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You told us: Tim Hortons should go back to the basics

THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young
THE CANADIAN PRESS/Chris Young

Tim Hortons has long been the quintessential Canadian coffee and doughnut shop – there are plenty of people across the country who can’t go a day without their dose of Timmy’s. But are things getting too fancy?

Last week, after Tim Hortons announced they’re introducing a premium roast that costs 15 per cent more than a regular cup of joe, we posed a question to our readers: Should Tim Hortons stick to the basics?

The resounding answer from our users: Yes. And if they don’t, they might lose Yahoo Canada readers’ business.

Many users say that the iconic Canadian institution should stick to what they’re known for: coffee and doughnuts, and forgo other snack items like paninis, soup and sandwiches.

Stick to the basics,” writes user Linda. “They've taken what once was a Canadian institution and turned it into just another unhealthy fast-food outlet. If I want hot sandwiches, etc., I'll go to where they specialize in them. If I want coffee and doughuts, I want an unadulterated Timmy's! Simple is better.”

Adds Jeri: “Canadians love Timmies for their coffee and doughnuts (and of course Timbits). Leave the fancy coffees to places like Starbucks.”

Users also added that the brand is making a mistake trying to transition away from their tried-and-true formula – and customers.

“I am finding Tim Hortons is not so slowly ‘Americanizing’ their products. A trip to Tim's is already crowding the ‘treat’ range. Price increases for ‘premium’ or ‘specialty’ products is going to push them into the once in a rare while visit category,” writes user Michael.

“Tim Hortons will do a big mistake if they were to transition from value brand to premium brand. Tim's success can be attributed to their value brand coffee that is relatively the lowest among major coffee chains,” writes ClasslessCTN. “Should they try to change their plot, they're trying to change their fate.

So what it [the new premium blend] has a hint of this and that, they are not a premium brand coffee shop. They are our household Canadian coffee shop that offers great tasting coffee at humble prices. They should stay in their lane before losing many loyal customers,” writes Kevin.

“There are hundreds of ‘specialty’ coffee shops out there. We don't need another one. It’s become a poor man’s Starbucks. It’s lost its ‘Canadian’ feel.


Some even said that Tim Hortons has been losing their business.

“If I wanted premium coffee, I would not go to Tim's,” writes Capollar. “[I] do find myself at McD's for coffee more and more.”

“I prefer McDonald's coffee to Tim’s any day!,” agrees user Andrew.
“If the price goes up I’ll go to McDonald’s,” adds Garth.

However, there are some Yahoo Canada users that think the change could be good.

“Expanding Tim Hortons coffee choices will help them think outside the box, give them better competition and put them on the map in areas that don't know Tim Hortons,” writes Betty.

Do you agree with our users’? Let us know in the comments.