I certainly don't miss having to wait in line for fairly mediocre offerings.
That said, the very nature of this thread clearly illustrates than in the franchise industry, certain locations actually manage to pull it off.
A year ago I was living well within stumbling distance of the South Amherstburg Tim Horton's. Those folks were superb, the late night and early morning crews even more so. 12 hours shifts they well lightened.
A ten minute walk led one to the central Amherstburg outlet, where service was shoddy, but it was always crowded.
Not sure how anyone can line up for more than a couple of minutes for a cup of coffee. Coffee is large, it yields multiple fruit. Might even be close to a human right, and as such one should not have to wait too long for some sustenance.
Of course, that was also when all of the donuts were made right in the store and actually tasted decent too instead of coming pre-made and them just frying them up.
. When I was in Kingston about 10 years ago, we used to fax an order there for coffee break and send someone over about 20 minutes later - done. Guess their hiring practices have changed. 
