News

A&W promotions beef up leadership, franchising support

A&W learning center and prototype opened in Richmond, Ky. last month (File photo provided by brand).

December 19, 2019

A&W Restaurants is growing its leadership team and support center on the heels of what the brand said is it's eighth consecutive year of systemwide sales growth. 

The brand reported in a news release that this year sales increased 2.4%, the strongest performance since 2016, with comparable average unit sales up more than 37% since the brand's acquisition from Yum Brands eight years ago. 

CEO Kevin Bazner recently announced the following leadership and managerial promotions:

• Bill Fry to senior vice president of Restaurant Support Services and Supply Chain Management.
• Sarah Blasi Mueller to senior vice president of Marketing and Development.
• Liz Bazner to director of Digital.
• Todd Stewart to director of Special Projects and Initiatives.
• Emily Barr, to manager of Personnel and Restaurant Accounting.
• Silas Gray to Food Safety and Product Development manager.
• Jackie Wagner to manager of Field Training.

A&W also is creating three positions to support franchisees, including:

• Director of Operations.
• Digital Marketing Manager.
• Supply Chain Specialist. 

The brand is expanding its support center and headquarters by nearly 40%, as well, just one month after it opened an all-new prototype and learning center in nearby Richmond, Kentucky.