Tim Hortons announces more closures of U.S. stores

Tim Hortons parent company Restaurant Brands International closed four more American locations as the coffee-and-doughnut chain struggles to overcome franchisee discontent and souring public opinion.

RBI says it reached a mutual agreement with the franchisee in Cincinnati, Ohio, to close four restaurants.

Spokeswoman Devinder Lamsar did not directly answer why the company made the decision and instead sent a statement.

“Every market we enter poses unique opportunities and challenges, the U.S. market is no different,” the statement reads. “We have learned a great deal about what works well and areas where we can improve by working closely with our area development partners.”

The company has seen robust growth in some markets, like New York and Michigan, she said in the email.

However, it has closed multiple restaurants in the U.S. over the past several years.

Show Me Hospitality LLC, the area developer for Tim Hortons restaurants in the Greater St. Louis, Mo.-area, closed six of its restaurants there in late 2017, according to a statement it released in January.

The developer said it was forced to do so after RBI terminated franchise agreements for the six spots.

Show Me Hospitality filed a lawsuit against the parent company in July 2017.