Pakistan's first-ever Tim Hortons draws huge crowds and controversy (VIDEO)

Feb 18 2023, 8:51 pm

Pakistan’s government might be mired in debt, with residents seeing prices for food and energy soar, but that’s not stopping others from lining up at Lahore’s hottest new spot: the country’s first-ever Tim Hortons.

The iconic Canadian coffee chain finally opened its doors on February 11 in Lahore’s DHA Phase 6, drawing customers willing to line up for donuts and double-doubles. According to BNN Bloomberg, “soaring inflation and a stuttering economy haven’t gotten in the way” for the company.

 

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The launch was the biggest-ever opening for Tim Hortons outside North America, according to a spokesperson for Restaurant Brands International Inc. (RBI), which owns the chain.

Locals couldn’t help but draw comparisons between people lining up for PKR550 (CAD $2.85) cappuccinos versus people lining up for hours for subsidized wheat flour at PKR65/kg (CAD$0.34). The price of wheat in Pakistan has doubled as of January, rising to over PKR140 (CAD$0.72).

In a country with a minimum wage of PKR25,000 (CAD$130), people are pointing out the difference between the haves and the have-nots.

However, others see Tim Hortons’ presence in Pakistan as a positive sign.

The company has plans to open more locations in the city in February.

Irish Mae SilvestreIrish Mae Silvestre

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