Foodtastic, a Montreal-based restaurant operator, is set to introduce Dunkin’ Donuts to the Canadian market in a bold move to challenge the dominance of Tim Hortons. Under a master franchising agreement with Inspire Brands, hundreds of Dunkin’ locations are planned to open across Canada, with initial focus on Toronto and Montreal before expanding to other provinces.
According to Peter Mammas, CEO of Foodtastic, the brand is positioned as a fresh and trendy addition to the Canadian coffee scene. The strategy involves launching stores in Ontario and Quebec first, with a goal to establish a strong presence within a year by opening one store per month.
Dunkin’, a well-known American chain offering coffee, donuts, and breakfast sandwiches, is making a comeback after exiting the Canadian market in 2018 due to franchise disputes. Despite the potential competition with Tim Hortons, experts believe that the Canadian coffee market still has room for growth, citing consumer interest in American brands like McDonald’s.
While some loyal Tim Hortons customers express their preference for the established brand, others like Jay Antflick eagerly anticipate Dunkin’s arrival, citing nostalgia and fond memories associated with the brand from their travels in the U.S. The upcoming Dunkin’ locations in Canada will be operated by Canadian franchisees, emphasizing a local approach to the expansion.
With varying opinions on the introduction of Dunkin’ in Canada, the market is poised for a new player to shake up the coffee landscape, offering consumers more options and potentially reshaping preferences in the competitive industry.