Tom Michalopoulos
Greek-born Canadian entrepreneur and businessman (1950–2021)
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia
Anastasious "Tom" Michalopoulos (January 22, 1950 – April 21, 2021)[1] was a Greek-born Canadian entrepreneur, businessman, president, and founder of Coffee Time.[2] He was also the president of Chairman's Brands, the parent company to 241 Pizza, Coffee Time, Eggsmart, New Orleans Pizza, and the Friendly Greek.[3]
January 22, 1950
Tom Michalopoulos | |
|---|---|
| Born | Anastasious Michalopoulos January 22, 1950 |
| Died | April 21, 2021 (aged 71) |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Founding Coffee Time |
Michalopoulos immigrated to Canada from Greece, and originally found employment as a real-estate agent before he started Coffee Time, a chain of coffee shops.[2][3] In 1982, along with business partner Young Chang, he purchased a coffeehouse named Bentley's Fine Donuts in Bolton, Ontario, and renamed the company Coffee Time.[4][3] He eventually franchised the company, at one point operated over 300 stores in Canada, and had franchises abroad in Greece, Qatar, and Afghanistan.[5][6]
On the political field, he supported Tom Jakobek during the 2003 Toronto municipal election.[7] He was also involved in developing soccer in Canada by founding and operating a club by the name of Toronto Olympians, which played in the Canadian Professional Soccer League in 1998.[8][9][10] He sold the Olympians to David Gee, but still sponsored the league and team when it relocated to Mississauga, Ontario.[11][12]
He died on April 21, 2021.[13]