Tim Hortons in Minden has had a facelift, just in time for the busy summer season.
Owners Mike Garland and Paige Chapman said they got a letter from corporate in 2025, notifying them that it was time for the Minden site’s 10-year renovation.
They began working on the planning late last year with head office, which has preapproved project management companies and design teams.
They wanted to get the work done in winter when the sit-in and drive-thru restaurant is not as busy. They brought in a temporary trailer to service customers while work was underway in the coffee shop.
The job recently finished, with customers noting some big changes.
While not necessarily visible to the clientele, Garland said one key component was moving the electrical room, which was in the middle of the staff work area by the drive-thru window. “Everything, the sandwich bar and coffee area, was crammed into one little spot. Sometimes you need more staff, but just couldn’t fit any more into that area. It was important to move that to allow for any efficiencies.”
Chapman added, “the renovation focuses on creating a more comfortable and efficient workspace for our team members, while also giving our guests a fresh, modern, and inviting new look.” There is the same amount of seating.
Some of the features include self-serve kiosks for the first time, as well as four tills, up from two. The owners think this will help during busy times. They also have music for the first time. The bathrooms have been renovated with floor-to-ceiling tiles; there is new LED lighting; and the façade got a paint job. The artwork features cottage life scenes and hockey, two things Chapman and Garland know people like in this area.
They added while the previous layout was a challenge for staff, they still achieved platinum status for 2025. That puts them in the top three per cent of Tim Hortons across Canada for speed of service, guest feedback, and other key performance indicators.
Staffing woes
Garland and Chapman said they hope the new design will be more attractive to potential hires.
“Like many local business owners, we know staffing is a major challenge. In the past year, we’ve had only two students apply, attend an interview, and show up for their first shift,” Garland said.
Chapman added it is far from their experience in New Brunswick, where a lot of high school students worked. They said one barrier might be the lack of public transportation, with students needing their own car, or relying on family and friends to drive them to work.
Smile cookies
Their annual Smile Cookie campaign is running from April 27- May 3. One-hundred per cent of cookie proceeds from Minden and Haliburton Tim Hortons will be donated to Brooksong Retreat and Cancer Support Centre.
Executive director Barb Smith-Morrison said, “it’s going to be a fun week of connecting with the local community while raising funds and awareness for local cancer support.”
