Work crews have finally broken ground for Westlock’s very own Tim Hortons.
Work on the new outlet started early last week at the east end of town between the Boston Pizza and the Ramada hotel when crews started excavating the land for the building and surrounding parking lot. The groundbreaking marks the end of the town’s long flirtation with what is arguably a Canadian institution.
“It’s something we’ve been looking at doing for a couple of years, and the timing is now right,” said Michelle Robichaud, Tim Hortons’ public relations manager.
Robichaud said she understands the store’s new owners are aiming to open for business by the spring of 2014. However, if the weather holds up, she said the store could be open as early as December.
Although Tim Hortons operates on a franchise model — where each location is independently owned and operated — head office does direct where those locations will be, to a point.
“We’re always looking to add new franchisees to the chain, and certainly in more rural communities like Westlock,” she said.
Robichaud explained there is usually little time between when the building is erected and when doors open to customers, but otherwise could not say for certain when either stage would be reached.
Although the town has been trying to entice Tim Hortons to come to the municipality, or at least find a suitable location for a store, Robichaud said the company has also been working hard to reach the point where bringing Tim Hortons to town would make sense. She said the company spends a lot of time finding a suitable location and securing an engaged franchisee.
“All of those pieces have some together and brought us to where we are now.”
