Tim Hortons recreates 1964 at Yonge-Dundas Square with replica of first restaurant

- Free coffee, donuts and Nikki Yanofsky concert to celebrate 50-years fresh with Tim Hortons #Tims50th -

OAKVILLE, ON, May 15, 2014 /CNW/ - Kicking off its 50th birthday weekend, Tim Hortons will turn the clock back on Toronto's Yonge-Dundas Square, transforming the bustling corner into a scene from the 1960s with a replica of Tim Hortons first restaurant from 1964.

"Since our first restaurant opened its doors May 17, 1964, Tim Hortons has become an essential part of Canadians' lives," said Marc Caira, President & CEO, Tim Hortons Inc. "We are thanking our loyal guests for making Tim Hortons Canada's favourite coffee by taking them back in time to the very beginning and recreating our first restaurant."

Guests are invited to Yonge-Dundas Square from 8 a.m. to 3 p.m. to relax and wander through the replica 1960s neighbourhood and enjoy a free coffee and donut served by staff in vintage uniforms. Canadian jazz-pop singer, Nikki Yanofsky, will perform Motown music to help set the '60s scene, as well as songs from her new album at 12:30 p.m.

In addition to its celebration in Toronto, today, Tim Hortons announces its much anticipated #TimsBringItBack winner: The Eclair. After receiving 40% of Canadians votes since May 1, the Eclair, a staple when Tim Hortons opened its doors in the '60s, beat out beloved menu items from decades past including: The Sugar Twist from the groovy '70s, The Pecan Butter Tart from the tubular '80s, The Chocolate Sour Cream Glazed Donut from the boy band-loving '90s, and the Bread Bowl from Y2K. The Eclair will be brought back in restaurant for a limited time later this year, and all items will be showcased within the 1964 pop-up restaurant.

"With over 200,000 votes counted as part of our Bring It Back campaign, and thousands of comments on social media, we couldn't be more excited to be giving back to our loyal guests, by reintroducing for a limited time The Eclair in restaurant later this year," said Caira. "Thank you to our loyal guests for taking a trip back in time to see how our menu has evolved over the past 50 years, and for sharing how Tim Hortons has been a part of Canadians' lives since 1964."

Tim Hortons' celebrations will continue on its birthday, May 17, in restaurant with a free Birthday Cake Donut offer at participating restaurants across the country. Guests can also look forward to the release of a commemorative online video, which will capture the hearts of Tim Hortons fans who have grown up drinking Canada's favourite coffee.

Guests are encouraged to share how they are celebrating Tim Hortons' 50th birthday online through Tim Hortons' Facebook (www.Facebook.com/TimHortons), Twitter (@TimHortons and Instagram @TimHortons) pages using #Tims50th.

Tim Hortons Inc. Overview

(TSX: THI) is one of the largest publicly-traded restaurant chains in North America based on market capitalization, and the largest in Canada. Operating in the quick service segment of the restaurant industry, Tim Hortons appeals to a broad range of consumer tastes, with a menu that includes premium coffee, hot and cold specialty drinks (including lattes, cappuccinos and espresso shots), specialty teas and fruit smoothies, fresh baked goods, grilled Panini and classic sandwiches, wraps, soups, prepared foods and other food products. As of December 29, 2013, Tim Hortons had 4,485 systemwide restaurants, including 3,588 in Canada, 859 in the United States and 38 in the Gulf Cooperation Council. More information about the Company is available at www.timhortons.com.

Image with caption: "On May 17, 1964, Tim Horton opened the first Tim Hortons restaurant in Hamilton, ON. Today, the company celebrates its 50th anniversary by turning the clock back on Toronto's Yonge-Dundas Square, transforming the bustling corner into a scene from the'60s complete with a replica of "Store No. 1", the first Tim Hortons restaurant from 1964. (CNW Group/Tim Hortons)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140515_C8497_PHOTO_EN_40334.jpg

Image with caption: "Marc Caira, President & CEO, Tim Hortons Inc., celebrates the company's 50th anniversary by turning back the clock at Toronto's Yonge-Dundas Square. The bustling corner was transformed into a scene from the 1960s with a replica of Tim Hortons first restaurant from 1964. #Tims50th (CNW Group/Tim Hortons)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140515_C8497_PHOTO_EN_40376.jpg

Image with caption: "Marc Caira, President & CEO, Tim Hortons Inc., celebrates the company's 50th anniversary by turning back the clock at Toronto's Yonge-Dundas Square. The bustling corner was transformed into a scene from the 1960s with a replica of Tim Hortons first restaurant from 1964. #Tims50th (CNW Group/Tim Hortons)". Image available at: http://photos.newswire.ca/images/download/20140515_C8497_PHOTO_EN_40377.jpg

SOURCE: Tim Hortons

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