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  • Essay / Tim Hortons Cash Box - 981

    Tim Hortons is a typically Canadian coffee shop. By observing and interpreting this context, we can understand Canadian culture as it is expressed there. Understanding this small part of Canadian culture can then be applied, more broadly, to the culture of Canadian society. Some language particular to Tim Horton's customers serves a purpose that most are not aware of: big business is changing and confusing our traditional culture with a new culture run and concerned about money by big business. Canadians are generally friendly and polite to each other, but are not community oriented, they are more individualistic. The coffee industry has developed, through customer relationships, a language exclusive to coffee drinkers and Tim Horton's regulars. Examples included when ordering are “double double” which means coffee with double cream and sugar, or “ice cap” which means iced cappuccino. The main purpose of this language seems to have evolved out of convenience, but its existence is very beneficial to the business. This language speeds up the ordering process and pairs well with their “how can I help you” greeting while a big smile appears on the employees’ faces. The greeting is friendly, but not too friendly in that it doesn't open up any conversation other than ordering. The language is fast and precise, without wasting time. Inside the café, a lot of thought has been given to spatial distribution. The space is small, but every inch is used for seating, ordering, preparing and displaying food. The floor plan allows customers to move in a structured manner to order and then sit down or leave. The floor plan is similar to a continuous circular flow of customers, which begins when you walk in the door and ends when you leave. Like an assembly line, this suggests that Canadian culture is very rigid and structured. The seating area consists of small tables allowing only three people to sit comfortably at a time. Seated chairs are straight with a hard surface; they are not at all comfortable and relaxing. Light, upbeat rock music plays in the background, this music is very safe in that all ages can relate to it and accept it while still being loud enough to not hear the loud kitchen in the back. Bright lights, chairs, tables and music create an atmosphere and ambiance that doesn't make people feel too comfortable..