News Releases | Corporate

Governor Carcieri takes part in official grand opening celebration

Cranston, RI (June 29, 2004) - With an official grand opening ceremony today, Tim Hortons is celebrating the near completion of its conversion of 42 former Bess Eaton stores into the Tim Hortons concept. Within 8 weeks of acquiring these locations, the majority of Tim Hortons stores in Southern New England are already offering delicious homestyle soups and sandwiches, as well as Tim Hortons premium blend coffee, iced coffee and baked goods - made at each store, throughout the day. Governor Donald L. Carcieri is attending the ceremony at 10:00 am at the Tim Hortons at 2174 Plainfield Pike in Cranston, in order to welcome this new business to the state.

"I want to congratulate the entire Tim Hortons team on this achievement," said Rhode Island Governor, Donald L. Carcieri. "I appreciate Tim Hortons commitment to growing their business here in Rhode Island. It's good for the State and our economy. Most importantly, I want to applaud Tim Hortons strong belief in giving back to the communities where they operate. We will all benefit from their initiatives," added Governor Carcieri.

For the entire day, all new Tim Hortons stores in Rhode Island, Connecticut and Massachusetts are celebrating by donating 50 cents from every transaction to local Boys and Girls Clubs.

"One of our core values at Tim Hortons is to give back to the communities where we operate, particularly with a focus on children," said Paul House, President & COO, Tim Hortons. "We also wanted to thank our customers today, so every participating store has been giving away prizes such as Shell Gift Cards, Tim Hortons coffee coupons, and even free Tim Hortons thermal mugs over the lunch hour. It's an exciting day for everyone!"

The Tim Hortons chain, which is celebrating its 40th anniversary this year, is the largest coffee and fresh baked goods restaurant chain in Canada. Tim Hortons, which merged with Wendy's International, Inc. in 1995, trades on the New York Stock Exchange (WEN). There are currently over 2,360 Tim Hortons restaurants in Canada and now 227 in the U.S., including 8 in Maine.