Canadian Tim’s to Go After U.S. Market

Tim Hortons Inc. (Oakville, Ont.), the popular Canadian coffee-and-doughnuts chain, said it plans to add 300 U.S. locations in the next five years, in a “must-win battle” for U.S. customers.

The company, facing pressure from activist investors, said its five-year strategy will include adding 800 new Canadian locations, as well.

“We are energizing the Tim Hortons brand in all of our geographic markets and we are focusing on driving long-term, sustainable, profitable growth,” said ceo Marc Caira.

In the U.S., the chain has signed franchise agreements with locally knowledgeable partners in St. Louis, Youngstown, Ohio, and Fort Wayne, Ind.

The company also said it will aim for 220 new locations in Persian Gulf countries, and will enter new foreign markets next year.