Frequently Asked Questions

The cost of a full Canadian franchise varies from $430,000 to $480,000* (CDN$) (plus all applicable taxes). At least $144,000 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 $480,000 in certain locations due to higher development costs.

NOTE: Satellite franchisees (i.e. kiosks, malls, petroleum sites, airports, universities) are not available to a franchisee as their first location.

Included in the cost of a franchise is the following:

• all equipment, furniture, display equipment and signage
• 8-week training program in the Oakville, ON Training Centre
• 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 franchisee. For mutual success and satisfaction, we must ensure that every franchisee possesses the necessary skills and qualifications (i.e. employment history, managerial experience, to name a few), 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.

To submit an application for future opportunities, please complete the attached PDF file and return it to TDL.

Canadian Opportunities                              Quebec Opportunities

Note: Each owner/partner associated with the purchase of the Franchise must complete the Franchise Application. Both owners/partners must return The Franchise Questionnaire together.

Please complete the Franchise Questionnaire in full and return to the attention of the Franchise Department:

874 Sinclair Road,
Oakville, Ontario.
L6K 2Y1.

(Faxed copies will not be accepted.)

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 3% of gross sales for the term of the License;
• a monthly Rental fee (which is the greater of a fixed minimum rent or 10% 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.

The TDL Group Corp. has completed its own internal research on international markets and from this we have determined that our immediate development plans are to concentrate on continued growth in Canada and the United States. As such, we are not prepared to entertain applications or proposals for anywhere outside of North America.

Applicants must be permanent residents of Canada and be eligible to operate a business in 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.