Franchising

A&W to grow Wisconsin footprint

Photo: A&W Restaurants

November 15, 2024

A&W Restaurants plans to grow its footprint in Wisconsin with three to five locations in Milwaukee and two to four in Madison over the next five years, according to a press release.

"A&W Restaurants has provided American favorites to Wisconsin for decades adding quality and value to the guest experience while adapting to consumer needs," Kevin Bazner, CEO of A&W, said in the press release. "A&W has a positive track record for success in Wisconsin with established communities who love and recognize our brand across the state. Milwaukee and Madison present a unique opportunity for us to expand into established communities that still have room to support new businesses."

A&W Restaurants entered Wisconsin more than eight decades ago. The brand has 55 locations in the state and more than 850 total restaurants in the U.S. and Asia.

"I'm a third generation A&W Restaurants owner who has been with the brand since childhood. My grandmother started the business in 1962, then my father took over and now me. A&W Restaurants has over 100 years of experience and a rich history of providing guests with freshly made Root Beer and a place for families to make unforgettable memories," Anthony Walker, A&W Restaurants franchise owner, said in the press release. "My experience as a franchise owner and member of the National A&W Franchisee Association is invaluable. I'm proud to be a part of an organization that values my opinion, prioritizes my needs, and gives me a voice to speak about how we can continue to evolve, grow and innovate in this business. I'm grateful for my team's hard work and dedication to serving and providing a quality experience to our community."

The brand recently ended Q3 with three restaurant openings and two signed development deals.