Tim Hortons Upgrades English Muffins and Espresso Machines, Says President
Tim Hortons is rolling out significant upgrades for its menu and equipment, indicating a commitment to enhancing customer experience. President Axel Schwan announced these changes, focusing on improving the English muffin served with breakfast sandwiches and introducing new espresso machines and fountain drink dispensers.
Enhancements to the English Muffin
Tim Hortons plans to launch a revised English muffin designed to be fluffier and more enjoyable. This new muffin will debut in western Canada by the end of the week and will be available nationwide by the end of the quarter. Schwan noted the changes aim to reflect guest feedback and continuously improve Tim Hortons’ core offerings.
Background on Recent Product Tweaks
These enhancements come after previous improvements to other popular menu items. Recently, Tim Hortons increased the size and chocolate content of its chocolate chunk cookies. Also, the company added more fruit to apple fritters and increased the filling in Boston Cream doughnuts. Such adjustments align with Schwan’s strategy to return to basics while pushing forward in a competitive market.
Expanding Beverage Options
In addition to food upgrades, Tim Hortons is exploring new beverage options. In its latest financial quarter, cold beverages constituted 27% of total drink sales, showing an 8.6% increase despite colder weather. The introduction of new espresso machines, which Schwan emphasized as faster and more efficient, aims to enhance the overall product quality.
New Fountain Drink Machines
Tim Hortons is also working on new fountain drink machines in collaboration with Coca-Cola. These machines have not yet launched in all restaurants but are expected to drive combo sales and support a variety of cold beverages.
Financial Overview of RBI
Schwan made these announcements following the earnings report from Restaurant Brands International (RBI), which owns Tim Hortons, along with Burger King, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs. RBI reported a drop in fourth-quarter profits compared to the previous year, with profits at $113 million, down from $259 million.
Understanding Rising Coffee Costs
While Tim Hortons is less affected by rising beef prices, it did raise coffee prices by an average of three cents per cup—the first such increase in three years. However, Schwan mentioned recent declines in coffee costs could soon ease pricing pressures.
Market Performance
Despite challenges, RBI reported a 2.8% growth in comparable sales in Canada, outperforming the broader quick-serve restaurant industry by nearly two percentage points. Executive Chairman Patrick Doyle acknowledged the business’s resilience amid rising costs and geopolitical uncertainties, highlighting the strength and improving conditions of their restaurant operations.
- Launch of improved English muffin by end of the week in western Canada.
- Enhanced espresso machinery to promote faster service and quality.
- New fountain drink machines to improve combo sales.
- Fourth-quarter profits down to $113 million for RBI.
- Average coffee price increase: three cents per cup.
These initiatives reflect Tim Hortons’ ongoing commitment to innovation and customer satisfaction, as the brand adapts to an evolving market landscape.
