Tim Hortons plans to open 2 more new Washtenaw County stores
Tim Hortons plans to build a new restaurant at Hewitt Road and Washtenaw Avenue.
Tom Perkins | For AnnArbor.com
Ypsilanti Township has approved preliminary plans for two new Tim Hortons Cafe and Bake Shops that will be located in high traffic areas.
One is planned for a vacant lot at the corner of Hewitt Road and Washtenaw Avenue, while a second will be built near the corner of James L. Hart Parkway and Huron Street, just south of Interstate 94.
The Canada-based Tim Hortons launched its cafe and bake shops in New York City in 2009 and began franchising them in 2010. They feature a more of a “warm," contemporary coffee shop setting than the standard Tim Horton’s, which have a fast food design. The shops will include couches and soft chairs, and customers are encouraged to stay and relax.
Each of the new locations are about 1,950-square-feet and include a drive thru.
The location at 2220 Washtenaw will have driveways leading to Washtenaw and Hewitt, and the owners also are purchasing a parcel to the north of the corner property.
That property used to hold a gas station until it was torn down several years ago. A Fat Philly's restaurant recently opened next door.
The other store is planned to be built in the Washtenaw Business Park.
Mike Radzik, director of the township’s office of community standards, said that project's plans also include clearing some of the trees that block the view to an adjacent shopping plaza. There also will be signage placed next to Huron Street, Radzik said.
Brighton-based Tim Donuts is buying both the properties. The sale is contingent on final approval of the plans. The Washtenaw parcel is valued at $43,000, according to the Ypsilanti Township assessor's office.
Township officials said they are pleased to see a Tim Hortons opening along the southern portion of the Whittaker Road corridor, which they say is in need of such a restaurant.
“It’s a service that’s lacking there,” Township Planner Joe Lawson said. “It’s something that has been requested by the township and it's another key in getting that area moving. Also, new construction brings additional tax base, and there are other vacant properties available in the area, so we’re hoping this will be first step in developing more of the corridor as well.”
“Development begets development,” Radzik added.
Comments
rs
Mon, Aug 6, 2012 : 11:36 a.m.
That's good because it generally seems franchise restaurants have more success along that part of Washtenaw Ave than independent, local restaurants. Independently owned restaurants seem to come and go pretty quickly in that area (ex. Tios, Fatoush Grill, Leon's Bistro, Pacific Beach Burrito, Al Noor), but places like Taco Bell, Wendy's and Pizza Hut keep hanging on out there.
bugsmum
Sun, Aug 5, 2012 : 5:39 p.m.
I'm quite pleased to hear about the new location at Hewitt & Washtenaw. As a resident of the condos around the corner who drives past this corner several times a day, it will be nice to view something other than an unkempt vacant lot. Hopefully it will encourage the owners of the Sunoco on the opposite corner, as mentioned by ISAA, to spruce up the appearance of their location. I stopped there to fill up the other day & wanted to clean my windshield.. a generous 2 winged pal left a gift for me, and I couldn't even find any recepticles with squeegee's and wiper cleaner fluid. Or, at minimum, filled with water.. just over flowing trash and busted up concrete. Granted, I could have gone somewhere else & normally do, but it just happened to be convenient on this occasion. Certainly will avoid when possible in the future. Overall, very happy to see new business and this area looking better.
djacks24
Sun, Aug 5, 2012 : 5:01 a.m.
How does Tim Horton's keep opening stores when the ones they have seem to never be busy? Any other Tim Horton's I know of is pretty much half as busy as anywhere else. Nothing against the place, and maybe since they will have one off Huron, South of I-94 close to me maybe I'll go there. I'm not a coffee drinker or pastry person but I could go for some bagels.
brian
Sun, Aug 5, 2012 : 4:14 a.m.
People, stay at home and make your own coffee like my parents did. You will save a lot of money.
Basic Bob
Sun, Aug 5, 2012 : 7:17 p.m.
I drink at home so I can afford to buy the good stuff. Pesky coffee addiction.
jns131
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 10:10 p.m.
Hewitt and Washtenaw? O the old Total gas station area. Cool. Can't wait. I drive by there all the time. Thanks for the delicious news.
dading dont delete me bro
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 9:15 p.m.
the one on huron/jame hart parkway was news months ago when i opened my water bill. the township includes a newsletter with them sometimes.
Ben Petiprin
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 7:43 p.m.
Alright, I see that you're trying. But when people say bring jobs back to Ypsi that doesn't mean part-time and minimum wage.
Unusual Suspect
Sun, Aug 5, 2012 : 3:40 a.m.
Beggars can't be choosers.
Ben Petiprin
Sun, Aug 5, 2012 : 12:11 a.m.
