Tim Hortons Cafe and Bake Shop to open by July in Ypsilanti Township
Tim Hortons plans to open two Ypsilanti Township locations this year. The site at 2220 Washtenaw Ave., pictured here on April 1, is in its final permit approval stages.
Daniel Brenner | AnnArbor.com
Plans to open two Tim Hortons Cafe and Bake Shops in Ypsilanti Township are moving forward, with one slated to open by July and the other in its final permit approval phase, township officials said.
The cafe slated to open in July is being built on the corner of James L. Hart Parkway and Huron Street, just south of Interstate 94.
Township Planner Joe Lawson said workers just broke ground on the property March 28, and should be finished within 90 days.
The other location is planned for a vacant lot at 2220 Washtenaw, on the corner of Hewitt Road.
"They have final approval, they're just waiting for final permits from MDOT," Lawson said.
Township Supervisor Brenda Stumbo said the national chain investing in two locations within the township is indicative of a turning economy. Stumbo said the township is still averaging a 35 percent reduction in its taxable value, but new development, especially on vacant lots, is promising.
"It's a sign of hope for us that it's coming," Stumbo said. "They're not high-paying jobs, but by adding new jobs, we have a lot of young people that need jobs. ... There's a lot of things happening, we just need to keep it going. We're seeing some positive activity."
The Canada-based Tim Hortons launched its cafe and bake shops in New York City in 2009 and began franchising them in 2010. Stumbo said the two locations will be similar to the company's other new locations and will have fireplaces, couches and soft chairs.
Each of the new locations will be about 1,950 square feet and include a drive-thru.
A Kroger gas station also is set to be built at the intersection of James L. Hart Parkway and Huron Street. Tim Hortons and Kroger agreed to split the 1.1 acre site.
Katrease Stafford covers Ypsilanti for AnnArbor.com.Reach her at katreasestafford@annarbor.com or 734-623-2548 and follow her on twitter.
Comments
treetowncartel
Mon, Apr 8, 2013 : 3:30 p.m.
Dom Bakeries is so much better than Timmy Ho's, but congrats to the township on filling a vacant lot.
Steve Hendel
Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 11:59 p.m.
Don't hold your breath on that one planned for the vacant lot. I wish I had a nickel for every time a Tim's has been announced for some vacant or abandoned property.
NoPC
Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 8:04 p.m.
Love it! TH has the BEST coffee! Especially good after hockey in the morning.
obviouscomment
Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 7:34 p.m.
I am literally leaping for joy over the Tim Hortons and Kroger Gas!!!! Finally the rude and high priced gas station there at James L Hart will have some competition.
golfer
Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 5:22 p.m.
i am still mad they did not take the one in maple road shopping center next to english gardens.
Lovaduck
Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 5:18 p.m.
So happy that it's coming to Hewitt and Washtenaw!
Greggy_D
Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 3:29 p.m.
Awesome news about the Kroger station also. I can only hope they put that Marathon station out of business since they have been fleecing customers ever since they opened.
Basic Bob
Sun, Apr 7, 2013 : 5:01 a.m.
As far as the Whittaker Rd. Marathon, I don't expect to pay Ann Arbor prices at an Ypsilanti gas station, which is why I only bought gas there once. I always buy gas at Carpenter & Michigan. It's almost always the cheapest.
Heather
Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 2:17 p.m.
One is going to be close to our house! That's great news! I can't wait to sit by their fireplace and sip their coffee.
mady
Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 6:38 p.m.
um....fireplace? a REAL fireplace?
pauline1965
Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 2:05 p.m.
Great news for the area. Love Tim Hortons. On another note, who decided that a picture of a muddy tire track was an effective visual for this story. Looks instead like the photog just dropped their camera by accident.
KateT
Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 4:44 p.m.
I thought it was a creative picture of a vacant lot. Also, it shows the surrounding area well.
Comment
Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 1 p.m.
Support our local Dom Bakery!
Bennie
Sat, Aug 31, 2013 : 3:56 p.m.
Dom Bakery delivers as well! via Good Guys Delivery :)
brian
Sun, Apr 7, 2013 : 2:34 a.m.
Last time I was in Dom's it was so filthy. Sorry.
Y-TownMom
Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 6:31 p.m.
Yes, Dom's is owned by a wonderful family. They make gorgeous and yummy cakes, and their decorated cookies are a family favorite for us.
Honest Abe
Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 5:10 p.m.
Support them both! Dom Bakery is great, but they do not really hire much and mainly family works there. Tim Horton's will give a few dozen people -JOBS!
flyer76
Sat, Apr 6, 2013 : 12:01 p.m.
Love Tim Horton's! JLH is just around the corner from work.