Tim Hortons is planning to open 800 new restaurants – including 500 here in Canada, 300 hundred in the U.S. and 220 in the Middle East.

Marc Caira is CEO at the iconic Canadian coffee chain based in Oakville.

He says the five-year plan focuses on defending and growing the company’s leading position in Canada and views the United States as must-win territory.

Cairia says Tim Hortons is responding to an aging population – among other factors – including the preference for health and nutrition from consumers.

Tim Horton’s stock closed up 81-cents today to $8.75 a share.