1851

<a href="https://franchising.awrestaurants.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=aw-eyes-midwest-for-major-expansion-opportunities-2719877" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">A&amp;W</a>, the iconic American-food franchise known for its classic food and frosted mugs of root beer, is now setting its sights on the Midwest for expansion. The brand has a long history in Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota, which represent some of the largest densities for the company on a state-by-state basis. Because the brand is well-loved in the region,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/awrestaurants">A&amp;W</a> is aiming to capitalize on that brand awareness by establishing new restaurants with skilled Midwestern entrepreneurs.“Even with all the interest and buzz in the area, there is still a lot of green grass,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-palumbo-3373008/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=aw-eyes-midwest-for-major-expansion-opportunities-2719877" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">John Palumbo</a>, senior director of Franchise Development. “It’s the perfect formula for new franchise owners: a lot of awareness and a lot of white space.”According to Palumbo, these territories are purposefully untapped. A&amp;W approaches franchising differently than many other brands in that they only seek responsible growth. Vetting potential franchisees and ensuring quality leadership are critical to the company’s values.“We don’t just collect agreements and checks,” he said. “We want people with the right operational experience or the will to learn and do things right. We owe it to our franchise community and partners to protect the brand's integrity, which means bringing in the right people and connecting them with the right real estate.”<h4>A&amp;W’s Positive Brand Awareness</h4>With over 100 years in the Midwest markets, the company has established a personal connection with its consumers. For generations, families have been flocking to A&amp;W restaurants with deep affection for its iconic menu. This historical component elevates the brand above others in the QSR segment.“One of our big menu items is cheese curds with 100% white Wisconsin cheddar,” said Palumbo. “So we have strong roots in that part of the country, and the customer base knows and feels that.”Phil Welch, a third-generation franchisee in Franksville, Wisconsin, continues to operate the A&amp;W his grandfather founded because of a deep respect for the tradition and familiarity of the brand. He also admires the network of A&amp;W franchisees that support each other like family.“I’ve made lifelong friends in the franchise system,” said Welch. “I’m not the only third-generation owner in our circle. For example, I was connected with owners in the Clintonville area, and now that their daughter has taken over, we’re close with her as well. There are many stories like that about family-run stores that are all about American core values.”<h4>Why Now Is the Time To Invest in A&amp;W</h4>During and following the pandemic, A&amp;W has noticed a reinvigorated relationship with restaurant-goers, causing an increase in customer demand for the classic franchise. Stores are reporting record-high engagement and sales as a result.“Research has shown that people went back to what feels good, comfortable and familiar because of the pandemic, and that has driven new activity in retail sales,” said Palumbo. “A&amp;W is a legacy brand. As a result, customers have been asking why there aren’t more locations. Our growth is organic in response to that demand.”The total investment necessary to begin operation, not including rent or land costs, is $871,000 to $1,454,750 for a Freestanding Restaurant; $401,000 to $1,013,750 for an Inline Restaurant; and $276,000 to $704,000 for a Captive Restaurant, including a $15,000-$30,000 franchise fee. To learn more about franchise opportunities with A&amp;W Restaurants, please visit&nbsp;<a href="https://franchising.awrestaurants.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=aw-eyes-midwest-for-major-expansion-opportunities-2719877" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://franchising.awrestaurants.com/</a>.

A&W Eyes Midwest for Major Expansion Opportunities

1851 Franchise

Aiming to leverage a wealth of positive brand recognition, the all-American franchise brand is seeking new franchise partners in Iowa, Wisconsin and Minnesota.

This brand page has been paid for by 1851. Content within this page that is paid will showcase a Sponsored icon. This means the brand has engaged 1851 FRANCHISE to write the content. Content without the Sponsored Icon is aggregated media placements the brand earned. Questions can be sent to editorial@1851franchise.com

aw-eyes-midwest-for-major-expansion-opportunities

Crust Pizza Co.

