Tim Hortons Sees Same-Store Sales Rise in Canada

The coffee chain reports growth as cold beverage options like matcha drinks gain popularity with younger customers.

Updated on Oct. 29, 2026 in Tea

Screen-print poster illustration of a glass of iced matcha tea, highlighting shifting consumer preferences in the Canadian coffee industry.
Tim Hortons Canada recorded a 1.8 percent rise in same-store sales during the third quarter, fueled largely by growing demand for cold matcha beverages. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

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Tim Hortons Canada reported 1.8 percent same-store sales growth for the third quarter of 2026. This increase was bolstered by a nearly five percent rise in cold beverage sales.

Why it matters

The company successfully attracted younger customers to its restaurants by introducing new items like matcha drinks in July. However, higher gasoline prices have prompted some rural customers to reduce their visits to drive-through locations.

Tim Hortons saw same-store sales grow 1.8 percent in the third quarter of 2026 compared to 4.2 percent growth in the third quarter of 2025. Parent company Restaurant Brands International reported a quarterly net income of US$542 million.

The players

Tim Hortons

This Canadian multinational fast food restaurant chain is known for its coffee and doughnuts.

Restaurant Brands International

This multinational holding company owns various fast food brands including Tim Hortons, Burger King, and Popeyes.

The details

Cold beverage sales saw a notable boost of nearly five percent throughout the quarter. Customers are increasingly purchasing matcha drinks, which were launched in July, primarily during the weekends.

Timeline

  1. Matcha drinks were introduced in July 2026.

  2. The financial results cover the third quarter of 2026.

  3. The financial period officially concluded on September 30, 2026.

Culture Shift

The success of new beverage options reflects the broader industry shift toward catering to younger consumer preferences through menu diversification. This development aligns with the documented trend of quick-service chains prioritizing high-margin cold drinks to compete with specialty cafes.

Consumers visiting local restaurants may notice a continued expansion of the cold beverage menu as the chain seeks to maintain momentum. While in-store experiences remain consistent, those in rural areas might see varying service levels linked to shifting consumer travel patterns.

The takeaway

The brand is successfully leveraging drink innovation to drive engagement among younger diners. Customers can expect menus to continue evolving as the chain responds to changing social habits and economic pressures on travel.

Further reading

For more industry news and analysis, visit the Tea section.

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