Canadian coffee chain Tim Hortons is to open in the Cross Street unit once occupied by Pizza Hut.
The company is the dominant coffee brand in Canada, claiming to sell eight out of every 10 cups of coffee sold in the country.
Earlier this year it announced its intention to open its first UK coffee shops, bringing its “signature coffee, delicious food and Canadian charm” to Glasgow, Manchester, Cardiff and Belfast.
And today we can confirm that the $3billion-turnover chain has selected the unit next door to Nando’s – remembered fondly by many locals as the former home of Pizza Hut before it vacated the site in 2009 – as its Manchester location.
It’s understood that the unit – currently undergoing a programme of refurbishment – was the subject of considerable interest, with at least one other major brand in the frame.
Tim Hortons has come out on top, however, and it’s thought the opening will form part of a more extensive roll-out of its restaurants across the region and beyond.
The opening of the first UK Tim Hortons restaurant – on Argyle Street in Glasgow in June – was met with considerable excitement, with some even queuing overnight to be the first customers.
Tim Hortons was founded in 1964 by its namesake (Miles “Tim” Horton), a professional ice hockey player who wanted to create cafes where everyone would feel at home.
Best known for its coffee and donuts, the chain sells a wide range of breakfasts, sandwiches, salads and wraps, soups and snacks.
The company’s arrival – no date has yet been given for its opening – will represent a huge turnaround in fortunes for that part of Altrincham town centre.
After almost a decade of boarded-up inactivity, the building has now attracted two global brands after the arrival of Nando’s in July.
