Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of a full Canadian franchise varies from $480,000 to $510,000* (CDN$) (plus all applicable taxes). At least $153,000 of the franchise cost must be unencumbered (cash or liquid assets), in addition to $50,000 in working capital (also unencumbered). The remaining amount may be financed through the chartered banks, upon approval of a franchise.

* The cost of a Tim Hortons license may exceed $510,000 in certain locations due to higher development costs.

Included in the cost of a franchise is the following:

• all equipment, furniture, display equipment and signage
• 7-week training program in the Oakville, ON Tim Hortons University
• a store opening crew to assist in the opening of a Tim Hortons restaurant (for a maximum period of two weeks)
• the use of all Tim Hortons Manuals
• right to use the Trademarks and Trade names
• support from the head Office personnel

The TDL Group Corp. assumes all costs associated with the development of the land and building. It is not an option for a franchisee to develop the property or own the building.

Should an interested individual or landowner bring a specific site to us we cannot guarantee that they will be the franchisee for that site, if we pursue it. There are numerous factors that would determine if a site were to be offered to an existing or new franchisee.

Not everyone who applies for a franchise meets the criteria to become a Tim Hortons Restaurant Owner. For mutual success and satisfaction, we must ensure that every Restaurant Owner possesses the necessary skills, commitment level, dedication, work ethic, character and strong people skills.

Financial soundness is a requirement, however, is not the deciding factor when short-listing candidates.

We franchise only to individuals who will be hands-on operators, not to corporations or passive investors.

Given the demands of a 24 hour, 7 days a week operation, it is our strong preference to seek applicants that can demonstrate extensive coverage and availability.  This is done by a partnership of two individuals, both devoting their full and entire efforts to the restaurant operations, in addition to having an equity stake in the business (which as a total meets our minimum requirements). Unfortunately, we are not conducive to investors or silent partners.  The nature of the operation requires a personal commitment to the business, and, particularly in the initial years, an investment of long hours.  Since the franchise agreement is for a 10 year term, plus potential renewals totaling an additional 10 years, we seek franchisees who can make a long term commitment to operating the franchise, without becoming absentee owners once established.

Candidates are advised (in writing) as to whether or not they meet the profile of becoming a Tim Hortons franchisee within 30 days of our receipt of their completed questionnaire. Once a candidate meets our criteria they will become 'active' in consideration of any opportunities that may become available.

We do not rank applicants in order in which they apply. Therefore, we are unable to quote timeframes or guarantee a candidate that they will ultimately be chosen for an interview and/or approved for a franchise. When we have an opportunity for a new franchisee, all candidates who have identified that particular area as a location preference, will be considered. The most qualified candidates will be contacted for the first interview. Consideration is not based on the length of time that a candidate has been on file.

Projected Earnings statements are provided to candidates who have been short-listed for a particular opportunity. These statements are not available in the initial stages of the application process.

On-going payments include:

• a weekly Royalty fee of 4.5% of gross sales for the term of the License;
• a monthly Rental fee (which is the greater of a fixed minimum rent or 8.5% of gross monthly sales);
• a monthly Advertising levy of 4% of gross sales for the term of the License.
• at the end of each five (5) year period of the License term, at the sole discretion of The TDL Group Corp., an obligation to refurbish the restaurant to meet current Tim Hortons standards.

The term of the License Agreement is usually 10 years and usually with options to renew for up to a further period of 10 years.

We have recently announced a Master License Agreement with Apparel Group to develop and operate locations in United Arab Emirates, Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait and Oman.  Our plans for further international expansion are not yet established and we cannot offer a time frame when this will change.

Applicants must be permanent residents of Canada in order to apply for a franchise. Unfortunately, we are unable to pre-approve applicants to assist them in the immigration process.

All information is kept confidential within the Franchise department of The TDL Group Corp. We do not sell your personal information to third parties.