Terrance 
Terrence Connoy has been brought in to address concerns of mismanagement under RBI ownership in Canada. 
 

TORONTO - The Great White North Franchisee Association (GWNFA), an alliance of Tim Hortons franchisees, announced on April 6 that it has appointed longtime franchisee association leader Terrence Connoy as its executive director, effective immediately.

Connoy’s focus will be to advance the GWNFA's ideals to serve as a united voice for Tim Hortons franchisees concerned about mismanagement of Tim Hortons franchise operations by The TDL Group Corp (TDL), and its parent company, Restaurant Brands International (RBI). RBI was formed following the acquisition of Canada’s Tim Hortons by US-based Burger King Worldwide Inc. in 2015.

“For over 50 years, the success of Tim Hortons in Canada has been driven by the hard work, passion and deep community engagement of its franchisees,” said Connoy. “The GWNFA was formed to ensure this hard work, and the iconic Tim Hortons brand is not further compromised under this new ownership.”

The GWNFA's immediate concerns regarding the mismanagement of Tim Hortons by RBI include:

  • Lack of transparency in use of franchisee monies contributed for advertising / virtual elimination of local advertising and support.
  • Abusive exploitation of its procurement powers to expropriate franchisee profits.
  • Imposition of subjective performance metrics designed to enable expropriation without compensation.
  • Intimidation of franchisees and their employees.

 

According to GWNFA, these issues and others have affected franchisees' ability to effectively run their operations and adequately serve Canadian customers.

“We are calling for a constructive relationship with RBI. The verbal commitments it has made to address several key issues that we have raised is encouraging, but ultimately valueless unless committed to writing. Tim Hortons franchisees — through GWNFA — need to stand firm and hold RBI to account on the many other issues.”

In his new role, Connoy will be responsible for advancing the interests and goals of the association's members in the context of a cooperative relationship with the TDL Group and RBI.

“Above all, GWNFA's primary concern is that Tim Hortons franchisees are able to deliver on the exceptional quality, value and customer experience that the Tim Hortons brand has become known for — and Canadians deserve and expect,” said Connoy.