Nation 2 Nation News

By Angela Lavallee

A new Tim Hortons is now open for business with a full restaurant ready for customers and all the favourites available. The newest outlet located in Curve Lake First Nation is one of 20 established on First Nation land, this according to Tim Hortons spokesperson for the corporation. 

The new owners were present on the first day of opening and eager to get started. Ryan and Candace Graham are not newbies to the industry and are quite knowledgeable when it comes to operating a Tim Hortons. 

“We are so excited to be here in Curve Lake. We’ve had other stores in Lindsay and this is a perfect location,” says Ryan Graham. “We want to deliver exceptional customer service and make all our customers feel welcome. The Grahams admit it takes courage and the right timing in life to take on a new franchise, but Ryan says they are ready to handle anything that may arise. “We know there are going to be challenges, but with the awesome community we can’t fail,” he adds. 

Tim Hortons located at Terry’s Gas and Variety had a rocky start. Construction began in 2018 where opening was delayed for months. In an email sent to head office of Tim Hortons in October of 2019, a spokesperson for corporation said even though there was a delay, the venture would go on within a few months time. 

The new owners would not speak about the year long delay.

“We basically got the deal in October of this year, so only a couple of months to figure everything out,” says Candace Graham. “We had just a week to get this open after that, we moved in the food and other equipment,” added Ryan Graham.

The husband and wife team says their new Tim Hortons will have the feel of family oriented space where customers can sit and feel like they are a part of it. “We feel very personal to this new adventure and we want to treat everyone like we would want to be treated, and we have a great staff lined up as well,” adds Candace Graham.

Matt Shoniker Regional District Manager for Tim Hortons says this is exciting times for the community, Tim Hortons, and its customers it serves as well as the new owners. 

The Grahams said this new venture also brings jobs and the economic growth for the First Nation. They would also like to tell their customers who are tax-free  to say at time of ordering so the adjustment for food tax is done at the point of sale.  

The new Tim Hortons is at 1420 Mississauga St, Curve Lake First Nation and is open daily at  5 a.m and closes at 10 p.m. 

“We wanted to match close to the hours of when the gas station opens up,” says Ryan, noting that Terry’s Gas and Variety opens at 6 a.m.