"Esso is Tim Hortons' largest nontraditional association," said Roland Walton, chief operations officer for Tim Hortons. "This speaks to the successful relationship we've shared over the years and the synergies between the two brands. We both offer value, convenience, quick service and more options for busy Canadians."
Tim Hortons began opening kiosks inside Esso stations in 1994. [image-nocss] Since then, Tim Hortons has expanded to more than 350 locations.
"This is a special alliance for Imperial Oil, and it's exciting we will be working closely for another 10 years with Tim Hortons, the No. 1 quick-service restaurant brand in the country," said Simon Smith, vice president and general manager of fuels marketing for Imperial Oil. "For Esso customers, it means there will be a growing number of On the Run stores where they can grab a coffee and muffin on their way to work, or stop in during the day and pick up a quick lunch."
Tim Hortons is the fourth-largest publicly traded QSR chain in North America based on market capitalization, it said, and the largest in Canada. Operating in the QSR segment of the restaurant industry, Tim Hortons appeals to a broad range of consumer tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, flavored cappuccinos, specialty teas, home-style soups, fresh sandwiches, wraps, hot breakfast sandwiches and fresh baked goods, including its trademark donuts.
As of July 4, 2010, Oakville, Ontario-based Tim Hortons had 3,627 restaurants, including 3,040 in Canada and 587 in the United States.
Calgary, Alberta-based Imperial Oil is one of Canada's largest corporations and a leading member of the country's petroleum industry. It is one of the country's largest producers of crude oil and natural gas, is the largest petroleum refiner, and has a leading market share in petroleum products sold through a coast-to-coast supply network that includes about 1,850 Esso-branded gas stations.
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