Tim Hortons restaurant on Newton Street in Fall River was the site of a grand opening celebration on Saturday morning, May 19, 2007, that brought in over 100 people to celebrate owner Tom Medeiros becoming the first owner of the Canadian-based franchise in Massachusetts. A retired Fall River firefighter, Tom has worked hard over the past several years to make the business work. "I believe in what Tim Hortons is trying to offer," stated the burly 43-year-old. "They advertise freshness, and they mean it," he added about the menu that offers coffee and pastries but also a range of healthier foods like wraps and yogurt. Nutritional information on all of their foods is available on their website and information is available on substitutions, vegan diet choices and low-sugar items for diabetics. Members of the Family Service Association Big Friends Little Friends program, of which Tom is a big supporter, were on hand to help him celebrate. Tom and his staff also participate in walking events in the neighborhood in collaboration with the Tru-Med clinic across the street. Click here to see the New York Times article published in the New Bedford Standard Times. Click here to see the other Fall River restaurants who are participating in the Healthy Dining Program. For more information, contact Tom at 508-673-9050.
 

(Top row, left) Madeline Mello and Linda Freitas of Fall River enjoy a cup of coffee on the house at the grand opening celebration. (Top row, center) Billie Jane Valente of the Family Service Association poses with Anne Hartnett, Kayla Niewola, Samantha Kerns, Big Friends Little Friends Director Ramona Turcotte, and Donna Frazier. (Top row, right) Pat O'Tot of Fall River fills out a ticket for a drawing to win free coffee for a year. (Middle row, left and right) Michael & Angela Lynn of The Balloon Animal create a variety of animals to the fascination of eight-year-old Sarina China and five-year-old Shawn Conlon. (Bottom row, left and center) Big Friends Little Friends Program Coordinator Ramona Turcotte praises Tim Horton's owner Tom Medeiros for his support of Big Friends Little Friends prior to the ribbon cutting by Samantha Kerns and Kayla Niewola. (Bottom row, right) Samantha, Kayla, Tom and his wife Deborah and District Manager Tim Bricault pose for a group shot.