The iconic Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons in the Middle East has opened a new cafe in Riyadh, Saudi Arabia - the brand’s 300th in the region. The coffee shop chain is known for its freshly brewed coffee made with 100% premium Arabica beans, as well as for its wide variety of freshly baked goods, donuts, Timbits and sandwiches.

Since its establishment, Tim Hortons Middle East said it has captured the hearts and taste buds of guests by demonstrating unwavering commitment to delivering premium quality and ensuring a consistently enjoyable customer experience.

Celebrations to mark the milestone were hosted at Tim Horton’s stylish Roshn Front location in Riyadh, in the presence of the Canadian Ambassador to Saudi Arabia Jean-Philippe Linteau, the Chairman of Apparel Group and AG Café International Nilesh Ved, and the CEO of Tim Hortons’ Master Franchisee in the Middle East  Hesham Almekkawi, along with other guests.

Rapidly expanding in the region, Tim Hortons Middle East, represented by its master franchisee, AG Café International – a joint venture entity owned by Apparel Group, a leading global fashion and lifestyle retail conglomerate, and Gateway Partners, an emerging markets alternative investment firm – has been aggressively focused on widening its presence in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) in recent years.

The first Tim Hortons Middle East Café & Bake shop opened in Dubai in 2011. Since then, AG Café International has opened 299 cafés across KSA, UAE, Qatar, Kuwait, Bahrain and Oman.

“During the last decade, Tim Hortons Middle East has found countless opportunities in the region to grow and thrive” said Chairman Ved.

“Besides being loved by many guests here, the Middle East boasts an attractive investment environment, offering a state-of-the-art infrastructure and many business incentives that encourage us to move forward with our expansion plans in the region.

“We have also expanded our footprint into India, where we already have over 35 cafés.”

Almekkawi, said: “By taking advantage of the brand’s popularity, our strategic development will ensure that Tim Hortons’ iconic coffee is accessible to customers across the Middle East.

“We enjoy offering customers comfort, refreshments, and a relaxing environment. With the opening of our 300th branch, we reaffirm this mission once again, empowering people and bringing them together over a good cup of coffee, a hearty meal and exciting conversations.”

Ambassador Linteau said: “Tim Hortons is an iconic Canadian brand, symbolised by the maple leaf, and seeing it thrive in Saudi Arabia and the wider GCC makes me very proud.

“The opening of the 300th store in the Kingdom reflects the strong economic ties and mutual appreciation between our countries. The brand’s popularity here also highlights the quality of the Canadian food and beverages and the meaningful connections many Saudis have with Canada.”

It is noteworthy that Tim Hortons Middle East lends innovation, design and creativity a key role in its growth strategy.

It has been rewarded for the same two years in a row, not only by securing Superbrands status in the UAE, but also by being recognised by RetailME with multiple awards across a diverse set of categories covering campaigns and concepts executed across the GCC. – TradeArabia News Service