Agreed. There is nothing wrong with working part time for minimum wage, except when you yourself are working part time for minimum wage. That's where I'm at right now, and that's the only kind of work that's being offered anywhere. The things you list about feeding the family and keeping people in diapers is not possible on such pay. It seems these days that you need 3 or 4 jobs just to stay alive. And if you get sick, best of luck because you sure don't have health insurance through any of your part time jobs. So when I see something that promotes this trend, while the business owner is heralded as a hero of development, I'm less than thrilled.
bunnyabbot
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 8:38 p.m.
there is nothing wrong with part time and minimum wage jobs. These kind of jobs are good for highschool kids, first time workers, college kids who need to work and go to school, second income for either a single or family, people with disabilities, either physical or learning who otherwise may not work in other enviornments, elderly that want to stay active etc. Not everyone can have a non minimum wage job, some don't want to commit more time than part time for whatever reason (even in a good economy) young people have a higher jobless rate right now, people with disabilities, (I know someone with down syndrome) have an even higher unemployment rate, these people are proud to work and "feel normal" and part of society, even if it is just part time and for minimum wage, otherwise sadly, they might be excluded altogether. And finally in a bad economy, some people just have to suck it up and take a pay cut to keep their kid in diapers or pay the rent.
Madeleine Borthwick
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 5:42 p.m.
Watch out, Denard Robinson! if you've sworn off Little Debbies(see:sports), then you might want to stay away from those delightful timbits!
TiggerRocks66
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 5:36 p.m.
Soooo what happened to the other two stores u guys reported on opening in Ann arbor?? Those stories were about 7 months ago and never saw any follow up on if plans changed or if the owner (who owns the Hewitt/mi ave one) bailed again! He told me he was opening one but wouldn't say where - not sure why he was being hush hush about it - but anyway it was reported one was supposed to open at State/Ellsworth and maple/Jackson rd? Can u please give us an update??
operabethie
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 5:21 p.m.
I'm sorry, but does anyone else think this place is just gross?
SEC Fan
Sun, Aug 5, 2012 : 3:40 p.m.
Can't say i'm a fan of their coffee...but am really glad their building at these locales. Someone obviously likes it!
jns131
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 10:14 p.m.
Anything is better then another Dominoes any day of the week. Dominoes is yuck. Tim bits is yum with a latte to go.
bunnyabbot
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 8:40 p.m.
it's a free market society, you like it go there, you don't, than avoid it. I'm sure enough people other than yourself will keep it in business.
Madeleine Borthwick
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 5:41 p.m.
it would seem not. if it's gross to you, then don't go there. Hello!
Goofus
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 3:24 p.m.
Still waiting on that socalled Tim Hortons at State and Ellsworth area....
mun
Mon, Aug 6, 2012 : 12:57 a.m.
@Robin1979, there was a sports bar there. Enzo's, and before that Gallagher's and Trippers. I guess that location didn't quite work for them.
djacks24
Sun, Aug 5, 2012 : 4:49 a.m.
" A good sports bar or pub would be nice for us sports fans who don't care for BW3's/chains or downtown parking." Um...yeah, that's been tried a few times in the same spot (forgot what it was called the last time it was occupied?). The abandoned sports bar looking building on the East side of State street, just North and behind the quick lube place.
Robin1979
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 6:05 p.m.
I'm waiting for ANYTHING to go on the corner of State & Ellsworth... A good sports bar or pub would be nice for us sports fans who don't care for BW3's/chains or downtown parking.
CycleGirl
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 2:58 p.m.
Ypsi Township needs an American Buffet. Golden Corral or Fire Mountain.
jns131
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 10:15 p.m.
Golden Corral I would go for in a heart beat. Have to make a pilgrimage out to Westland just to get my fill.
j
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 2:45 p.m.
"Wish they'd come to Dexter or at least somewhere near the Jackson Rd./Baker Rd. intersection. I can't see why it is so difficult to get restaurants in that area along Jackson Rd." I second that!!
Tom Whitaker
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 2:32 p.m.
While I'm not a big fan of chains, Washtenaw Ave., or on Huron close to 94 are proper places to put them. The Washtenaw Ave. Tim Horton's will join Happy's Pizza at Golfside and Washenaw in purchasing long-vacant properties, building new buildings and providing new jobs for an area that badly needs them. And unless someone knows differently, it appears they are doing this without any brownfield money, TIF financing, or tax abatements. Go figure.
5c0++ H4d13y
Sun, Aug 5, 2012 : 9:57 a.m.
Is there some sort of separate zoning for chain stores vs others?
jns131
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 10:17 p.m.
They said Hewitt and Washtenaw not Golfside and Washtenaw. Need to reread the article.
Julius
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 2:13 p.m.
