A&W Restaurants Celebrates 15 New Franchise Commitments and Florida Expansion

A&W Restaurants, the 500-plus-unit classic American restaurant franchise, is celebrating an extremely successful year of expansion, with nine new franchise awards and 15 new commitments. Since 2011, the brand has seen a 33% increase in growth and continues its journey on an upward trajectory.

“Our third quarter has really set us up for success,” said Kevin Bazner, CEO of A&W. “We’re expanding with a proven system and a brand that people love.”

That growth includes welcoming five new franchisees to the brand, some of which are new to the world of QSR brands, since the beginning of the year.

Chris Bower is one franchisee who signed in Q3. Bower signed on for an A&W unit in southwest Florida. Before he discovered A&W, he had very little knowledge of the brand, but now, he hopes to help spread the A&W’s one-of-a-kind experience to as many people as possible.

“I was really impressed by how the franchise development team made themselves accessible to me through the signing process,” he said. “And I’m excited to get started and hopefully grow with the brand in the future.”

With a supportive leadership team, a franchisee-owned model, brand recognition, strong unit economics and plenty of territory to grow, A&W offers a lucrative opportunity for entrepreneurs who are interested in multi-unit ownership or diversifying their brand portfolio. In addition to the four existing franchisees who expanded with A&W, the brand has been discussing expansion opportunities with several existing franchisees for Q4, illustrating franchisees’ commitment to seeing the brand succeed. 

Now, after seeing unprecedented growth in 2021 — even during the pandemic — Bazner says the brand’s story has come to fruition, and entrepreneurs are recognizing the opportunity A&W offers. 

“People gravitate to the brands they know, and A&W is one of those brands,” said Bazner. “A&W is a brand that is recognized from coast to coast, and it will only continue to see growth as we focus on strengthening our brand’s story.”

The brand is currently targeting smaller markets in the Upper Midwest, including Ohio, Indiana, Michigan, Minnesota, Iowa and Wisconsin.

ABOUT A&W

Established in 1919 in Lodi, California as a roadside stand, A&W Restaurants now stands as a thriving part of the American experience. With 500-plus locations across the country, including 300 standalone restaurants, the brand remains a one-of-a-kind true original. Even its signature A&W Root Beer, served in an iconic frosty mug, is handcrafted at the restaurant. Today, that traditional approach is resonating strongly with consumers, who are looking for authentic brands. For more information, visit https://franchising.awrestaurants.com/