LETHBRIDGE, Alta. — Restaurant Brands International (RBI) has seized ownership of four Tim Hortons locations owned by Great White North Franchisee Association (GWNFA) president David Hughes, according to the Canadian Press.
RBI alleges that Hughes leaked corporate information to the media — an act clearly prohibited by the Tim Hortons franchisee agreement. The four Lethbridge, Alta. restaurants will remain open and operate under corporate management while the company selects new franchisees for the locations.
A Tim Hortons spokesperson noted that the company’s decision to seize the locations had nothing to do with Hughes’ role in the GWNFA. However Hughes has referred to the action as an act of intimidation against the association.
