The Biddeford store closed suddenly last week, along with at least eight other Tim Hortons locations throughout southern Maine, including stores in Lewiston, Auburn, Norway, Topsham, South Portland and Augusta, The Associated Press reported Friday.
On Sunday, signs remained pinned to the front doors and the drive-through window of the Biddeford store, reading, “Thank you for your patronage. We apologize for any inconvenience. This location is now closed.” The same signs appeared at the Scarborough store about 10 miles away.
In an email Sunday, City Councilor Bob Mills called the closure “very unfortunate” and said he typically stopped at the Biddeford store several times a week.
“I know folks that were recently hired there two weeks ago,” said Mills. “They were so proud and excited. Today they are distraught. There (was) no notice or anything. They went to work and found it closed.”
The Maine Department of Labor has scheduled three Rapid Response sessions for workers affected by the closings, the DOL said in press releases issued last week. The Portland area session will be held Tuesday at 9 a.m. at the Greater Portland CareerCenter, 151 Jetport Boulevard in Portland.
“The department’s Rapid Response program assists workers facing job loss due to downsizing or closures,” Gov. Paul LePage said in a DOL press release issued Wednesday. “The Rapid Response team is reaching out to help these workers.”
Many Mainers have posted comments critical of the closings on Tim Hortons’ Facebook page.
“I’ve always been a big fan of the Tim Hortons brand, but I’m so disappointed in the recent abrupt closure of so many shops in NY and Maine,” wrote Kate Marone from Warren. “Such a shame.”
Tim Hortons also abruptly shuttered 15 locations in central New York last week, CNBC reported Friday.
“In line with our vision to deliver a great guest experience while building and strengthening the Tim Hortons brand, we continuously review the performance of our restaurants,” the fast food restaurant chain told CNBC in an emailed statement. “As we build the foundation for accelerated growth in the U.S., we have decided to close some restaurants in New York and Maine.”
A spokesperson for Tim Hortons did not immediately respond to an email from the Journal Tribune.
— Staff Writer Angelo J. Verzoni can be contacted at 282-1535, ext. 329 or [email protected].
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