The Charlotte Business Journal: A&W Inks Deal for Local Restaurants

In an article featured in The Charlotte Business Journal, local business owners Ronald and Nadyne Jennings discussed their plan to bring three A&W locations to the Charlotte market. The Jennings, who own franchise locations with Schlotzsky’s and Moe’s Southwest Grill, will bring A&W locations to Gastonia, Kings Mountain and Rock Hill. John Palumbo, A&W’s senior director of franchise development, says the Jennings plan to bring these three locations to the market over the next four years with a mix of new construction and renovated spaces.

A&W’s entrance into the Charlotte market is part of a larger expansion plan for the iconic brand that has 550-plus locations across the country, including 300 standalone restaurants. The brand, which experienced its ninth consecutive year of growth, saw a 9% increase in year-over-year sales across the system in 2020. A&W ended Q2 of 2021 with 14 new restaurant commitments and 20 deals in various stages of the franchise pipeline. 

The total investment necessary to begin operation, not including rent or land costs, is $871,000 to $1,454,750 for a Freestanding Restaurant; $401,000 to $1,013,750 for an Inline Restaurant; and $276,000 to $704,000 for a Captive Restaurant, including a $15,000-$30,000 franchise fee.

Read the full article here.