Tim Hortons was founded in 1964 by its namesake, a renowned hockey player for the national Canadian team, according to the official website. Nearly 60 years later, the chain's first London restaurant officially opens its doors in Royale Leisure Park, Kendal Avenue, on Friday, July 1, a press representative told Insider.
I was surprised the chain had chosen to open up a location so far away from the city center where it could appeal to a bigger consumer base, including tourists visiting from Canada who might be missing home. It worked out for me because I live relatively close by, but I'm not sure I would've been as tempted to go if my home was elsewhere in London.
In any case, Canadians reading this will know Friday also happens to be Canada Day — the country's national holiday – which probably isn't a coincidence.
According to the website, the London restaurant is one of 63 Tim Hortons that are either open or nearly open across the UK. Back in Canada, there are actually more Tim Hortons restaurants than McDonald's restaurants, Business Insider's Mary Meisenzahl previously reported.