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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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TruBlue Home Service Ally

TruBlue Featured in USA Today as Key Player in Helping Seniors Age Safely at Home

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Right at Home

Right at Home Marks 30 Years With Continued Franchise Growth

Right at Home Marks 30 Years With Continued Franchise Growth, Tech Advancements, and Strong System Engagement in First Half of 2025

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KidStrong Franchising, LLC

Unlocking Superpowers: How KidStrong Is Building the Next Generation of Confident Kids — and Thriving Franchise Owners

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How KidStrong has Become the Franchise Disrupting Child Development by Partnering with Purpose-Driven Franchise Owners 

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KidStrong Is Pediatrician-Recommended for Raising Confident, Capable Kids and Families Can't Get Enough

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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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