Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Tim Hortons is a beloved fast food chain mostly known for its loyal Canadian customers.
The first store is still open and functioning, and it’s also a museum of the chain and its founder.
I saw how it feels like a local icon to Canadians, despite now being a multinational chain.
Tim Hortons is a coffee chain headquartered in Ontario, Canada and beloved by Canadians.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
As a Western New Yorker, I’ve grown up going to Tim Hortons, and it’s a staple on long drives and early mornings.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I stopped by the original location, first opened in 1964, on a recent trip to Toronto.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I was initially worried that I might not find the right location, but it was immediately clear when I arrived that I was in the right place.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
The restaurant had clearly been updated since its opening nearly 60 years ago, but it had a photo of how it originally looked on the wall outside.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Outside the entrance, there was a large statue of co-founder and namesake of the chain, Tim Horton.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Horton, named one of the 100 best hockey players of all time by the NHL, continued his career while starting up the chain.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Source: NHL
He died in a car accident in 1974 at age 44, only a decade after founding his namesake chain.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Being named after a hockey legend might be part of why Tim Hortons is beloved among Canadians.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Tim Horton’s is mostly known as a breakfast destination, but its menu has grown to include lunch and all-day coffee and baked goods.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
I had several iced coffees from the chain during my trip, and a medium came out to a reasonable $1.99 in US dollars.
Mary Meisenzahl/Insider
Everything about Tim Hortons screams “Canadian pride,” down to …read more
Source:: Business Insider