The wait is finally over.
The famous double doubles and Tim Bits have finally made their way onto the SAIT campus with the opening of the new Tim Hortons on Friday, Jan. 15.
The crowd at the new campus Tim Hortons wait patiently as busy staff memebers take numerous orders at the opening on Jan. 15 2010.
A long line-up of students and staff began to develop as early as 7 a.m., when the shop finally opened in the Senator Burns Building.
Cecilia Brandao, a first-year Legal Assisting student, said she is very happy about the franchise now being available on campus.
“I like Tim Hortons. It’s cheap.”
Brandao said she’s a loyal customer and will most likely stick to getting coffee at Tim Hortons, instead of the other places on campus where coffee is available, such as Starbucks, Sensations or The Odyssey.
“My only concern is about the line.”
Long lines were expected and SAIT asked students and staff to be patient on their first few visits.
However, the new coffee shop is not without competition, as Sensations is located right next door.
“I don’t really mind it,” said Najib Rahuma, who works at Sensations.
Rahuma said he will visit for donuts, despite working for its biggest competitor on the SAIT campus.
He did, however, admit to slow business.
“Business is slowing down, but not by a lot. We still have some customers.”
Rahuma also said some Sensations workers are beginning to get nervous about their hours being cut due to slow business, but Rahuma said he is not worried.
“It’s something new so everybody goes to it, but most people will come back to Sensations.”
He said many people will return for the new organic coffee Sensations now offers.
Wayne Gee, SAIT’s director of commercial services, said it is exciting to see the franchise finally open and providing new food choices on campus.
“Tim Hortons is a valued brand in the country,” Gee said.
“Students can expect everything they would get at a Tim Hortons off the street.”
The full Tim Hortons menu is available on campus as well as the various promotions, including a 49 cent donut with the purchase of a coffee, as well as the famous “Roll up the Rim” campaign.
Gee said the franchise is just one of a few other popular businesses SAIT is looking at bringing to campus, but could not mention anything specific, as contracts are still being negotiated.
“In 2012, with the new Trades and Technology complex, we are looking at an overhaul to bring more variety and something more contemporary.”
Chloe Maier, a Starbucks customer and first-year Baking and Pastry student, said the opening of Tim Hortons is a good idea because the food is cheaper.
However, she said she will still remain a loyal customer to Starbucks.
“I prefer Starbucks coffee and the specialty coffees, but I enjoy the cheap lunch that I can get at Tim Hortons.”
