1851

<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephanie-hewlett-24384bb0?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-day-in-the-life-of-aw-franchisee-stephanie-hewlett-2719874" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Stephanie Hewlett</a> grew up with&nbsp;<a href="https://awfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=a-day-in-the-life-of-aw-franchisee-stephanie-hewlett-2719874" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">A&amp;W Restaurants</a>,&nbsp;the iconic restaurant franchise with 500-plus units across the country. When her father established the family’s unit in Rockwood, Michigan, Hewlett spent much of her time there. Over the years, she has developed a special affinity for the brand.To her,&nbsp;<a href="https://1851franchise.com/awrestaurants">A&amp;W</a> is more than a career. It’s part of her family’s legacy.“Unofficially, I’ve been with this brand since I was 10 when my dad started it,” she said. “I worked at the restaurant through college, and with only a short break after college, I’ve stuck with the brand all these years. Eventually, I took over completely.”Hewlett chooses to be a hands-on owner by directly involving herself in the restaurant’s daily operations and personally organizing her staff for a successful shift. Though she feels comfortable stepping back occasionally, she strongly prefers to have a hand in the day-to-day business of the restaurant.“I get here each morning a couple of hours before we open and clean the fryers and ice cream machine,” said Hewlett. “I check that we have enough root beer and inspect the restaurant to be sure everything is as it should be. It’s important to me that everything is in order, so my staff is set up for success. Once the staff arrives, I talk them through the day’s priorities. From there, I may assist with the store’s operations or work in my office. It’s helpful for us to have a routine.”Hewlett has also personalized her restaurant’s local marketing campaign by introducing a “Community Share Night” for the schools in the area, offering an opportunity for students to share what they’ve learned at school.“There are tons of schools in this area, and at one point, an elementary school approached me and asked if they could have a Share Night,” she said. “I was happy to invite them. From there, the word spread, and now I have at least 10 schools that hold Community Share Nights at our restaurant. They bring in a ton of business, and it feels great to create a community space for locals.”A&amp;W differentiates itself from others in the QSR segment by creating a sense of community and encouraging these types of events, said Hewlett. The restaurant also stands out by offering higher-quality food, resembling that of a diner, while still providing the swift service one would expect from a restaurant in the QSR industry.For those considering becoming franchise owners at A&amp;W, Hewlett recommends taking a personal interest in the restaurant’s operations.“I recommend that owners learn how to do everything in the store themselves,” she said. “They might not need to work a fryer every day, but being personally involved and understanding the store inside and out will make you a better owner and leader for your staff.”A&amp;W currently seeks qualified franchisees for development opportunities in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and Nevada.&nbsp;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=a-day-in-the-life-of-aw-franchisee-stephanie-hewlett-2719874" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">https://franchising.awrestaurants.com/</a>.

A Day in the Life of A&W Franchisee Stephanie Hewlett

1851 Franchise

As a second-generation owner, Hewlett grew up with the brand and is passionate about its iconic history and family values.

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

a-day-in-the-life-of-aw-franchisee-stephanie-hewlett

Onigilly Japanese Kitchen

Unlocking the Potential: How Much Can You Earn as an Onigilly Franchisee?

unlocking-the-potential-how-much-can-you-earn-as-an-onigilly-franchisee

Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions

DeWitts Ignite New Chapter for Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions in Reno 

Grease, Grit, and Growth: DeWitts Ignite New Chapter for Filta Environmental Kitchen Solutions in Reno, Nevada

grease-grit-and-growth-dewitts-ignite-new-chapter-for-filta-environmental-kitchen-solutions-in-reno-nevada

Layne's Chicken Fingers

Layne's Chicken Fingers-50 Unit-Wendy's-Franchisee-June-2025

Why This 50 Unit Wendy’s Franchisee Is Betting on Layne’s for His Next Big Move

wendys-franchisee-expands-with-laynes-chicken-fingers-texas

CapitalSpring

CapitalSpring’s Jim Balis Talks Growth, ROI and the Future of Fast Casual on “Rock My Restaurant”

capitalsprings-jim-balis-talks-growth-roi-and-the-future-of-fast-casual-on-rock-my-restaurant

Children's Lighthouse

Children’s Lighthouse Ramps Up Growth in First Half of 2025 With Strategic Expansions, Franchise Signings, and New Headquarters

childrens-lighthouse-ramps-up-growth-in-first-half-of-2025-with-strategic-expansions-franchise-signings-and-new-headquarters

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 Development Website Builder

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

What June’s Jobs Report Means for the Franchise Industry

what-junes-jobs-report-means-for-the-franchise-industry

Drone Delivery Takes Flight in QSR: The Future of Franchise Operations?

drone-delivery-takes-flight-in-qsr-the-future-of-franchise-operations

Chick-fil-A Tops Customer Satisfaction Rankings for 11th Year as Challenger Brands Gain Ground

chick-fil-a-tops-customer-satisfaction-rankings-for-11th-year-as-challenger-brands-gain-ground

Technomic Releases Annual Ranking of the Top 15 Fast-Food Chains in the U.S.

technomic-releases-annual-ranking-of-the-top-15-fast-food-chains-in-the-us

Rising Jobless Claims Could Signal Challenges — and Opportunities — for Franchising

rising-jobless-claims-affect-franchising

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise

How Vishal Juneja Turned a Family Tradition Into a Paris Baguette Franchise Built on Heart and Community

paris-baguette-franchise-rockaway-new-jersey-vishal-junjea

How This Franchise Consultant Turned a Love for Dogs Into a Business with Dog Training Elite

How This Franchise Consultant Turned a Lifelong Love for Dogs Into a Growing Business with Dog Training Elite

how-this-franchise-consultant-turned-a-lifelong-love-for-dogs-into-a-growing-business-with-dog-training-elite

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Ricki Oberoi and Layne's Chicken Fingers logo

Multi-Unit Wendy’s Operator Signs 12-Unit Deal With Layne’s Chicken Fingers

ricki-oberoi-laynes-chicken-fingers-growth

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photos of Danielle Rosemond & Usman Khan & TruBlue logo

Family Members of Local Physicians Bring TruBlue Franchise to North Central Nassau, Long Island: A Health Care-Inspired Approach to Aging in Place

family-brings-trublue-franchise-to-north-central-nassau

The Ultimate Guide to Selling Franchises: How To Create a Strong Incentive

how-to-build-strong-incentives-to-attract-prospective-franchisees

Top 25 Franchise Marketing Leaders: Kelsey McManemin — Vice President of Marketing, HTeaO

top-25-franchise-marketing-leaders-kelsey-mcmanemin-vice-president-of-marketing-hteao

A Day in the Life of A&W Franchisee Stephanie Hewlett

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS