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In a recent podcast episode with <a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/fast-casual/qsr-uncut-podcast-qsr-magazine?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=qsr-magazine-aw-ceo-on-the-enduring-popularity-of-root-beer-surviving-the-labor-shortage-and-a-comeback-of-epic-proportions-2717237" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">QSR Magazine</a>, <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-bazner-7b4a546/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=qsr-magazine-aw-ceo-on-the-enduring-popularity-of-root-beer-surviving-the-labor-shortage-and-a-comeback-of-epic-proportions-2717237" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kevin Bazner</a>, CEO of <a href="https://franchising.awrestaurants.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=qsr-magazine-aw-ceo-on-the-enduring-popularity-of-root-beer-surviving-the-labor-shortage-and-a-comeback-of-epic-proportions-2717237" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">A&amp;W</a>, discussed how the 102-year-old classic American brand was able to navigate the past 18 months and how it plans to continue to expand in the future. <a href="https://1851franchise.com/awrestaurants">A&amp;W</a> will celebrate its ten-year anniversary of ownership by a franchisee-owned group this December, and Bazner discussed how the brand has put a greater emphasis on quality since the acquisition. The brand, which is literally older than sliced bread, has now survived and thrived during the Great Depression and two historic pandemics. A&amp;W saw its <a href="https://1851franchise.com/awrestaurants/aw-saw-a-9-comp-sales-increase-in-2020-now-the-franchise-is-focusing-on-its-standalone-model-to-drive-growth-in-2021-2715767#franchisor">ninth year</a> of consecutive growth in 2020 and wrapped up the first half of 2021 with <a href="https://1851franchise.com/awrestaurants/aw-wraps-up-q2-with-14-new-restaurant-commitments-and-20-more-deals-in-the-pipeline-2716368#franchisor">14</a> signed franchise agreements and another 20 in the pipeline.Bazner discussed how quality is A&amp;W’s competitive advantage against other quick-service restaurant brands and how, over the past 18 months, the brand has been able to be reintroduced to local communities. Many A&amp;W franchisees work in their stores so the community knows them, and the brand even has several third- and fourth-generation franchisees. Bazner also discussed how the brand is facing the work shortage by evolving and focusing on franchisee support, retention and recruitment.A&amp;W was recently named one of <a href="https://franchising.awrestaurants.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=qsr-magazine-aw-ceo-on-the-enduring-popularity-of-root-beer-surviving-the-labor-shortage-and-a-comeback-of-epic-proportions-2717237" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">QSR Magazine</a>’s 17 best <a href="https://1851franchise.com/awrestaurants/aw-restaurants-named-one-of-the-17-best-restaurant-franchising-deals-by-qsr-magazine-2716785#featured">restaurant franchising</a> deals in 2021.Listen to the podcast <a href="https://www.qsrmagazine.com/fast-casual/qsr-uncut-podcast-qsr-magazine?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=qsr-magazine-aw-ceo-on-the-enduring-popularity-of-root-beer-surviving-the-labor-shortage-and-a-comeback-of-epic-proportions-2717237" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">here</a>.

QSR Magazine: A&W CEO on the Enduring Popularity of Root Beer, Surviving the Labor Shortage and a Comeback of Epic Proportions

1851 Franchise

Kevin Bazner on how the 102-year-old brand is growing amid the nationwide labor shortage.

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HomeTeam Inspection Service

Hometown News: Like Father, Like Son — Family-Run Inspection Business Blends Generations of Expertise and a Keen Eye for Detail

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KLA Schools

KLA Schools of Beachwalk Hosts Admissions Kick-Off Celebration

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Good Day Columbus: Home Insurance Expert Reveals Why Central Ohio Premiums Are Rising and How to Combat Costs

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CapitalSpring

Primetime Fitness Expands Crunch Portfolio With CapitalSpring’s Backing

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Children's Lighthouse

How Children’s Lighthouse Franchisees Scale to Multiple Locations

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QSR Magazine: A&W CEO on the Enduring Popularity of Root Beer, Surviving the Labor Shortage and a Comeback of Epic Proportions

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