MOOSE JAW — For Don and Kathy Howe, celebrating 30 years as Tim Hortons franchise owners in Moose Jaw is more than just a business milestone — it’s a testament to the strength of their community and the relationships they’ve built along the way.
“We are thankful for the huge amount of community support we have received over 30 years,” Don said. “We are grateful to have turned it into a family business as two of our children are directly involved in the day-to-day operations.”
The Howes opened their first Tim Hortons franchise in Moose Jaw in 1995. Since then, their commitment to providing a welcoming space for customers has helped them grow, with three locations in Moose Jaw and further expansions in Weyburn and Maple Creek.
“We always strive to provide a welcoming environment for everyone and make them feel at home,” Don said. “We are also proud to provide an inclusive, diverse, safe, and welcoming work environment for our teams.”
Their dedication to both staff and customers has fostered a deep connection with the community. Many of the team members have built close relationships with regular guests, something Don said is at the heart of their success.
Over the years, the Howes have achieved significant milestones, such as being one of the first Tim Hortons locations in Canada to implement a no-smoking policy. They also navigated challenges like the COVID-19 pandemic, keeping their restaurants open and employees working.
Sponsoring Timbits hockey and soccer, supporting Camp Day fundraising, are some of the most rewarding experiences, Don said. He added that it’s amazing to see kids wearing their jerseys and knowing they’ve made a difference through local charities.
The couple’s commitment to giving back remains unwavering, with tens of thousands of dollars raised annually for community causes.
“We wouldn’t be able to give back to the community without the incredible daily support of our guests,” Don said. “Kathy and I were so fortunate to come back to Moose Jaw and begin this journey in 1995. Now that our children are involved, we look forward to another 30 years.”
As the Howes celebrate three decades of memories, they remain grateful for the support that has made Tim Hortons a staple in Moose Jaw.
“Moose Jaw has been a fantastic place to raise our family and greet so many great people in our restaurants and lives,” Don said. “We are so thankful to all our guests for making Tim’s part of their daily routine.”
For the Howes, it’s not just about serving coffee — it’s about serving the community.
