Diggers are drafted in as work gets underway to launch North East's first Tim Hortons in Washington

Canadian chain Tim Hortons is getting set to launch its first North East business this summer, with the transformation of the former Frankie and Benny’s restaurant unit at The Galleries now under way.

Plant machinery has been busy at work outside of the new venue as its turned into a drive-thru, with permission already in place to allow it to run around the clock, while its drive-thru will be allowed to be open from 7am to 11pm.

The site will create more than 50 jobs, while it also has plans to launch its second site at Boldon, which will add a further 40 positions, with full and part-time roles being offered with a promise of “impressive progression and training opportunities.”

It is part of the firm’s expansion plans to set up a Tim Hortons in every major town and city by 2022.

The Galleries cafe will offer dine-in seating for 105 people in addition to the drive-thru facility and a delivery service, which will be set up after its doors open.

The exact date for when it will open is yet to be revealed by the company, with a date also still to be given for its Boldon site, while giveaways will be set up in the lead up to their first days.

The firm has said they will bring their “signature coffee, delicious donuts and Canadian charm” to the region.

It says “customers can expect Canada’s favourite coffee, freshly baked donuts and Timbits around the clock, as well as delicious breakfast, lunch and evening meal options, including hot sandwiches and wraps” once trade begins.

Kevin Hydes, Chief Commercial Officer of Tim Hortons franchise in the UK, said: “The North East has been an area of interest to us for a long time, and so we’re thrilled to bring our first ever Tim Hortons restaurants to the region.

"We have a huge fanbase here and have had many requests to bring the brand to the area, so we expect it to be hugely popular with the local community and fans from neighbouring cities.

“Washington has a fantastic community, and we feel it is a great location to mark our arrival here, with Boldon set to open soon after.”

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