Canadian Coffee 'Tim Hortons' Lands in Korea... Americano 4000 Won

Official Opening on the 14th at Store No.1 Sinnonhyeon Station
Plans to Open 150 Stores Within 5 Years
All Directly Operated... Drive-Thru Available
90 Menu Items Including Beverages, Donuts, and Sandwiches

Canadian coffee brand Tim Hortons announced plans to open up to 150 stores within the next five years ahead of the official opening of its first domestic store, Sinnonhyeon branch. The price of Americano, which attracted industry attention, was set at 4,000 KRW for a medium size.

Exterior view of Tim Hortons Sinnonhyeon Station branch in Gangnam-gu, Seoul.
[Photo by Tim Hortons]

On the 12th, Tim Hortons held a media invitation event at the Sinnonhyeon branch in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, to announce its plans for entering the domestic coffee market and to introduce the menu and prices for the Korean launch.

Lee Dong-hyung, CEO of BKR, the domestic operator of Tim Hortons, who attended the event, said, "C.A.R.E., an acronym for 'Coexist harmoniously, respect each other, and cherish,' is the core value pursued by Tim Hortons worldwide," adding, "We will strive to practice positive influence sustainably by engaging with local communities in Korea as well."

Raphael Odorizzi, APAC President of RBI Group, which operates the Tim Hortons brand, said, "Korea has a strong coffee culture and many customers who try new food experiences, making it a competitive and promising market with great potential," and expressed his ambition for the Korean market, stating, "We will provide Korean customers with the best experience through 100% premium Arabica coffee, freshly baked donuts offered daily in small quantities at stores, and warm melt sandwiches cooked immediately after ordering, along with always fresh coffee and food menus."

Raphael Odorizzi, President of APCA at RBI Group, which operates the Canadian coffee brand Tim Hortons, is giving a greeting at a media invitation event held on the morning of the 12th at Tim Hortons' first domestic store, Sinnonhyeon Branch, in Gangnam-gu, Seoul. Photo by Moon Hyewon

Tim Hortons plans to launch all major signature menu lineups such as 'Double Double,' 'Iced Capp,' and 'French Vanilla.' In addition, it will offer about 90 menu items based on manufacturing, including 46 types of coffee beverages, 8 types of Iced Capp, 14 types of non-coffee beverages, and a total of 22 types of donuts and sandwiches, including the Maple Latte developed specifically for the Korean market.

Among them, the Melt is a warm sandwich, a signature category unique to Tim Hortons introduced for the first time in Korea, characterized by freshness cooked immediately upon order. Three menu items were developed for the Korean market: the representative Maple Cheese Melt, Maple Ham & Cheese Melt, and Creamy Spicy Chicken Melt with chicken and spicy Sriracha mayo sauce.

The price of brewed coffee is 3,900 KRW for a medium size. Americano is 4,000 KRW, Cafe Latte is 4,600 KRW, Original Iced Capp is 5,100 KRW, and Java Chip Iced Capp is 5,900 KRW. Among food menus, the Maple Cheese Melt is priced at 6,200 KRW.

Meanwhile, Tim Hortons plans to open its second domestic store, Seolleung Station branch in Gangnam-gu, Seoul, on the 28th of this month and expand to 150 stores domestically within five years. However, instead of franchising, all branches will be operated directly. Various store models, including drive-thru with fast and convenient service, are also being considered.