1851

If you've ever wondered what it’s like to be a celebrity, A&amp;W is giving employees the opportunity to experience that feeling through their new hiring campaign.&nbsp;While other brands are using actual celebrities in their marketing campaigns to promote products and experiences, A&amp;W is turning the tables and showcasing employees to show that no matter who you are A&amp;W will appreciate you and treat you like family.The restaurant industry is no stranger to the wider staffing shortages and labor challenges businesses are facing throughout the country. A&amp;W’s CEO Kevin Bazner told FOX Business that the labor shortage is creating a domino effect.“[Restaurants have] no manager, then you lose staff to next door businesses, and, before you know it, you can’t open a restaurant,” he told <a href="https://www.foxbusiness.com/retail/jobs-shortage-fast-food-drive-thru?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=aw-turns-their-employees-into-celebrities-in-hiring-push-2717428" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">FOX Business</a>.&nbsp;The franchise owners of A&amp;W locations are invested in supporting the local economies in which their stores are located.&nbsp;“We want to create a brand experience that feels localized to a particular area. Our brand seeks to be a pillar of the community by building an emotional connection with prospective employees and then increasing loyalty and retention for existing employees so that they feel proud about their jobs and their contributions to the success of the business,” said A&amp;W franchisee and NAWFA board member, Randy Hamann.In other words, A&amp;W wants to create a positive and fulfilling experience for its employees, not just a job.&nbsp;“Whether it’s Gen Z or Gen Z employees, COVID has taken a toll, and we want people to actually look forward to going to work,” says Liz Bazner, senior director of marketing at A&amp;W Restaurants. “We have a unique opportunity to show our employees that we’re a community that understands them, embraces them, and is excited to see them thrive in any job opportunity at A&amp;W Restaurants.”&nbsp;Bazner added that A&amp;W Restaurants is taking an “anti-celebrity” approach to attracting talent, unlike other fast food chains that are using celebrities to attract guests and talent.&nbsp;“Our approach is about both lifting up our team members and encouraging prospective employees to also become a celebrity in our eyes,” she said.The efforts by A&amp;W Restaurants thus far appear to be working, as one franchisee in Minnesota said.“I love seeing my employees coming into work excited about the day and what their talents bring to the business,” Julie Glenz of Albany and Richmond, Minnesota’s A&amp;Ws said. “And it’s so much fun celebrating them the way that we do — from fry cooks to the drive-thru window, it’s been a treat to see how much we can make work not feel like ‘work.’”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.

A&W Turns Their Employees Into Celebrities in Hiring Push

1851 Franchise

The historic fast-food franchise is showcasing employees like celebrities in an effort to attract more talent and fill open positions.

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-turns-their-employees-into-celebrities-in-hiring-push

Sola Salons

Photo of outside of a Sola Salons location

With Decades of History and Opportunities for Consolidation, Sola Salons System Is Ripe for Private Equity Investments

sola-salons-private-equity-investment-opportunities

Woodhouse Spas

Your Path To Owning a Woodhouse Spa: A Step-By-Step Guide to Franchise Ownership

woodhouse-spas-franchise-ownership-steps

Right at Home

Right at Home Expanding In-Home Care Services in State College

right-at-home-expanding-in-home-care-services-in-state-college

BoConcept

Photo of three dark gray chairs surrounding wooden table with vining plant

Facility Executive: BoConcept Shares How Office Design is Evolving in 2025

2025-office-design-trends-engaging-workspaces

HomeTeam Inspection Service

Photo of HomeTeam Inspection Service franchisees Tyler and Doug Butler

How a Chance Encounter Led This Father-Son Duo to a Thriving Home Inspection Business

doug-tyler-butler-hometeam-franchise-success-story

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

Fly Dance Fitness Expands With First Franchise Location in Georgia

fly-dance-fitness-franchise-expansion

&pizza - Fast-Casual Pizza Chain Begins Franchising - 1851 Franchise

&pizza Embraces Franchising To Fuel Bold New Growth Strategy

andpizza-franchising-ceo-mike-burns

CFOs See Recession as Likely in ’25; Why Now Is the Time To Water the Franchise Buyer Seeds

cfos-see-recession-as-likely-in-25-why-now-is-the-time-to-water-the-franchise-buyer-seeds

Ellie Mental Health Franchisee Backlash - Alleged Misrepresentations - 1851 Franchise

Ellie Mental Health Faces Franchisee Backlash Over Alleged Misrepresentations

ellie-mental-health-franchisee-backlash

Tariff Tensions Threaten U.S. Restaurants with Rising Costs and Supply Chain Disruptions

tariff-tensions-threaten-us-restaurants-with-rising-costs-and-supply-chain-disruptions

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

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

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

Lindora’s New President Discusses Franchise Growth and the Future of Health and Wellness

lindoras-new-president-discusses-franchise-growth-and-the-future-of-health-and-wellness

Superior Fence & Rail - Franchise Deep Dive - 2025 - 1851 Franchise

Superior Fence & Rail Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

superior-fence-rail-franchise-deep-dive

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

Florida Franchisee Reflects on Success and Growth with Sylvan Learning

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

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

A&W Turns Their Employees Into Celebrities in Hiring Push

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS