Food & Beverage

Sales soaring at A&W

Image courtesy of iStock

March 1, 2021

Despite the pandemic, A&W's sales were up 8.5% over last year, and the growth trend is continuing in 2021. January same-store sales climbed 20%, making it the best single month of sales growth since 2011, according to a company press release.

"If you look across the burger chain landscape, it's hard to find any other players experiencing this level of consistent growth," CEO Kevin Bazner said in the release, which also reported that total comps are up 51% since a franchise group bought it from YUM! Brands in 2011.

"Last year our brand strategy, launched in 2012, proved to be even more relevant," Bazner said. "We also saw how tenacious our franchise partners are, as they are the ones who persevered and worked against the odds to succeed during such a challenging period. I am immensely grateful to them and to our support center team."

Unlike other QSR chains, A&W has avoided discounting and focused on food quality.

"It's often said that people search for comfort, familiarity and a bit of self-indulgence during difficult times," Bazner said in the release. "Our famous Root Beer Floats served in frosty mugs, burgers, fries, hand-breaded chicken tenders and Wisconsin Cheese Curds are examples of food that consumers crave right now and always will."

Bazner is optimistic about the nearly 102-year-old chain's post-pandemic future. Franchise development is on the uptick with 15 restaurants in development.

"A&W's performance during the pandemic has caught the attention of more prospective franchisees, especially those who operate other restaurant brands, c-stores and travel centers," Bazner said.

A&W is headquartered in Lexington, Kentucky, and has approximately 1,000 restaurants throughout the U.S. and international markets.