Thursday, June 19, 2008

Tim Horton’s research about drive-thrus doesn’t jive with mine

I just finished grinding fresh coffee beans and filling up the perk. And now, while my first cuppa the day is brewing I’d like to say Timmie's research is incomplete and mine is... better.

They might have the latest figures concerning how wonderful their drive-thrus are for the environment compared to other coffee shops where people have to (sensitive readers cover your eyes - God forbid, park their cars and walk into a store) but do they know they’re only in business to sell convenience and True Canadians realize rewards (in this case profits) don’t always outweigh risks (say, pollution, congestion).

Be right back. Coffee is ready. (That new coffee maker is so quick)


The first sip - oh, so good.

I can understand the mighty coffee chain doesn’t want to lose money on their many investments but my research shows fuel prices are going up, the number of trips per vehicle therefore should do the opposite and bicycle stands rather than drive-thrus will be where the money is.

Mr. Horton should invest in electric bikes with built-in GPS units that show where the closest coffee shop is - for all those people who can’t get up just 5 - 10 minutes earlier in the morning to make the best darn coffee in the entire world.

[Click here to read about a man who fumes about Tim Horton’s drive-thrus and has done research to support his fume.

 
[Photo: COLIN O'CONNOR/TORONTO STAR - Developer Dave De Sylva poses at a Markham Tim Hortons, June 13, 2008]

Click here to read Farm chemicals, sewage, diesel fuel, pesticides (and more) bite back

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6 comments:

Anonymous said...

My thought on their research is available in a comment I just made.

http://washed.ca/blog/2008/05/29/a-ban-on-drive-thrus-is-in-the-public-interest/#comment-39750

G. Harrison said...

thanks kevbo, i found your comment, and in it you said...

A ban of drivethrus adjacent or in residential neighbourhoods is a positive step..

definitely.

i wonder if concerns re drive-thrus will decrease as fuel prices increase? people will always want convenience but fewer trips out of the house, because of fuel costs, may result in less-heated debate.

i've thought for some time that if cities provided positive incentives for fewer trips per car (e.g. free parking for anyone with a full van) and lower kms per year they would not have to pursue a negative course in the public mind. incentivizing may just be too slow a process.

cheers, gah

Anonymous said...

Who are you to determine what a "true Canadian" is? Continue promoting a lifestyle that's only avalible for the middle and upper class though, that's being a true Canadian.

G. Harrison said...

hi picard102,

i don't understand part of your comment.

making my own coffee is middle or upper class vs drive-thru?

the travel mugs - one was a gift, the other pays for itself (thru discounted price every time I buy a coffee without using paper cup); beans are cheaper than drive-thru in very short order etc.

i need more information re why the judgment call on your part. you don't know much about me except that i make my own coffee 'cause it's tonnes cheaper in the long run. I try to save my money in a lot of ways.

re true Canadian; you can define it anyway you want personally.

in this case and post - I think self-reliance is a very Canadian trait and I bet you are too in many ways.

GAH

G. Harrison said...

i just reread my post. though it's about self-reliance i said a True Canadian is some who knows rewards don't always outweigh the risk.

carmilevy said...

Hi Gord. Gotta love anonymous folks who sling barbs in comments and, magically, have no return links at all. Real courageous.

I'm glad you wrote about drive-throughs. I had to laugh at this week's Freeps where the TH folks were talking about the "science" of the benefits of drive-throughs. Um, on what planet? What's scientifically beneficial about turning a coffee shop into a speedway where cars zing around in every direction and pedestrians fear to tread?

The sooner we move away from a car-centric urban landscape, the better it will be for all of us - no matter how much money we make.

Fight the good fight!

Oh, the latest Thematic Photographic theme - glass - is now posted on my site. Hope you'll have a chance to drop something into the hopper.