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ST. JOHN'S, Nfld. — A Newfoundland man, steaming mad over a Tim Hortons coffee he recently bought, is among a growing number of Atlantic Canadians caught up in a controversy over the chain's Roll up the Rim to Win contest.
Complaints continue to come in from eastern Canadians who think staff at Tim Hortons are rolling up the rim to check for winners first, then passing off losing cups.
Bernard Delaney thinks that's what happened March 13 when he bought his usual coffee while on his way to work in St. John's.
“When I opened it up to roll the rim, it was already rolled and, basically, I almost threw up my guts,” he said.
Mr. Delaney saw what he believes are teeth marks on the rim.
“It just turned my stomach.”
Mr. Delaney said he isn't looking for compensation but did complain to the outlet's owners.
Michael Van De Weil, co-owner of the outlet, said he reviewed security video from the store and concluded nothing was amiss.
“We watched his cup go out of the store. We saw it. Nobody touched his cup with their teeth.”
Last week, the chain apologized for a “manufacturing issue” after Richard O'Brien of Halifax noticed the rims on his cups had already been rolled up.
The construction worker also suggested Tim Hortons staff were sneaking peeks in a bid to win prizes.
Rachel Douglas, Tim Hortons director of public affairs, confirmed the chain has encountered problems with the cup manufacturer.
“Because of this minor issue, customers may have obtained a cup that appears to be rolled up or puckered along the rim,” Ms. Douglas said in a statement.
She said the issue is a potential problem only for smaller prizes of free doughnuts and coffee. Cups announcing major prizes, such as cars and boats, are inspected by hand before being distributed.
“This minor issue has not impacted the odds of winning a prize. We sincerely apologize for any inconvenience this may have caused,” the statement said.
Meanwhile, Mr. Van De Weil is getting an earful from customers.
“It's difficult on our staff,” he said. “They're the ones on the front lines hearing the complaints.”
