Monday, December 20, 2021

Tim Hortons sucks (the donut)

Not so special after all
London, ON
July 2020
This photo originally shared on Instagram


This is what passes for scandal in the Great White North:

Recently, national coffee shop chain Tim Hortons quietly reclassified its chocolate dip and Boston Creme donuts. They went from being regular donuts - which they had been since the beginning of time - to specialty donuts, which means they now cost more because they're somehow fancier.

Unlike the hugely hyped, limited-edition Justin Bieber Timbits (seriously, TimBiebs are a thing, and we should all be ashamed), this change didn't benefit from a national marketing campaign. I noticed the little signs in the display case and thought it odd.

To some, Tim's, is as as iconically Canadian as Mounties, beavers, and maple syrup. I don't see the appeal, but to each their own.

Still, the cynic in me sees this as a bit of a cash grab at a time when we all need less cynicism, not more.

And the Tim’s brand - owned by Restaurant Brands International, a controversial global food services giant - has been on the decline in recent years amid a never-ending litany of controversies.

From questionable treatment and payment of employees to iffy environmental practices, this organization consistently prioritizes the bottom line over sustainable, ethical business practices.

Which, from where I stand, means we're long past the point where Tim's deserves to be so integrally tied to our national identity.

And these donuts aren't so special, anyway. If I'm going to eat like a heathen, I'll buy local.

Canada has enough icons, anyway. This one won't be missed.

#ldnont #london #ontario #canada #donut #food #foodie #foodporn #instafood #foodphotography #foodstagram #random #stilllife #photography #apple #iphone #iphone11 #shotoniphone #photooftheday #instagood #nofilter #nofilterneeded #lifeinthemargins

Related:
Not just any donut, October 2019
Donut or Doughnut? January 2010

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