Tim Hortons Plans to Open Two Locations in the Bradenton Area as Part of FL Expansion, According to Reports

MANATEE COUNTY, FL — Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons is actively pursuing an expansion into Florida with plans for two locations in Manatee County, as reported by various sources.

Last fall, the company submitted preliminary plans for a 1,700-square-foot Tim Hortons in Ellenton, according to the Bradenton Herald in November. They have now filed for a second site, a slightly smaller 1,611-square-foot storefront located at 7935 State Road 64 E., just east of the Marketplace at Heritage Harbour, as noted by the Herald.

These locations would mark Tim Hortons’ debut in Florida as the brand sets its sights on expanding into the state, a strategy that has been in development for several years.

“We are excited for our recent expansion into new markets in the U.S. and are prioritizing growth in the South Florida market,” stated Ryan Ferranti, head of business development for Tim Hortons, US, in a 2023 email to the Miami Herald. “While we are targeting growth in multiple territories within Florida, Miami-Dade and Broward counties are of particular interest due to the significant Canadian presence and tourism in South Florida.”

Ferranti mentioned that the chain aims to establish stores in regions frequented by Canadian snowbirds. Originally founded as Tim Horton Do-nut by Toronto Maple Leaf defenseman Tim Horton and his business partner, Jim Charade, in Ontario in 1964, the brand has a storied history.

Historically, Tim Hortons operated in Florida during the 1980s but ended up closing all its shops by the early 1990s.

Key Information

• Expansion Locations: Two planned Tim Hortons stores in Manatee County, Florida.
• First Location: 1,700-square-foot store in Ellenton.
• Second Location: 1,611-square-foot store at 7935 State Road 64 E.
• Company Background: Founded in 1964 by Tim Horton and Jim Charade.
• Previous Presence in Florida: Operated in the 1980s, closed by early 1990s.
• Target Market: Aiming to attract Canadian tourists, particularly in Miami-Dade and Broward counties.