Timothy's located at the Red Deer Public Library

TIMOTHY'S World Coffee - Red Deer, Alberta, Canada

It is a common and simple wish for many during a hectic workday. That is to find a quiet little café, to have a light bite to eat and enjoy a few pages of your latest novel. So what happens when you have all the elements of a perfect coffee break or lunch but not the book? The answer is to visit Timothy’s. Why you ask?

Timothy's World Coffee is owned and operated by Tuan and Le Huynh and is located at the main library in the heart of downtown Red Deer. The RDPL’s novel section is no more than eight meters away from your table and browsing through a paperback at your seat before actually signing it out is very convenient to say the least.

Chances are if you have been to the library you remember the specialty coffee shop as being Grabbajabba -and correctly so. However, in July 2002 the name changed due to a corporate buyout in 2001 when Timothy's World Coffee acquired 56 Grabbajabba locations, bringing the total location count to160 stores, coast-to-coast. Timothy’s of Red Deer is just one of these 160 new outlets and although the name has its proprietors, remain the same great people, with the same great prices and same great service.

I found the proprietors a real pleasure to meet and become acquainted with. Originally from the city of Hue in Vietnam two decades ago they sadly had to experience some rough times. These experiences could be why they have such honest and strong characteristics. The married couple of twenty years have very humble and friendly natures and seem almost eager to wait on their patrons. Their natural demeanor lends itself nicely to the great success of a small business in the hospitality industry. I have also tasted their deli baguette style sandwiches for several months and I must admit I am addicted. Their coffees are also as great as any Star Bucks I’ve been to. When asked if they have any favorite blends of coffee Tuan prefers the Moccaccino while Le enjoys the Chai Latte. When asked what they like to do when they are not working at the café the response was swimming, walking and camping with their four beautiful daughters. When asked if any of his daughters will ever take over the business Tuan shyly laughed and said they were to young to think about work.

Red Deer’s Timothy’s World of Coffee is the first go at running a small business for this young couple and they seem to be doing a great job. In this review the proprietors get an all around five out of five stars. And remember; if next summer you smell the aroma of fresh Moccaccino or Latte wafting over your morning campsite then be sure to say good morning to Tuan and Le Huynh – you may be able to get a moochachino.

Review by

Glenn Griffiths

Timothy's Trivia