News

A&W goes hot and cold on LTOs

November 28, 2016

A&W is turning up the heat this holiday season with its spicy papa burger LTO, which includes two beef patties weighing in at a third of a pound, along  with American cheese, tomato, onion, lettuce and a splash of spicy papa sauce and jalapenos, according to a news release. 

A&W is also offering a cool-down LTO in the form of new peppermint treats, a minty Oreo soft-serve concoction that celebrates one of the favorites on A&W's social media channels. Both offerings are available through Dec. 25.

"Guests really like how we have taken our all-American food menu and improved both its quality and flavors," said the chain’s marketing director, Sarah Blasi, in a news release. "This limited-time offer is a great example of how we are rebuilding the A&W brand by giving familiar, favorite foods fresh, contemporary tastes."

A&W is the nation’s oldest restaurant chain and was acquired from Yum Brands five years ago. Since then, the brand's new leadership has said, same-store sales have increased nearly 24 percent system-wide as the result of innovative food offerings and continuous quality improvement.  

The chain has also closed an undisclosed number of underperforming locations, while opening 13 new U.S. locations this year, with two more scheduled to open by year-end. The chain expects to open 20 more units next year, in addition to its current 1,100 franchise locations in 10 countries.