Tom Michalopoulos

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]

Tom Michalopoulos
Born
Anastasious Michalopoulos

(1950-01-22)January 22, 1950
DiedApril 21, 2021(2021-04-21) (aged 71)
NationalityGreek Canadian
OccupationBusinessman
Known forFounding 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 to 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] He sold the Olympians to David Gee, but still sponsored the league and team when it relocated to Mississauga, Ontario.[10][11]

He died on April 21, 2021.[12]

References
  1. "Obituary of Mr. Anastasios Michalopoulos". Hellenic News of America. 29 April 2021. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
  2. Brent, Paul (10 August 1993). "Coffee Time on fast franchising track". National Post. p. 10.
  3. "Greek-Canadian Philanthropist, Tom Michalopoulos, founder of Coffee Time has died". Hellenic News of America. 29 April 2021. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
  4. "Interview with Tom Michalopoulos, CEO of Coffee Time | BeTheBoss". Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  5. "Global Entrepreneur". National Post. 16 April 2007. p. 59.
  6. "Chairman's. Brand Corp". National Post. 9 April 2007. p. EN2.
  7. Wanagas, Don (6 May 2003). "Looking for cuts? Jakobek's your axeman". National Post. p. A17.
  8. Bailey, David (13 May 1998). "CPSL Ready To Go - Major sponsors on board as well". Canada Kicks.
  9. Laskaris, Sam (28 August 1997). "Pro soccer squad anticipated for city". Toronto Star. p. SC 8.
  10. Mcnair, Brian (21 January 2004). "Here come the Olympians; Mississauga moving CPSL team to Civic, replacing Flames: [Final Edition]". Oshawa-Whitby this week.
  11. Mcnair, Brian (25 January 2004). "Pro soccer returns to Durham; John O'Neill buys Olympians, expects new name for CPSL club". Oshawa - Whitby This Week.
  12. Kurek, Dominik (23 April 2021). "OBIT: Scarborough founder of Coffee Time Tom Michalopoulos embodied philanthropy". thestar.com. Toronto Star. Retrieved 23 April 2021.
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