LODI, Calif. — A&W Restaurants will mark the milestone of its 90th anniversary as America's Original Drive-In Restaurant with a celebration for 5,000 people June 20 in Lodi, Calif., where the company was founded. The event will include a live band and free A&W Birthday cake.
A&W will award a VIP trip for two to Lodi to serve as grand marshals and honored guests at the community-wide events June 18-20 through the brand's Anniversary Contest being held through May 27.
Consumers can register for the contest at www.awrestaurants.com. Each entrant will write an essay on why they would like to celebrate with A&W Restaurants and participate in the festivities for fans of the restaurant brand. Three finalists will be selected from the entries and judges will pick the grand prize winner.
Anniversary events include a Grand National Cruise Night on June 20 that will feature classic cars in tribute to A&W's drive-in tradition.
Company roots
A&W was founded as a root beer stand by Roy Allen, who used a formula purchased from an Arizona pharmacist that consisted of a blend of juices from 16 herbs, spices, barks and berries. As the business grew, Allen approached employee Frank Wright about a partnership and the two formed A&W.
In 2003 the brand was acquired by Yum! Brands Inc. Today, there are more than 675 A&W All American Food outlets in 15 countries and territories around the world and more than 600 additional points of distribution at Yum! Brands multibrand restaurants.
