Why This 20-Plus-Year A&W Franchisee Is Still Excited About the Brand’s Future 

Sandy Brown has filled a lot of frosty mugs with Root Beer in her day, but with revitalized sales, talent, and energy, she’s never been more excited about the brand. 

No one knows how to pour a heady mug of Root Beer quite like Sandy Brown. As an A&W Restaurant franchisee, she’s been doing it for more than 20 years. These days, however, she’s excited by the strong sales, renewed energy and new people she’s seeing in the brand. 

“This brand is more than 100 years old, but they're doing a lot of great things right now,” she said.

Brown, who owns a co-branded A&W and Long John Silver’s shop in Oklahoma City, became involved in the A&W system in 1998. When the multi-unit franchisee owner that owned the store, a standalone location with a drive-through, gave her the opportunity to buy it, she jumped at the chance.  

“It’s been a wonderful experience to work with an A&W as a franchisee,” she said. “You get to see both sides of how the business operates. You’re not just seeing the top line; you’re asking, ‘What are you going to do this year and next year?’ So it's been quite a business lesson, as well.”

Today, Brown serves on the National A&W Franchisee Association (NAWFA) Board, whose membership represents a variety of franchise A&W owners. Brown represents other franchisees who also own co-branded A&W/Long John Silver’s locations. She thinks it’s important that operators like her are finally being given a seat at the table and a voice in the decisions being made.

“The leadership sought me out because they wanted someone with a strong background in operations who has been in the stores and truly knows the ins and outs of running an A&W,” Brown said. “The board is made up of other franchisees from all over the country.. Overall, it’s a tremendous advantage to have that perspective when making decisions.”

Brown, who had worked as a director of operations for a multi-unit franchisee, admits she was a little nervous making the transition to become an owner. But the A&W team was able to guide her through the process. 

“Everything's been explained step by step. They make the franchisee feel comfortable and encourage them to become very involved with the organization,” Brown said. “I can't say enough good things about how they treat their franchisees and communicate with them at all levels.”

She’s excited about the momentum she feels happening in the brand. “We’ve brought a lot of new energy to the leadership team,” she said. “That includes young people on the board with fresh ways of doing things and new perspectives.”

Brown thinks this is great news for the brand’s future. “I want to see this brand continue to succeed and grow at least another 25 units every year. And I want to see A&W grow like that for generations to come.”

The total investment to franchise with A&W Restaurants ranges from $276,000 to $1,397,000, including a $15,000 to $30,000 franchise fee. For more information on franchising with A&W, please visit https://franchising.awrestaurants.com/