Tom Michalopoulos
Tom Michalopoulos | |
|---|---|
| Born | Anastasious Michalopoulos January 22, 1950 |
| Died | April 21, 2021 (aged 71) |
| Occupation | Businessman |
| Known for | Founding Coffee Time |
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]
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]
References
- ^ "Obituary of Mr. Anastasios Michalopoulos". Hellenic News of America. 29 April 2021. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
- ^ a b Brent, Paul (10 August 1993). "Coffee Time on fast franchising track". National Post. p. 10.
- ^ a b c "Greek-Canadian Philanthropist, Tom Michalopoulos, founder of Coffee Time has died". Hellenic News of America. 29 April 2021. Retrieved 5 May 2021.
- ^ "Interview with Tom Michalopoulos, CEO of Coffee Time | BeTheBoss". Retrieved 25 April 2015.
- ^ "Global Entrepreneur". National Post. 16 April 2007. p. 59.
- ^ "Chairman's. Brand Corp". National Post. 9 April 2007. p. EN2.
- ^ Wanagas, Don (6 May 2003). "Looking for cuts? Jakobek's your axeman". National Post. p. A17.
- ^ Bailey, David (13 May 1998). "CPSL Ready To Go - Major sponsors on board as well". Canada Kicks.
- ^ Laskaris, Sam (28 August 1997). "Pro soccer squad anticipated for city". Toronto Star. p. SC 8.
- ^ Laskaris, Sam (20 May 1998). "Donut king owns Scarborough entry in new pro league". The Scarborough Mirror. p. 13.
- ^ Mcnair, Brian (21 January 2004). "Here come the Olympians; Mississauga moving CPSL team to Civic, replacing Flames: [Final Edition]". Oshawa-Whitby this week.
- ^ 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.
- ^ Kurek, Dominik (23 April 2021). "OBIT: Scarborough founder of Coffee Time Tom Michalopoulos embodied philanthropy". thestar.com. Toronto Star. Retrieved 23 April 2021.