Franchising

A&W Restaurants exploring Kansas City metro area franchising opportunities

Photo: A&W Restaurants

December 17, 2025

A&W Restaurants plans to expand the brand's presence across Kansas City, Missouri, and into neighboring suburbs, according to a press release.

"A&W is a natural fit for the Kansas City metropolitan area because we understand the values that define these communities," Betsy Schmandt, CEO of A&W Restaurants, said in the press release. "We are committed to providing franchise partners with the support they need to build successful businesses that contribute to the fabric of their hometowns. With more than a century of experience, we continue to grow and evolve while staying true to the service and quality our guests expect."

A&W Restaurants is actively expanding in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area with plans to open three locations over the next four years, with the first restaurant planned to open next year in De Soto, Missouri. The global brand operates more than 850 locations and continues to grow with franchise partners who share the brand's values and mission to enhance lives and the communities served.

"After working for 25 years in Silicon Valley for high-tech companies, I discovered my true passion in gas and commercial real estate. I've owned and operated my own locations for years and saw a natural synergy between gas stations and quick-service restaurants. When I decided to expand, I wanted a well-established, highly recognizable brand and that's what led me to A&W Restaurants," Moussa Sobaiti, owner of the upcoming De Soto location, said in the press release. "A&W is a strong, trusted brand known for quality products and great service, and I'm confident this new location will be a great addition to the community."

A&W Restaurants has over 850 locations in 35 U.S. states and Asia, of which over 600 are single-brand A&Ws and 230 are co-branded with KFC or Long John Silver's.