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Tim Hortons co-founder, 1st franchisee dead at 88

February 1, 2019

Ron Joyce, the first franchisee of Tim Hortons, died Thursday in his home. He was 88, according to CBC.ca.

Although Tim Horton founded the brand in 1964, in Hamilton, Ontario, he became full partners with Joyce in 1967. Joyce was also the brand's first franchisee.

"My father had a big vision and a big heart," Joyce’s son, Steven Joyce, said in a statement. "Through hard work, determination and drive, he built one of the most successful restaurant chains in Canada. 

After Horton died in a car crash in 1974, Joyce oversaw the business and grew it into a billion-dollar business. 

Restaurant Brands International, parent company of Burger King and Popeyes, purchased the brand in 2014.

There are now more than 4,500 Tim Hortons locations worldwide.