At the original Tim Hortons donut shop location, visitors can now easily explore the coffee chain’s rich history. The Ottawa Street N. site in Hamilton, which once housed a museum on the second floor, underwent a redesign last summer that relocated the museum to the main restaurant area for better accessibility.
Brian Noviski, Tim Hortons’ Vice President of Architecture and Design, explained that the decision to move the museum downstairs was to make it more visible to patrons. Previously, the museum was challenging to reach, and many items were damaged by sunlight. Today, glass cases on the main floor near the counter and seating showcase various artifacts, such as a Timbit piggy bank resembling the chain’s former mascot and the oldest Tim’s cup in their collection.
The museum highlights Tim Horton’s connection to the Toronto Maple Leafs, where he played before founding his first store in Hamilton in 1964. The franchise’s growth was spearheaded by Ron Joyce, a Hamilton resident selected as the first franchisee. Following Horton’s passing, Joyce, who later became a billionaire, assumed leadership. The museum incorporates colors from Horton’s teams, like the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers, Pittsburgh Penguins, and Buffalo Sabres, with blue and yellow hues predominant before the switch to red.
Displayed in the museum are original yellow packaging bearing the pre-“s” addition name “Tim Horton,” along with a replica of the initial sign. The restaurant’s design includes subtle elements like maple ceiling tiles representing the brand’s Canadian heritage, hockey face shield-inspired hanging lights, and a counter screen featuring Hamilton’s skyline.
Tim Hortons, under the ownership of Restaurant Brands International (RBI), operates alongside other major brands like Burger King, Popeyes, and Firehouse Subs. Noviski mentioned that Tim Hortons locations undergo updates approximately every decade, with design innovations reflecting technological advancements like mobile ordering and interactive kiosks.
The museum’s integration into the main floor allows for ongoing curation of displays, with Noviski expressing enthusiasm for adding new items contributed by guests. The location’s upper level will now serve as a staff training area, as the museum evolves with time, preserving and showcasing Tim Hortons’ legacy for visitors to enjoy.
