“We have not performed to expectations and have not properly put the strength of the Tim Hortons brand to work,” Cil told analysts. RBI chief executive Jose Cil said on a conference call with analysts on Monday that he has made understanding and addressing the weak performance at Tim Hortons his “top priority.” Comparable sales, a key metric in the retail industry, fell 4.3 per cent at Tim Hortons versus the same time last year, while Burger King increased 2.8 per cent, and Popeyes jumped an eye-popping 34.4 per cent.

Restaurant Brands International ( QSR), which also operates the Burger King and Popeyes chains, reported Monday that sales growth at Tim Hortons fell 2.9 per cent in the three month period ending Dec. The parent company of Tim Hortons said it plans to “refocus” on its coffee, baked goods and breakfast business after a year that saw dozens of product launches and promotions drag down sales at the coffee and doughnut chain.