Tim Hortons denies franchisee licence renewal amid spat with operators

TORONTO — An association representing some Tim Hortons franchisees says a prominent member has had his licence renewal denied amid ongoing tensions with the company.

The Great White North Franchisee Association board says Mark Kuziora was denied a renewal for one of his two Toronto Tim Hortons outlets as an intimidation tactic.

Kuziora, who is on the association board, was also named as a plaintiff last year in a lawsuit against Tim Hortons alleging it improperly used money from a national advertising fund.

The association, which formed in 2017 in response to what they said was mismanagement from Tim Hortons and parent company Restaurant Brands International, says Kuziora was willing to go ahead with store renovation plans that franchisees have raised concerns about.

Tim Hortons says Kuziora has no renewal rights under the agreement for the specific restaurant, and that they regularly add new owners as part of the normal course of business activity.

The company and franchisees have been in disputes over a range of issues including cost-cutting measures, advertising, and recently announced plans for renovations that the association says will cost each restaurant owner about $450,000.