VANCOUVER, British Columbia — A&W Food Services of Canada Inc. has opened its 700th restaurant in Penticton, British Columbia, the company has announced. The company opened 20 new restaurants in 2008 and plans to add another 24 in 2009, continuing its strong performance and ongoing growth despite Canada's recessionary economy.
"I am very proud to officially open our 700th restaurant today," said president and CEO Paul Hollands. "We are extremely grateful to Canadians for sharing their experiences and memories with A&W at restaurants all across the country for more than 50 years."
To mark the occasion of the 700th opening, Hollands was joined in a ribbon-cutting ceremony by Penticton franchisee Byron Gliege; municipal and provincial government representatives; local business and community leaders and, of course, the Great A&W Root Bear.
A&W also welcomed Penticton residents to its newest location by giving away Teen Burger combos to the first 700 customers who visit the restaurant. Response was so enthusiastic that all 700 combos had been claimed within three hours of the 10:00 a.m. opening.
Hollands attributes A&W's strong performance to its continuing strategic focus on baby boomers, who grew up with A&W. An important element of this strategy includes the successful introduction of a premium 5-ounce sirloin burger, the Uncle Burger in September 2008 and A&W's Cruisin' the Dub program, which features car hops, hot rods and classic cars.
A&W restaurants across the country will hold over 5,000 Cruisin' events this summer to celebrate and revisit all the good times Canadians have enjoyed at A&W.
In another gesture of customer appreciation, A&W will be giving 700 Great A&W Root Bear teddy bears to children of Canada's Armed Forces personnel at the Canadian Forces Base Petawawa during a 'Welcome Home Celebration and Family Day' later this spring.
