1851

LAST UPDATED: June 14, 2023 FRANCHISE WEBSITE:<a href="https://awfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-aw-restaurants-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722738" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;https://awfranchising.com/</a> NUMBER OF LOCATIONS:&nbsp;800+ REPORTED COST TO GET IN:&nbsp;$276,000 to $1,469,554 REPORTED ROI (Item 19):&nbsp;N/A<a href="https://awfranchising.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-aw-restaurants-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722738" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">A&amp;W Restaurants</a> is a classic American casual fast-food chain known for its iconic root beer and burgers. The<a href="https://1851franchise.com/awrestaurants">&nbsp;A&amp;W</a> brand was first established in 1919 in Lodi, California as a roadside stand when founder Roy Allen handed out his first homemade soda. In 1922, Roy Allen partnered with Frank Wright. The duo then leased their first two root beer stands to other operators.That same year, the partners coined the name A&amp;W, the first letter of their last names.By 1925, the partners began selling franchise opportunities, making A&amp;W the first and the oldest franchise restaurant chain in America. In 2011, A&amp;W was purchased by a group of domestic and international A&amp;W franchise partners.To this day, A&amp;W continues to sell its iconic root beer, burgers, shakes, hot dogs, sides and chicken.How Many A&amp;W Restaurants Are There?As of June 2023, A&amp;W has&nbsp;<a href="https://awrestaurants.com/blog/112320-aw-franchise-restaurants-post-another-month-double-digit-sales-growth?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-aw-restaurants-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722738" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">approximately 550 restaurants</a> in the U.S. and&nbsp;<a href="https://awfranchising.com/faq/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-aw-restaurants-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722738" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">over 300 standalone units</a> internationally. The brand is actively offering new franchise opportunities across the globe.What Is the A&amp;W Restaurant Business Model?The A&amp;W Restaurant business model is focused on offering franchise opportunities and serving classic American cuisine, with an emphasis on burgers and the brand’s signature root beer. Since being purchased by a group of franchise partners in 2011, the brand says no decisions are made without input from the National A&amp;W Franchise Association, its franchisee association board.A&amp;W provides all new franchise owners with<a href="https://awfranchising.com/support/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-aw-restaurants-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722738" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;ample support</a> regarding site selection, training, marketing and supply chain management. The brand also leverages its brand heritage and emphasizes quality, taste and service to attract new guests. Unlike other franchise brands, A&amp;W prides itself on being able to work in small towns. According to its franchise website, A&amp;W has a “long history of success in small towns that other restaurant franchises overlook.” The brand is able to operate in smaller areas that pick up guest traffic from tourism.In order to keep operating costs low for its franchise owners, A&amp;W utilizes its partnership with<a href="https://rscs.com/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-aw-restaurants-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722738" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;Restaurant Supply Chain Solutions</a>, which is a distributor for franchises such as Pizza Hut, KFC and Taco Bell. Through this partnership, A&amp;W seeks to provide the lowest food, paper and equipment costs possible.&nbsp;&nbsp;How Much Can A&amp;W Restaurant Franchise Owners Make?According to A&amp;W Restaurants’<a href="https://awfranchising.com/financial-requirements/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-aw-restaurants-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722738" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">&nbsp;franchise site</a>, the brand has average annual sales that are higher than the industry average. Since 2011, A&amp;W owners saw same-store sales grow on average by upwards of 67%.How Much Does It Cost to Open an A&amp;W Restaurant?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. A&amp;W also requires franchise candidates to have a minimum liquidity of $150,000 and a net worth of at least $350,000.What Is the Franchise Fee for A&amp;W Restaurants?The initial franchise fee ranges between $15,000 to $30,000.Who’s on the A&amp;W Restaurants Leadership Team?<ul><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/dale-mulder-491b556b/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-aw-restaurants-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722738" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Dale Mulder, Chairman of A&amp;W Restaurants</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevin-bazner-7b4a546/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-aw-restaurants-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722738" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Kevin Bazner, CEO</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/paul-martino-87362b181/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-aw-restaurants-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722738" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Paul Martino, President and COO</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/bill-fry-7629881/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-aw-restaurants-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722738" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Bill Fry, Vice President of Restaurant Support Services</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-palumbo-3373008/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-aw-restaurants-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722738" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">John Palumbo, Sr., Director of Franchise Development</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/ron-lewis-1641a125/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-aw-restaurants-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722738" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Ron Lewis, Director of Design &amp; Construction</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/liz-bazner-61277745/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-aw-restaurants-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722738" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Liz Bazner, Senior Director of Marketing</a></li><li><a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/jodi-garrison-cpa/?utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-aw-restaurants-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722738" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">Jodi Shepherd, Vice President of Finance &amp; Human Resources</a></li></ul>What Helpful Articles Can I Read to Learn More about A&amp;W Restaurants?<ul><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/awrestaurants/aw-restaurants-starts-the-year-strong-with-1-new-opening-per-month-2-signings-and-more-in-the-pipeline-2722062#featured">A&amp;W Restaurants Starts the Year Strong With 1 New Opening Per Month, 2 Signings and More in the Pipeline</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/awrestaurants/aw-restaurants-ranked-among-the-top-franchises-in-entrepreneurs-highly-competitive-franchise-500-2720881#featured">A&amp;W Restaurants Ranked Among the Top Franchises in Entrepreneur’s Highly Competitive Franchise 500®</a></li><li><a href="https://1851franchise.com/awrestaurants/restaurant-dive-how-a-second-drive-thru-lane-boosted-sales-for-an-aw-franchisee-2720757#featured">Restaurant Dive: How a Second Drive-Thru Lane Boosted Sales for an A&amp;W Franchisee</a></li><li><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4klgy7z3vsI&utm_source=1851franchise.com&utm_medium=article&utm_campaign=franchise-deep-dive-aw-restaurants-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data-2722738" target="_blank" rel="nofollow">1851 Fireside Chat with A&amp;W</a></li></ul>Disclaimer: This content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial or other advice. Nothing contained on this site constitutes a solicitation, recommendation, endorsement, or offer to buy or sell any franchises, securities, or other financial instruments in this or in any other jurisdiction in which such solicitation or offer would be unlawful under the franchise and/or securities laws of such jurisdiction. All content in this article is information of a general nature and does not address the detailed circumstances of any particular individual or entity. Nothing in the article constitutes professional and/or financial advice, nor does any information in the email constitute a comprehensive or complete statement of the matters discussed or the law relating thereto. You alone assume the sole responsibility of evaluating the merits and risks associated with the use of any information or other content in this article before making any decisions based on such information or other content.&nbsp;&nbsp;&nbsp; &nbsp;