I want to see one next door to the new Culver's on Jackson road. Plenty of space for it, too. However, If there were a T.H. out there, it would probably be closer to the Wendy's.
bunnyabbot
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 1:56 p.m.
what about Maple, that is the only location I want as it is the closet to home for me. or is TH not in the mayors vision? jobs a nice building where a burnt out place has been for ten years, even though the chinese restuarant there before was a dump. MAPLE VILLAGE, make some phone calls, "business reporter"
Middle America
Sun, Aug 5, 2012 : 3:36 a.m.
The mayor makes pretty bad decisions, but I highly doubt he can tell Tim Horton's they aren't allowed to open.
Madeleine Borthwick
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 5:39 p.m.
Bunny I agree. we westsiders need our coffee/timbit fix too!
DNB
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 1:35 p.m.
I noticed a Tim Horton sign went up this week at the Shell gas station on the corner of Eisenhower & Ann Arbor Saline Road. There's been a couple of articles about the owner expanding with more retail space and a coffee shop. The sign is the first notice I've seen indicating it was going to be a Tim Horton...for all you Timbit fans.
dexterreader
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 1:20 p.m.
Wish they'd come to Dexter or at least somewhere near the Jackson Rd./Baker Rd. intersection. I can't see why it is so difficult to get restaurants in that area along Jackson Rd.
Mick52
Mon, Aug 6, 2012 : 5:13 p.m.
Maybe not at that intersection Dexterreader, other than the Arbys at the Pilot, the Subway at the other Pilot, the buffet at the T & A, and the McDonalds. But just a couple miles down the road there are lots: http://maps.google.com/maps?oe=utf-8&rls=org.mozilla:en-US:official&client=firefox-beta&um=1&ie=UTF-8&q=scio+township+restaurants&fb=1&gl=us&hq=restaurants&hnear=0x883cb151db0af159:0xc4a1705606fded43,Scio+Township+Office,+827+N+Zeeb+Rd,+Ann+Arbor+Charter+Township,+MI+48103-1562&sa=X&ei=YPofUM-jOMjj0gHCtoGYCg&ved=0CKkBEMgT
jcj
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 3:36 p.m.
I can't see why it is so difficult to get restaurants in that area along Jackson Rd. I agree! 2 words Scio Township.
lefty48197
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 12:34 p.m.
Having ANYTHING at that corner is better than a run down gas station
Basic Bob
Sun, Aug 5, 2012 : 7:12 p.m.
How long has that been empty? Longer than I've lived here.
Madeleine Borthwick
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 5:37 p.m.
lefty, ain't that the truth!
DDOT1962
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 11:58 a.m.
They're going to put a Tim Horton's at the corner of Hewitt and Washtenaw when there's already a Tim Horton's a mile down the road at the intersection of Hewitt and Michigan Avenue? If I were the owner of the latter, I'd be raising a fuss about this new proposal, unless the owner is the same for the second location too?
Basic Bob
Sun, Aug 5, 2012 : 7:11 p.m.
My friends in Windsor tell me every abandoned gas station is now a Timmys. It's a successful business model. This is the kind of place that works when you go past, but not one you drive out of the way for.
jns131
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 10:20 p.m.
This location will get the majority of the biz from EMU and the Chrysler dealership. They drink tons of coffee there. I always see two pots brewing all the time.
tdw
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 12:56 p.m.
Franchises usually have a certain radius from them that another store cannot be opened.McDonalds for example is, I believe is a mile
YpsiGreen
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 11:53 a.m.
Hey! How about a Chick-fil-a somewhere next?
tdw
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 12:57 p.m.
Sorry Ypsi I could only give you one thumbs up. ( maybe I should set up a few sock accounts )
jcj
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 11:25 a.m.
Lots of plans no start ups!
jns131
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 10:21 p.m.
Gotta get the ok from the township. Since we make the most fuss, wonder if we can get something moving? Meeting is next week.
Billy
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 11:16 a.m.
Ok now THIS sounds like a good business decision. Those are good locations and the proper business to go into those locations.
Chip Reed
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 10:56 a.m.
What about Maple Village?
jcj
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 3:38 p.m.
It would be too much work to get an answer on that. Much easier to get a couple stock answers from the township!
applehazar
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 10:47 a.m.
Is hortons ever going to start building at state and Ellsworth or have they abandoned those plans?
Middle America
Sun, Aug 5, 2012 : 3:33 a.m.
Yeah, observer, Ann Arbor wouldn't allow Tim Horton's and there aren't any other fast food franchises in town. I mean, there aren't multiple McDonald's locations and about 15 Subway locations in the city, right?
jns131
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 10:22 p.m.
Ypsi will have our Tim bits before they get cold.
Julius
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 2:14 p.m.
Until about 5 years ago, there was one inside the Boardwalk Wendy's.
observer
Sat, Aug 4, 2012 : 11:49 a.m.
the problem might be dealing with the city of Ann Arbor.....might be too blue collar for them....