News

A&W: Good times are back; bring on the franchisees

December 14, 2017

A&W is in full-on franchising mode with a new strategy and website built to bring in franchisees for the chain. This year, A&W added 15 new restaurants, with a target of 20 more next year — after tucking away an average sales increase of nearly 30 percent between 2011 and 2017, a news release said. The longtime QSR now cliams nearly a thousand global locations, including more than 630 stateside.

The brand has hired Franchise Performance Group as and formed an internal development staff, and will launch a digital media advertising campaign next month aimed at both independent and multi-unit operators. This follows a PR campaign earlier this year to inform potential franchisees about the root beer-centric brand. 

The newly revamped franchising website for A&W offers potential partners an in-depth look at the chain's business model, costs, financial performance and available territories. 

"In addition to the brand's longevity, A&W is unique because it is owned and operated by franchisees," CEO Kevin Bazner said in the release. "They have a true voice in every decision that affects the brand. After acquiring A&W, we first focused on stabilizing the business and growing profitable store sales. With this accomplished, we are ready to make a big push forward."

A&W claims the distinction of being the nation's first and longest-operating restaurant chain, born out of a root beer recipe perfected just after World War I in the early part of the 20th century. Stores still serve that original recipe, which is again being made fresh in stores after having been mixed off-site for years.

A&W root beer is made from cane sugar, water and a proprietary blend of herbs, bark, spices and berries, and is served in an iconic frosty mug.