Franchise Deep Dive: A&W Restaurants' Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

1851 Franchise

With its long history and signature offerings, A&W Restaurants continues to prosper and grow as America’s oldest franchise restaurant brand.

franchise-deep-dive-aw-restaurants-franchise-costs-fees-profit-and-data

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-petbar-Makes-Pets-and-Their-Owners-Happy-as-Part-of-the-Family-in-a-Clean-and-Fun-Environment

How petbar Makes Pets and Their Owners Happy as Part of the Family in a Clean and Fun Environment

petbar-franchise-opportunity-boutique-pet-grooming

petbar Franchisees Win the $6.89B Global Market With Complete Transparency, Self-Service and Membership Models, Creating the Happiest Place for Dogs

petbar-franchise-opportunity

Bringing Robots to Main Street: How Elad Inbar’s RobotLAB Franchise Is Powering the Local AI Revolution

bringing-robots-to-main-street-how-elad-inbars-robotlab-franchise-is-powering-the-local-ai-revolution

Busy Bee Jumpers Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

busy-bee-jumpers-franchise-costs-fees-2025

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

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

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

petbar Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data for 2025

petbar-franchise-deep-dive

Design with outline of three houses and people working on laptops within them

Top 10 Low-Cost Home-Based or Mobile Franchises for 2025

low-cost-home-based-mobile-franchises

Franchisee spotlight graphic with photo of Juan & Whitney Fernandez & family, BIGGBY COFFEE logo

From Chiropractic to Coffee: These BIGGBY® COFFEE Franchisees Are Brewing Something New in Troy, Ohio 

biggby-coffee-franchise-coming-to-troy-ohio

Franchise Deep Dive: A&W Restaurants' Franchise Costs, Fees, Profit and Data

MORE STORIES LIKE THIS