Tim Hortons announced it has opened its first restaurant in the Sultanate of Oman, making it the second market in the Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC) to welcome the brand.
The opening marked the 20th Tim Hortons restaurant in the GCC since the company signed a Master License Agreement (MLA) with the Apparel Group last year.
The MLA with Apparel Group includes up to 120 multiformat restaurants over a five-year period in the GCC within the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, and Oman.
There are currently 19 Tim Hortons restaurants in the UAE, with the first Oman location now open at the Muscat Grand Mall.
"We're thrilled that the Apparel Group has reached the milestone of 20 restaurants in the GCC, since opening the first location in Dubai in September of 2011," says David Roy, managing director, international operations, Tim Hortons.
"With each restaurant, we are able to reach new customers in different communities and countries,” he continues. “We have a unique offering for the Oman market and look forward to bringing the Tim Hortons experience to guests in Oman."
Part of Tim Hortons' four-year strategic plan, which was unveiled in 2010, continues to emphasize the importance of exploring international opportunities and growing the brand outside of North America with a targeted approach.
The company will continue to focus on expansion in existing GCC markets, focusing next on Qatar.
"As one of North America's largest restaurant chains and a well-respected brand, Tim Hortons works well for those who are looking for a food offering that blends quality service with value pricing," says Nilesh Ved, chairman and CEO, Apparel Group.
"Since opening its first restaurant on Sheikh Zayed Road last year, the brand has experienced encouraging and consistent customer traffic,” Ved adds. “Taking into consideration the popularity of the brand in the UAE, the next obvious destination was the neighboring country of Oman, as we continue our search for additional sites across the GCC."
Apparel Group is a global fashion and lifestyle brand based out of Dubai. It operates more than 50 leading brands in 14 countries.
Tim Hortons is joined by names such as Tommy Hilfiger, Kenneth Cole, Aldo, Aeropostale, Nine West, and Cold Stone Creamery in the list of Apparel Group brands.
