released its annual list of companies that have the best reputations in Canada earlier this month and for the first time in over 10 years, Tim Hortons did not make the top 10, dropping from fourth place to 50th.

So has your opinion of the coffee and donut chain worsened? Vote in the poll above and tell us why or why not in the comments below.