Foodtastic, a Montreal-based restaurant operator, is set to introduce Dunkin’ Donuts to the Canadian market, aiming to establish hundreds of new locations across the country starting this year. The company has partnered with Inspire Brands to bring back the popular American coffee chain to Canada, with initial stores planned for Toronto and Montreal before expanding to other provinces, as outlined by Foodtastic CEO Peter Mammas. The strategy involves launching the first Dunkin’ Donuts store within six months and subsequent openings at a pace of one per month.
Having left the Canadian market in 2018 due to legal issues with Quebec franchisees, Dunkin’ is making a comeback. While the move may seem significant, marketing expert David Soberman believes that the established presence of Tim Hortons with over 4,000 stores poses a minimal threat. He suggests that smaller chains might face challenges when larger competitors enter the market. With Canadian consumers already embracing American brands like McDonald’s, the entrance of Dunkin’ into Canada’s coffee landscape is expected to find a receptive audience.
Robert Carter, president of the Coffee Association of Canada, sees potential for growth in the Canadian coffee market, pointing out similarities between the U.S. and Canadian market trends in the coffee industry. Mammas remains optimistic about Canadians embracing Dunkin’ Donuts, emphasizing that the brand’s operations in Canada will be managed by local franchisees, aligning with a Canadian approach to business.
While some customers express loyalty to Tim Hortons, others eagerly anticipate Dunkin’s return, citing nostalgia and excitement for the brand’s presence in Canada. Flight attendant Jay Antflick, a fan of Dunkin’ from his travels in the U.S., eagerly anticipates the brand’s launch in Toronto, reminiscing about the brand’s popularity in regions like Massachusetts and Boston. Antflick’s enthusiasm reflects a growing interest in Dunkin’s return to the Canadian market.