1851

<a href="http://www.awfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=aw-restaurants-looks-to-expand-franchise-footprint-in-illinois-2719011" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">A&amp;W Restaurants</a>, the 100-plus-year-old American food franchise, is targeting Illinois for the next phase of its franchise expansion strategy. The franchise currently has eight units in operation throughout the state, and brand leadership says there is room to develop 8X that amount.“We’ve found fantastic success in Illinois,” said&nbsp;<a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-palumbo-3373008?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=aw-restaurants-looks-to-expand-franchise-footprint-in-illinois-2719011" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">John Palumbo</a>, A&amp;W’s senior director of franchise development. “Our offerings resonate with people who are interested in authenticity, quality and value, and we’ve found an increasing demand for A&amp;W restaurants throughout the Midwest.”As A&amp;W prepares to expand throughout Illinois, it is first targeting development opportunities in Chicago and Naperville, demonstrating the brand’s unique ability to support successful franchise operations in markets both small and large.“Our model is designed to thrive in just about any market,” Palumbo said. “That is an enormous value for us and our franchisees, because it allows us to establish a footprint in places like Chicago, where there is a huge customer base and tons of foot traffic, and also small- and mid-size markets like Naperville, which are underserved by other chains, allowing A&amp;W to stand out and stake out an outsized share of the market.”One of A&amp;W’s newest franchisees, Lee Fry, purchased a franchise location in North Aurora earlier this year. Fry says part of his attraction to the brand was its capacity for growth in his market.“We plan on expanding with the brand pretty quickly,” Fry said. “We’re actually already in the process of looking for additional sites right now. We would like to open five locations in what we consider to be the prime Chicago suburbs over the next couple of years.”As A&amp;W prepares to onboard new franchise owners in the state, Palumbo says he has no doubt his team will find passionate and qualified candidates throughout Illinois.“The great thing about this model is that it has been perfected and proven over the course of more than a century. There is very little room for error on the franchisee side,” he said. “We have built an incredible playbook for success. Our franchisees don’t need years of experience working in kitchens or owning businesses, they just need to see the value in what we offer, follow the playbook and get out in their community to build relationships and evangelize for the brand. There are plenty of folks in Illinois who know and love the A&amp;W brand and are well equipped to succeed with our model.”The total investment necessary to begin operation, not including rent or land costs, is $871,000 to $1,469,554 for a Freestanding Restaurant; $401,000 to $1,051,088 for an Inline Restaurant; and $276,000 to $704,000 for a Captive Restaurant, including a $15,000-$30,000 franchise fee.

A&W Restaurants Looks To Expand Franchise Footprint in Illinois

1851 Franchise

The iconic American food brand is targeting new development opportunities in the Naperville and Chicago markets.

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-restaurants-looks-to-expand-franchise-footprint-in-illinois

Sola Salons

Sola Salons Eyes Southern Connecticut for Strategic Franchise Expansion

sola-salons-eyes-southern-connecticut-for-strategic-franchise-expansion

Woodhouse Spas

Photo of exterior of Woodhouse Spa location with people walking around outside

Woodhouse Spas: A Recession-Resistant Franchise Opportunity With Unmatched Support

woodhouse-spas-recession-resistant-franchise-opportunity

Sylvan Learning

Pasadena Weekly: Sylvan Learning Pasadena Offers Free Tutoring for Students Impacted by Local Fires

sylvan-learning-pasadena-free-tutoring-fire-support

BIGGBY COFFEE

BIGGBY® COFFEE Names Erin Kaylor as President, Reinforcing People-First Vision

BIGGBY® COFFEE Names Erin Kaylor as President, Reinforcing People-First Vision and Growth-Focused Future

biggby-coffee-names-erin-kaylor-president

Workout Anytime

Design with Workout Anytime logo and photo of Larry Brayman

Workout Anytime Welcomes Larry Brayman as Chief Marketing Officer, Strengthening Leadership Team Amid Growth Surge

workout-anytime-larry-brayman-cmo

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

The Future of Franchising: Trends and Predictions for 2025 and Beyond

the-future-of-franchising-trends-and-predictions-for-2025-and-beyond

Restaurant Business: Crumbl Cools Its Expansion, Refocuses on Profitability

restaurant-business-crumbl-cools-its-expansion-refocuses-on-profitability

Franchise Face-Lifts: Why Major Restaurant Brands Are Betting Big on Remodels

franchise-face-lifts-why-major-restaurant-brands-are-betting-big-on-remodels

How New Tariffs Are Causing Price Hikes and Surcharges for U.S. Businesses and Franchises - 1851

Tariffs Prompt Price Hikes, Surcharges as Businesses (and Franchises) Brace for Rising Costs 

tariffs-prompt-price-hikes-surcharges

Pizza Hut - EYM Group - Chapter 11 Bankruptcy - 77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold - 1851 Franchise

77 Pizza Hut Locations Sold After Franchisee Bankruptcy Filing

pizza-hut-franchisee-bankruptcy-eym-group

DonutNV Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

franchise-deep-dive-donutnv-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

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

Photo of Happinest Brands vans and teams standing together

Happinest Brands Closes Strong Q1 With Strategic Growth, System-Wide Enhancements

happinest-brands-q1-2025-growth

Church's Texas Chicken - Franchise Deep Dive - Growth Club - 1851 Franchise

Church’s Texas Chicken Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

churchs-franchise-deep-dive

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

Franchise Success Stories: Inspiring Tales from the Front Lines

franchise-success-stories

Image of building outline hovering over person's hand

How To Choose the Right Franchise: A Step-by-Step Guide to Success

how-to-choose-the-right-franchise-step-by-step

Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises To Own in 2025 - 1851 Franchise

The Most Profitable Restaurant Franchises to Own in 2025

most-profitable-restaurant-franchises-to-own

Amateur Bodybuilder and Business Partner Bring Passion for Fitness to World Gym Franchise in Fulton, New York

amateur-bodybuilder-and-business-partner-bring-passion-for-fitness-to-world-gym-franchise-in-fulton-new-york

A&W Restaurants Looks To Expand Franchise Footprint in Illinois

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS