Tim’s hostilities escalate

 Daniel Schwartz, chief executive officer of Restaurant Brands International Inc., told an internal Tim Hortons all-franchisee conference call this week it has taken legal action against a group of restaurant owners over confidential information it says was leaked, and "negative" comments about Tim Hortons, reports the Globe and Mail.

Restaurant Brands has issued default notices to nine directors of Great White North Franchisee Association, which was formed in March by disgruntled restaurant owners to fight RBI's hyperfocus on improving efficiencies and the harm they say it inflicts on the business.

The notices, based on alleged breaches of the franchisee contract and confidentiality requirements, could eventually result in the company pushing out those franchisees, franchise experts say.

The association has filed a lawsuit against Restaurant Brands International Inc., complaining that the executives it hired to replace the entire team it fired when it gained control of the company, are ruining their business.

Last week the Globe and Mail reported that the company is considering price hikes and that might be what triggered Schwartz’s accusations of a breach of confidentiality.