Why A&W Is A Great Multi-Unit Franchise Opportunity

A&W Restaurants, the iconic restaurant franchise with nearly 1,000 locations, is expanding rapidly thanks to the leadership of its multi-unit operators. Two of these multi-unit operators are business partners Jim Sprick and Jim Sill, who plan to bring standalone legacy A&W restaurants to Arnold, Missouri, and then Bellville, Illinois, this Fall. 

“Sprick and I are always looking for new opportunities, but we emphasize creating successful restaurants,” said Sill. “We would rather prioritize quality over quantity. That being said, the A&W business model allows for both.”

The ability to scale and operate multiple successful units sets A&W apart from other franchises in the QSR segment. The brand has a proven track record of established owners running two or more restaurants and building a legacy with the company.

“We’re bullish on A&W,” said Sprick. “We want to open three or four more in the next two or three years.”

With only brief buffer periods between taking on new ownership responsibilities, many multi-unit operators have quickly felt prepared for expansion with the brand. Thanks to corporate support and massive buzz around the iconic brand, new units don’t take long to become profitable.

“Once I figured out how to run the business, I felt confident that I could scale and open a new location,” said Dee Wells, another multi-unit operator with A&W Restaurants. “The business model is built to support multi-unit operators. I was glad I had a year under my belt with just the one unit, but expanding was a natural next step after that first year.”

By becoming a multi-unit operator, there is no cap to the profits an owner can bring in with the brand. 

“We’re ready to break ground soon and take over another one or two locations,” said Wells. “And just like with the second location, we wanted to take some time to calibrate before growing. Finding the right employees and managers is critical, but once we do so, I know we will succeed with those locations as well.”

In the second half of 2022 and beyond, A&W seeks qualified franchise owners for development in Iowa, Minnesota, Illinois, Wisconsin, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and Nevada. 

The total investment necessary to begin an A&W 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.

About A&W Restaurants

Established in 1919 in Lodi, California, as a roadside stand, A&W Restaurants now stands as a thriving part of the American experience. With 500-plus locations across the country, including 300 standalone restaurants, the brand remains a one-of-a-kind true original. Even its signature A&W Root Beer, served in an iconic frosty mug, is handcrafted at the restaurant. Today, that traditional approach is resonating strongly with consumers looking for authentic brands. For more information, visit https://franchising.awrestaurants.com/.