Buildout on a new Tim Hortons location is underway at the old Speedway Café on 737 North DuPont Blvd. in Dover. The opening will mark the return of the quick service breakfast chain to Delaware, which once hosted a now closed limited design of the eatery at the Dover Air Force Base several years ago.
Franchisee Kashif Mushtaq says the old café was an excellent location for the Tim Hortons because of the high cross-traffic and great visibility.
“We think it will be a great service for the high morning traffic in the area,” said Mushtaq. “Tim Hortons truly has more of a premium product line than competitors – better coffee, higher quality donuts – that I think residents of Dover are going to enjoy.”
Mushtaq noted that construction will take a few months but he hopes to have a grand opening sometime before summer 2025. The build will include a double lane drive thru in addition to dine-in facilities. Tim Hortons, originally a Canadian multinational coffeehouse and restaurant chain with headquarters in Toronto specializes in coffee, donuts, sandwiches, breakfast egg muffins and other fast-food items. According to some sources, it is Canada’s largest quick-service restaurant chain, with over 5,700 restaurants in 13 countries. Mushtaq noted that Delaware itself will likely be getting several more in the coming years.
“We have an agreement with the franchise to open 10 locations in the state in 5 years,” he said. “There are plans being drawn up for a Newark location right now as well. We’re very excited about establishing the brand here.”
Charles Rodriguez of R&R Commercial Realty, who brokered the deal, says Tim Hortons will be a welcome addition to the dining options on Rt. 13 in Dover.
“The Speedway Café moved out of that location back in early 2023 and we were sad to see it go,” he said. “But it’s great to see the location get a nice rebuild with a strong brand to take over – it looks like it’ll be a great fit.”
Source: Press Release