They were everywhere long before the Air Farce sketch. That's why they used Tim's in the sketch. It used to be better. Or more accurately other chains used to

They were everywhere long before the Air Farce sketch. That's why they used Tim's in the sketch. It used to be better. Or more accurately other chains used to have worse coffee. Back when it was getting established its competitors (eg Country Style Donuts) focussed more on the donuts than coffee. Tim Hortons made it's name on brewing fresh coffee carafes every 20 minutes. The standard at the time for other shops was to brew a large coffee urn in before the rush in the morning and let it sit all day. Walk in for a coffee at 5 am and you might get the dredges of yesterdays brew. So if you're on a long drive and need a cup of coffee at an odd hour, Tim Hortons was a good bet. Also if you were driving to hockey practice early in the morning. Or an early worker. Is it a great choice now? Not really, but if you're driving it's still consistent and open late.