Tom_Michalopoulos

Tom Michalopoulos

Tom Michalopoulos

Greek-born Canadian entrepreneur and businessman (1950–2021)

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]

Quick Facts Born, Died ...

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. [1]
    "Obituary of Mr. Anastasios Michalopoulos". Hellenic News of America. 29 April 2021. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
  2. [2]
    Brent, Paul (10 August 1993). "Coffee Time on fast franchising track". National Post. p. 10.
  3. [3]
    "Greek-Canadian Philanthropist, Tom Michalopoulos, founder of Coffee Time has died". Hellenic News of America. 29 April 2021. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
  4. [4]
    "Interview with Tom Michalopoulos, CEO of Coffee Time | BeTheBoss". Retrieved 25 April 2015.
  5. [5]
    "Global Entrepreneur". National Post. 16 April 2007. p. 59.
  6. [6]
    "Chairman's. Brand Corp". National Post. 9 April 2007. p. EN2.
  7. [7]
    Wanagas, Don (6 May 2003). "Looking for cuts? Jakobek's your axeman". National Post. p. A17.
  8. [8]
    Bailey, David (13 May 1998). "CPSL Ready To Go - Major sponsors on board as well". Canada Kicks.
  9. [9]
    Laskaris, Sam (28 August 1997). "Pro soccer squad anticipated for city". Toronto Star. p. SC 8.
  10. [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. [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. [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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