Blake Tarana, CEO of local Tim Horton’s Restaurants, addressed local Rotarians recently. He was welcomed by Marion Beckerink, club president.

Rotarian Sue Jones introduced Blake Tarana, the multi-franchisee and president of Tim Horton’s Southern Tier, overseeing locations in Jamestown, Olean and Hornell.

He also owns GDT Repairs LLC, TAR Holdings, and BPT Holdings.

In addition to his business ventures, Blake serves as a board member with the Italian-American Golf Tournament, vice president of the Southwestern Education Foundation, and chairman of the Tim Horton’s United States Advisory Board.

A graduate of Southwestern High School and St. Bonaventure University, he holds a degree in management science.

The club meeting provided an opportunity for members to learn more about Tarana’s business journey and his work with Tim Horton’s. Tarana shared that he became certified as a Tim Horton’s owner in 2011 and fully assumed ownership in January 2020, buying out his parents to take over five stores in Jamestown. Today, he operates 10 locations: six in Jamestown, three in Olean, and one in Hornell. The first location, which opened on April 7, 2002, in Brooklyn Square, Jamestown, remains one of the top five busiest Tim Horton’s in the U.S. Tarana also shared some photos of the newest location in Jamestown.

Members expressed their appreciation for Blake and Tim Hortons’ community involvement and generous support for local nonprofits. The local Tim Horton’s recently received the 2024 AFP Global Award as the Outstanding Philanthropic Corporation in Western New York.

Tarana addressed many questions from the Rotary membership about managing young employees, staff training, tipping policies, and some of the members’ favorite Tim Horton’s items.