Tim Hortons strikes gold at Fort Knox

    
    Coffee and baked goods chain opens at iconic military base;
    Continues U.S. expansion momentum
    

DUBLIN, OH, Oct. 13 /CNW/ - Tim Hortons Inc. (NYSE: THI, TSX: THI), one of North America's largest quick service restaurant chains, today announced it has opened a restaurant at Fort Knox, the iconic U.S. army facility in Kentucky. The opening broadens Tim Hortons' long-established connection with military personnel, and continues the company's expansion in the U.S. market.

The 24-hour restaurant is Tim Hortons' first on a U.S. military base. The company serves its signature coffee and baked goods on seven Canadian military bases and at a restaurant in Kandahar, Afghanistan , which American, Canadian and British troops have embraced as a familiar taste of home since 2006.

"Tim Hortons is privileged to serve at Fort Knox, one of the world's most respected military bases," said David Clanachan, Chief Operations Officer, U.S. and International, Tim Hortons Inc. "Our long-standing relationship with troops is expanding to include other international forces in Afghanistan , as well as American soldiers who already know Tim Hortons from their hometowns. We're excited to be working with AAFES (Army & Air Force Exchange Services) and look forward to strengthening our affiliation."

Tim Hortons operates nearly 3,500 locations worldwide, with more than 500 in the U.S., and serves about two billion cups of coffee a year. The 1,500-square-foot location at Fort Knox will service nearly 30,000 soldiers, family members and civilians who work and live on the base.

"As a military command with a retail mission, AAFES strives to deliver a taste of home to our Military members and their families, wherever they are called to serve", said Roy Robertson , the HQ AAFES Vice President who oversees the Restaurant and Hospitality Division. "Partnering with name brand companies such as Tim Hortons is key to delivering the quality products, desired menus and excellent service our customers expect and deserve."

Tim Hortons believes in getting involved in the communities where it serves, including the military. The company sponsors numerous events involving soldiers, conducts an annual coffee donation program called Operation Santa Claus and directs individuals to several military family support organizations for additional donations. It also produces a special Afghanistan edition of its popular Roll Up the Rim rewards program where soldiers can win free coffee, computers, cash and other prizes.

"Fort Knox is a great fit for us," said Clanachan. "It adds to our other restaurants in Kentucky and is not far from the Tim Horton Children's Foundation camp in Campbellsville, which provides underprivileged children with a once-in-a-lifetime camp experience. And from a business perspective, it fits our strategy of expanding into contiguous markets through strategic alliances."

Tim Hortons' signature hot and specialty iced coffees, made from a blend of Arabica beans, provide a rich, consistent cup of coffee every time to every customer. The company also offers a variety of always fresh baked goods - donuts, muffins, bagels and gourmet cookies - and an extensive lunch menu of sandwiches, wraps and variety of soups.

Tim Hortons' U.S. headquarters is located in Dublin, Ohio. The company was founded in 1964 by NHL hall-of-famer Tim Horton , who played hockey for the Toronto Maple Leafs, New York Rangers and Buffalo Sabres until his death in 1974. Tim Hortons opened its first U.S. restaurant in Tonawanda, NY in 1984. The company's coffee bean roasting plant is also based in Rochester, NY .

To join Tim Hortons Facebook fan page, go to: http://www.facebook.com/TimHortons

About Tim Hortons Inc.

Tim Hortons is the fourth largest publicly-traded quick service restaurant chain in North America based on market capitalization, and the largest in Canada . Tim Hortons appeals to a broad range of consumer tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, flavored cappuccinos, specialty teas, home-style soups, fresh sandwiches, donuts and fresh baked goods. As of June 28th, 2009 , Tim Hortons had 3,475 systemwide restaurants, including 2,939 in Canada and 536 in the United States . More information about the Company is available at www.timhortons.com.

/NOTE TO PHOTO EDITORS: A photo accompanying this release is available at http://photos.newswire.ca. Images are free to accredited members of the media/

For further information: http://www.timhortons.com/usmedia; Media: David Morelli, [phone] or [email protected]; Investors: Scott Bonikowsky, [phone] or [email protected]