Tim Hortons is a better choice for those seeking an affordable, quick, and consistent coffee experience with a focus on traditional coffee and breakfast items. Alfred Coffee is better suited for customers looking for high-quality, unique coffee and tea drinks in a trendy environment, and who are willing to pay a premium for it.
| Attribute | Tim Hortons (Next Gen Concept Stores) | Alfred Coffee |
|---|---|---|
| Coffee Quality | Uses 100% premium Arabica beans, medium roast original blend, fresh pot brewed every 20 minutes | High-quality, uses Stumptown Coffee Roasters beans (medium-dark roast). Iced almond milk latte and World Famous Iced Vanilla Latte are popular. |
| Pastry Freshness | Always serving fresh food and beverages | Pastries available, including options for dietary restrictions. Some reviews suggest pastries are not as memorable as the coffee. Chocolate croissant described as pleasant but not particularly special. Mentions of flies buzzing around pastries in some reviews. |
| Sandwich/Wrap Options | Variety of breakfast sandwiches and wraps, lunch paninis, and the Extreme Italian sandwich | Offers breakfast food, including bagel sandwiches. Some locations offer ready-to-eat vegan salads and wraps from Erewhon. Breakfast burrito is also available. |
| Tea Selection | Not available | Extensive tea selection, including matcha lattes, iced teas, and various hot teas. Offers premium single-origin matcha. Recommended: Matcha Colada, Strawberry Matcha Latte, and Oat Milk Iced Matcha Lavender Butterfly Pea Tea. |
| Espresso Drink Variety | Espresso, cappuccinos, and lattes made with 100% ethically sourced premium Arabica beans, customizable with syrups and milk options | Wide variety of espresso-based drinks, from classic lattes and cappuccinos to unique offerings like the Chagaccino. |
| Breakfast Menu Availability | Breakfast sandwiches, crepes, and omelets | Serves breakfast, including bagel sandwiches, croissants, and breakfast burritos. |
| Lunch Menu Availability | Sandwiches, soups, side dishes, lunch paninis, and the Extreme Italian sandwich | Some locations offer lunch options such as pre-packaged salads and wraps. |
| Price Range | Delicious coffee drinks that won't break the bank, relatively cheap option | $3.50 (espresso shots) - $10 (specialty lattes) |
| Ambiance and Decor | Natural-looking, lighter materials, artwork reflecting Tim Hortons' history, upgraded open-concept seating | Jazzy interior design, often featuring black-and-white monochromatic tiling and floral wallpapers. The Westwood Village location has UCLA blue-and-gold accented orchid wallpaper. Hip and trendy vibe. |
| Seating Availability | One prototype has 24 seats inside, upgraded open-concept seating, some locations have communal tables with bar seats | Generally ample seating, with both indoor and outdoor options. Seating includes single-stool bar seats, two-person study tables, and communal tables. Can get crowded in the mornings. |
| Wi-Fi Availability | Free Wi-Fi at over 90% of locations | Wi-Fi is available, but one review mentions slow speeds. |
| Speed of Service | Focused on improving speed of service, new restaurant designs maximize drive-through efficiency and speed of service, new exterior menu boards for quick menu navigation | One review mentions quick service. |