Tim Hortons says it will introduce a Harry Potter-themed lineup of menu items, merchandise, packaging and promotional events across Canada beginning Aug. 12 as the restaurant chain marks the annual Back to Hogwarts celebration alongside the franchise’s 25th anniversary.
The limited-time campaign will add themed food and beverages, collectible merchandise, special packaging, an in-store trivia event and a national contest, expanding the company’s seasonal promotional offerings through collaborations tied to a major entertainment brand.
“Harry Potter has been a beloved part of so many of our guests’ lives for decades and we couldn’t be more excited for Canadians to discover the wizarding world at Tims restaurants,” said Hope Bagozzi, Chief Marketing Officer for Tim Hortons. “We’re exclusively bringing the magic of Harry Potter to QSR in Canada in true Tims fashion – from donuts inspired by each Hogwarts House, to a Golden Snitch Timbit and Timbit holder, spellbinding Patronus and Forbidden Forest inspired drinks, and limited-edition merch that guests will want to collect and share.”
The menu will feature four Hogwarts House-inspired doughnuts: a Gryffindor Strawberry Cheesecake Donut, Slytherin Chocolate Pistachio Donut, Ravenclaw Blueberry Donut and Hufflepuff Lemon Meringue Donut. The chain will also offer Golden Snitch Caramel Timbits, which can be purchased in a limited-edition Golden Snitch Timbits Holder.
Tim Hortons will also introduce two themed cold beverages. Patronus Sparkling Quenchers will be served in temperature-activated cups that reveal Patronus images when filled with a cold drink. Customers will also be able to order Forbidden Forest Iced Tea Quenchers at participating restaurants that serve fountain beverages. The sparkling beverages can be customized with lemonade, a protein dairy beverage or ordered frozen.
The promotion also includes a range of Harry Potter-themed merchandise. Participating restaurants will offer a colour-changing Stir Wand that changes colour in cold beverages and limited-edition Harry Potter “25 Years of Magic” gift cards, alongside the Golden Snitch Timbits Holder.
The company said participating restaurants will host a Harry Potter Trivia Night on Aug. 28 to coincide with the 25th anniversary of the first Harry Potter film and the annual Back to Hogwarts celebration. A list of participating restaurants and additional details will be released in the coming weeks.
Tim Hortons is also using the promotion to support its loyalty program. From Aug. 17 through Sept. 6, customers who place an order at a Tim Hortons restaurant, through the Tim Hortons app or on TimShop.ca and scan for Tims Rewards will be entered into a contest for a chance to win one of two grand prizes. Each prize includes a Harry Potter VIP experience for two in London, England.
The campaign will also extend to the chain’s packaging. While supplies last, participating restaurants will serve select products in limited-edition Harry Potter-themed single-doughnut boxes, multi-pack doughnut boxes, 10-pack and 20-pack Timbits boxes and cold beverage cups.
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