Coffee chain Tim Hortons might not be able to sell its legendary selection of mouthwatering doughnuts at the firm’s new Aberdeen branch.
Bosses at Canada’s biggest coffee chain have been left perplexed by some of the conditions placed on the upcoming outlet, currently under construction on Craigshaw Road.
They say the brand is “famous for its coffee and baked goods”, with an “extensive choice of doughnuts” a key part of its appeal.
Currently, Aberdeen City Council is only letting them prepare food with a microwave – due to strict planning rules.
The chain is now battling to have certain conditions on the drive-thru Tullos venue overturned by city officials.
What are the conditions, and why are they in place?
At the moment, rules on the development state that “no cooking/frying operations or hot food preparation shall be carried out on the premises”.
That is, other than “the re-heating of pre-cooked produce by means of a microwave oven”.
The local authority imposed the rule because there was not a “suitable ventilation system” included in blueprints for the site, which will include an adjoining drive-thru McDonalds.
Tim Hortons in plea to have rule overturned
Agents for the company, which has more than 4,500 stores in Canada, are now appealing for a change.
They say Tim Horton’s is drastically different from other takeaways like McDonalds, KFC and Burger King.
Consultant William Gallagher argues that its offering is “comparable to coffee shop operators such as Costa or Starbucks”.
He adds: “The hot food offer includes paninis and ‘melts’ as well as hot sandwiches and wraps, again similar to other coffee shop operators.
“As a result, the kitchen requirements for the company are relatively limited, but are more varied than the microwave oven currently permitted.”
So how are Tim Horton’s doughnuts made?
They are now asking Aberdeen City Council to remove the condition from the permission granted for the Craigshaw Road diner in 2021.
The application also details the type of equipment that will be needed at the Aberdeen Tim Hortons.
An oven will be needed to heat the doughnuts, which are shipped to various branches frozen.
There won’t be any need for a deep fat fryer.
The consultants add: “As such, the potential for odour emissions are low.”
In March, Tim Hortons was given permission for new signs at the Aberdeen venue, which was formerly the site of the Craigshaw House offices.
You can see the application here.
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