Crust Pizza Co. - Robin Vieau - Leah Zang - Susan Harte - Women's History Month - 1851 Franchise

Celebrating the Women of Crust Pizza Co. for Women’s History Month

women-of-crust-pizza-co-national-womens-history-month

Onigilly Japanese Kitchen

Onigilly Franchise Costs, Fees, Profits, and Data for 2025

onigilly-franchise-costs-fees-profits-and-data-for-2025

onigilly-japanese-kitchen-food-overhead-shot

How Onigilly Is Bringing Healthy and Convenient Everyday Japanese Meals to the U.S.

how-onigilly-is-bringing-healthy-and-convenient-everyday-japanese-meals-to-the-us

Onigilly: The Low-Cost, Scalable Fast-Casual Concept Bringing Authentic Japanese Onigiri to the U.S.

onigilly-the-low-cost-scalable-fast-casual-concept-bringing-authentic-japanese-onigiri-to-the-us

Right at Home

La Prensa Texas: Eduardo Peñalosa Brings Compassionate Senior Care to San Antonio with Right at Home

la-prensa-texas-eduardo-penalosa-brings-compassionate-senior-care-to-san-antonio-with-right-at-home

Buying a Franchise Masterclass

 Franchise Opportunities

Get Support Buying a Franchise

How to Buy a Franchise White Paper

How to Buy a Franchise

How to Sell Franchises

How to Grow a Franchise

Find a Franchise Supplier

1851 Franchise Opportunities

Franchisor News

Franchisor Power Rankings

FranCamp Mastermind Summit

Franchise Resources

What ALEC-Laffer's Report Means for Franchising

Website Awards

Power Rankings

About 1851

Advertise on 1851

Contact 1851 Editorial

Terms of Use

1851 Login

GROWTH CLUB LOGIN

facebook

instagram

twitter

linkedin

youtube

Restaurant Business: How McDonald's Is Restructuring To Compete With Specialized Chains

restaurant-business-how-mcdonalds-is-restructuring-to-compete-with-specialized-chains

Design with hundred dollar bill and orange "recession" banner across the middle

ABC News: Recession Risks Are Rising, Economists Say. Here’s What to Know.

recession-risks-impact-economy-franchise-world

NRA: Restaurants Focus On Enhancing In-Store Experiences To Attract Diners in 2025

nra-restaurants-focus-on-enhancing-in-store-experiences-to-attract-diners-in-2025

The Joint Chiropractic - Dr. Anthony Tran - IFA Franchisee of the Year - 1851 Franchise

The Joint Chiropractic’s Dr. Anthony Tran Named Franchisee of the Year by the IFA

joint-chiropractic-dr-anthony-tran-ifa

TruGolf - Hybrid Golf Franchise - Nexus Golf - 1851 Franchise

TruGolf Links Unveils Revolutionary Hybrid Golf Franchise Concept

trugolf-links-unveils-revolutionary-hybrid-golf-franchise-concept

How Car Sales Taught Buddy's Home Furnishings’ Mitchell Lee the Secrets of Franchise Development

how-car-sales-taught-buddys-home-furnishings-mitchell-lee-the-secrets-of-franchise-development

Franchise Deep Dive: Studio Pilates Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

franchise-deep-dive-studio-pilates-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

The Ace Up Their Sleeve: How Ace Handyman Services Matters Found the Perfect Partner in Ace Hardware

the-ace-up-their-sleeve-how-ace-handyman-services-matters-found-the-perfect-partner-in-ace-hardware

Shuckin' Shack Plans to Bring Coastal Vibes and Fresh Seafood to Myrtle Beach, South Carolina Market

shuckin-shack-plans-to-bring-coastal-vibes-and-fresh-seafood-to-myrtle-beach-south-carolina-market

Florida Franchisee Reflects on Success and Growth with Sylvan Learning

florida-franchisee-reflects-on-success-and-growth-with-sylvan-learning

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Paris Baguette Ranks Among Top Franchises on Entrepreneur’s Franchise 500® for 2025

paris-baguette-ranks-among-top-franchises-on-entrepreneurs-franchise-500-for-2025

Franchisee spotlight featuring Ian and Dick Rydholm with gradient blue background and Sylvan logo

Ian and Dick Rydholm Celebrate 30 Years of Transforming Lives Through Sylvan Learning in El Paso, Texas

ian-and-dick-rydholm-celebrate-30-years-of-transforming-lives-through-sylvan

Domonique Downing - Big Frog Franchise - Fayetteville, GA - 1851 Franchise

Coca-Cola Scientist Finds Path to Autonomy with Big Frog Franchise in Fayetteville, Georgia

big-frog-franchise-fayetteville-georgia

Top 25 Emerging Restaurant Franchises - 1851 Franchise

Top 25 Emerging Restaurant Concepts to Consider in 2025

top-emerging-restaurant-concepts-to-consider

Franchisee spotlight image with Randy and Sandy Craft, Children's Lighthouse logo on blue background

The Crafts’ Successful Journey from New Parents to Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees

the-crafts-successful-journey-from-new-parents-to-childrens-lighthouse-franchisees

A&W Eyes Midwest for Major Expansion Opportunities

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS