The Canadian Donut Invasion

Seems like the New York Times has a real fixation on the humble donut. First they brought us the story of The Putnam County Donut Rebellion. Now they've hit the road, crossed the border and brought us a different kind of donut tale:

Tim Hortons conquered Canada long ago. The doughnut chain boasts one outlet for every 12,700 Canadians — by comparison, one McDonald’s exists in the United States for every 21,000 Americans and one Dunkin’ Donuts for every 56,000 Americans.

A survey this summer by a group promoting Canadian historical literacy found that 40 percent of Canadians under 34 consider Tim Hortons’ miniature doughnuts, the Timbits, a national symbol.

Tim’s, as it is affectionately known, sells 78 percent of the nonsupermarket coffee and baked goods sold in Canada. That is both the good news and the bad news.

“We’re at penetration in a lot of markets,” said Paul D. House, Tim Hortons chief executive, president and chairman. “There’s still high growth in Quebec. But in some of these other areas you’re not going to put the stores there as in the past.” On Sept. 30 of last year, Wendy’s International fully divested itself of its interest in the chain. Tim Hortons, which has its headquarters here in Oakville, promised growth in the United States: from 336 stores to 500 by the end of 2008. Today it has 345, a slow pace that Mr. House insists will pick up, with the company adding 60 to 80 stores this year, and 154 by the end of 2008.

Will U.S. police officers be able to adapt to this new international offering? Only time will tell...