Tim Hortons tests dark roast coffee to woo consumers
49-year-old company's tests in London, Ont., and Columbus, Ohio, mark departure from premium blend
Tim Hortons will roll out a new dark roast coffee in test markets in Ontario and Ohio, the first change to its standard coffee offering in the company's 49-year history.
It's the Canadian chain's latest attempt to fend off growing competition from other coffee retailers.
Tim Hortons faces stiff competition in the market it used to dominate, with rivals like Starbucks and McDonald's luring customers away with darker, more robust brews.
The new dark roast will be offered at select locations in Columbus, Ohio, starting Monday and London, Ont., starting Nov. 4, Tim Hortons announced Monday.
The dark roast will be offered alongside the store's original premium blend.
London has served as the company's Canadian test market for many new products, including the popular iced cappuccino launched in 1999.