Tim Hortons

Consumer · Earned Media Relations

Making a memorable impact in the UK fast-food space

270+
pieces of media coverage
97%
of coverage included branded campaign imagery
13,500
sales of the menu items

Challenge

How does a Canadian quick service restaurant (QSR) make a memorable impact in the highly competitive UK fast-food space?

To stand out amidst industry giants and boost brand awareness in the UK, Tim Hortons needed more than a standard product launch - it required a bold, attention-grabbing moment to cut through the noise. The objective wasn’t simply to showcase its new menu items, but to simultaneously drive cultural relevance and leave a memorable impression. To drive meaningful brand affinity, the campaign needed to generate buzz and spark national conversation – all while staying true to the brand’s Canadian values.

Liverpool Has Been Crowned the Nicest City in the UK
Diners enjoy Tim Hortons’ bold new menu items

Approach

We executed a two-phase campaign designed to generate dual spikes in media interest.

Phase One teased the debut of Tim Hortons’ bold new menu items – the Chicken Doughnut and Cheesy Loaded Timbits® – unveiled on April Fool’s Day. The twist? They were available only to those deemed “nice.” This playful approach sparked curiosity and engagement from both the press and consumers.

To maintain momentum in Phase Two, we commissioned a poll to crown the UK’s ‘nicest’ city, with Liverpool taking the top spot. We then brought the story to life through a Liverpool-based photoshoot, illustrating the story narrative and offering rich visuals to media outlets. This phase seamlessly tied into the brand’s Canadian roots and the campaign’s playful “Naughty but Nice” theme – generating widespread coverage.

Tim Hortons’ launches bold new menu items - the Chicken Doughnut and Cheesy Loaded Timbits®

IMPACT

  • Generated over 270 pieces of coverage, including 12 nationals such as the Metro, Express, Mail Online, and Daily Star
  • 97% of all coverage included brand imagery and 96% carried key messaging
  • There were 7.7m impressions for Tim Hortons during the campaign period
  • 13,500 sales of the menu items and a 14% increase in footfall to Time Hortons locations during the campaign period