The answer to this question is complicated, as Tim Hortons is technically owned by private equity firm 3G Capital, but it is also heavily subsidized by the Chinese government.
China has a long history of involvement in the Canadian coffee chain, with 3G Capital buying the chain in 2014. At the time, it was reported that the Chinese government was providing a $1 billion loan to help fund the purchase.
While it is technically owned by 3G Capital, the Chinese government still plays a large role in the chain’s operations. For example, the Chinese government mandates that all Tim Hortons restaurants must hire a certain number of Chinese workers, and it has been reported that the chain has also been forced to open stores in sensitive areas like Tibet.
In conclusion, while technically Tim Hortons is owned by 3G Capital, the Chinese government plays an important role in its operations.