Book ~ "Always Fresh" (2006) Ron Joyce

From Chapters.ca ~ It's as Canadian as hockey and beer and almost every town has at least one. Many know that it was hockey legend Tim Horton who opened the first Tim Hortons restaurant in Hamilton, but few know the inside story of Ron Joyce, the former cop who, after the death of Horton, grew the company into a colossal North American enterprise that now earns over a billion dollars a year.

Always Fresh is Joyce'’s own story in a blend of memoir and business book, as he looks back at how the franchise became a sacred cultural tradition. Joyce takes us back to 1964, from the first almost-failed Tim Hortons Donut Shop in Hamilton, to his full partnership with the eponymous hockey player and the tough years of franchise expansion. Recalling the tragic death of Tim Horton in 1974, and relating the little-known chapter on Joyce’'s attempt to sell the chain and his subsequent legal battles with Tim’s widow, Lori, here Joyce sets the record straight. With great candour, he reveals the strategy behind the chain'’s phenomenal expansion, including the introduction of Timbits; how Tim Hortons' coffee has become a number one seller, despite intense competition; an inside look at Donut University; and just why it is that every day tens of thousands of Canadians line up for Tim Hortons products. Joyce also gives the inside scoop on menu items that didn’'t quite work out, the company’'s launch of drive-thrus, why the franchises have done so well in small towns, his decision to sell the company to Dave Thomas of Wendy'’s, and gives his take on Tim Hortons’ much-anticipated IPO. This book provides an insider’s look at an empire, its successes and failures, and the determined passion and character of the man who created it.

Gord picked this book up at the library and is reading it. It sounded interesting so I started it last night (and just finished it).

I like reading non-fiction and who hasn't heard of Tim Hortons?

I'm not a coffee drinker but rarely say no to a donut!

Joyce grew up poor in Nova Scotia (I'm from NS too). So it was interesting to read how he achieved what he has.

Realizing we are just hearing his side of the story, I still found it entertaining. I enjoyed the writing style (though there were some typos). It wasn't too deep or detailed ... just right for me.

I used to work for a group retirement plan provider who provided their pension. I've done some investment meetings for their employees in Oakville and Kingston (I wasn't crazy about doing the 5am meetings, though ... ha!).