Thanet’s board is likely to approve a ‘Tim Hortons’ coffee shop / restaurant and self-service in Broadstairs Retail Park which is expected to create 30 full-time and 40 part-time jobs.
The Canadian food chain, launched in Ontario in 1964, began expanding to the UK in 2017. It currently has 29 locations open and more to open across the UK with the closest site to Thanet currently in Thurrock.
Thanet’s store would be the first in Kent and share the same business park as Tesco Extra, Currys / PC World, The Range and Wickes. The park will also be the new base for Thanet’s covid vaccination team moving out of the Saga facility this weekend.
The chain offers food that includes donuts, bagels, hamburgers and pancakes and a variety of coffees and cold drinks.
The proposal includes new road markings to reduce congestion, a paved seating area, a drive thru lane, 22 parking spaces (including 2 disabled spaces), 3 spaces for motorcycles and a covered bicycle stand. There is also a proposed pedestrian path.
A planning request submitted to Thanet’s board describes the company, saying: “Tim Hortons is a relatively new entrant to the UK market and can best be described as a restaurant chain with a coffee and pastry offering.
“The brand was founded in 1964 in Hamilton, Ontario, Canada. Since then, it has become the most beloved brand in Canada with more than 4,500 stores from coast to coast. Affectionately known as ‘Timmy’s’, it is famous for its fresh coffee and baked goods and is visited by more than 5.3 million Canadians daily.
“Tim Hortons opened his first UK store in 2017 and (at the time of writing) has 29 units in all four UK countries, with more to open soon. Its current focus is expanding its drive-thru model across the UK, including on the app site.
“Tim Hortons’ offering is different from that provided by McDonalds, KFC and Burger King and is comparable to that provided by coffee shop operators such as Costa or Starbucks, with a substantial portion of the offering comprising hot and cold beverages and products from bakery. products, including a wide selection of donuts. The hot food offering includes paninis and ‘melts’, as well as hot sandwiches and wraps, again similar to other cafeteria operators.
“There is also a greater emphasis on the atmosphere of the restaurant premises, encouraging customers to dine.”
The Broadstairs site would be 260 square meters (2,800 square feet) with a length roughly parallel to Margate Road. Internally, the cafeteria / restaurant would accommodate seating for approximately 96 customers, along with a waiting area and queues, customer restrooms, and a rear-of-the-house / kitchen area.
There would be car and pedestrian access and it would be open (for business) from 6 am to 11 pm, seven days a week.
Planning officials recommend approval in a report to planning committee members, which reads: “The proposal will result in the loss of open space, along with the loss of a small number of trees, however the landscaping plan Presented shows that the new tree / hedge / shrub is proposed for planting, along with the establishment of a wildflower meadow.
“Benches are proposed along the existing south sidewalk, which will allow appreciation of these spaces while also providing additional seating space within the city center, between Broadstairs Retail Park and Westwood Cross.
“Although the loss of open space and 5 trees will result in some environmental damage, it is considered that the proposed landscaping, which incorporates the planting of 10 trees, in general, improves the biodiversity and the landscape appearance of the site.
“In general, the economic benefits to the city center derived from the construction of this additional restaurant unit are considered to outweigh the limited environmental damage and, as such, it is recommended that members approve the application, subject to the conditions of safeguard and signed legal agreement. agreement for the assurance of electric vehicle recharging spaces ”.
The request will be discussed on January 19. Planning meeting begins at 7:00 pm