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Tim Hortons goes after lunch crowd with new Panini sandwiches

July 13, 2012

Tim Hortons has rolled out four new Panini sandwiches in select Canadian markets. The line includes turkey chipotle, Tuscan chicken, smoked ham and cheese, and bacon, tomato and cheese Paninis.

They are expected to be introduced throughout Canada by October, according to the Toronto Star.

Interim CEO Paul House told Reuters that the chain is pushing for a bigger share of Canada's lunch crowd and would like to surpass McDonald's for the daypart's No. 1 spot within five years.

The new grilled sandwiches, House said, fit consumers' changing eating habits away from fried foods.

Tim Hortons became the No. 1 breakfast destination, passing McDonald's, in Canada a year after introducing breakfast sandwiches in 2007. In Canada, 33 percent of all quick-service sales come from the lunch crowd.

While targeting the Golden Arches for a greater share of the afternoon daypart, Tim Hortons recently launched iced lattes and beef lasagna casserole.

The company tested Panini sandwiches in two markets in the U.S. in 2011.

Read more about food and beverage introductions.