Tim Hortons, Costa, Pret: Why So Many Markets Have a “Local Starbucks”
Starbucks has become one of the most recognisable coffee brands in the world. But its success has not made it the default choice everywhere. In many markets, local habits, familiar flavours, pricing and convenience have helped other brands build equally strong positions in everyday coffee culture. Canada has Tim Hortons. Britain has Costa Coffee, Pret A Manger and, increasingly, food-led competitors such as Greggs. These businesses do not all operate like Starbucks, but they demonstrate an important lesson: a successful coffee brand does not need to copy Starbucks to compete with it. Tim Hortons: Coffee as an Everyday Habit Tim Hortons opened its first restaurant in Hamilton, Ontario, on 17 May 1964. Over the decades, it became closely associated with Canadian daily life, combining coffee with doughnuts, baked goods, breakfast and quick meals. Its appeal goes beyond the drink itself. Customers can stop for a familiar coffee on the way to work, pick up breakfast or meet someone without ...
