This company is one of the oldest fast-food chains around. They have been serving traditional American fast-food for almost 100 years; satisfying multiple generations. The chain serves everything you’d expect at a traditional diner: hamburgers, french fries, corndogs. However, what they are most recognized for is their very own brand of draft root beer.

When you enter any of their locations, you’ll be filled with nostalgia for days gone past. Everybody; from the youngest to the oldest member of the family, will be enthralled with their, indulgent menu and legendary root beer floats, all served in frozen frosty glasses.

History

The first A&W location was opened way back in 1919, in Lodi, California. This is when Roy W Allen opened his very first root beer stand and the story began for the infamous A&W brand.  After two years, Allen began franchising the drink and it was the following year that he enlisted the help of his friend Frank Wright, his subsequent partner for the booming business. The name for the brand came from the two partners’ surnames, Allen and Wright: A&W.

The pair initially focused solely on the production and distribution of their delicious drink. The first drive-in location was opened in 1923 in Sacramento, California and was a huge success. In fact, A&W were the very first system of franchised restaurants on the roadside.

The next few decades saw a burst of A&W restaurants spring up all over the US. In 1956 they opened their first international locations in Montreal and Winnipeg in Canada. By 1960 the company had grown to a massive 2,000 locations. Furthermore, by the 1970’s the chain could boast that they had more stores than McDonalds.

Nowadays, there aren’t as many A&W restaurants as there used to be. You’re most likely find one either along the high way or in a co-branding with Long John Smith’s. However, stop off at any restaurant, you’ll still find their typical, tasty, all-American fast-food menu and intoxicating own brand beverages. 

Review

All A&W locations are pristinely clean and designed with a nostalgic look; a classic diner theme. The restaurants are equipped with modern technology and you’ll find a variety of dining options: drive-thru, drive-in or eat-in. Their restaurants are designed with traditional booth seating and in some locations you’ll also find some outdoor seating in the form of picnic tables.

The staff are extremely welcoming and accommodating; at the drive-in locations you’ll often find fast and friendly carhops. The chain prides itself on its family focused atmosphere. The menu is pretty straight forward and offers typical fast-food options: hot dogs, hamburger, onion rings, french fries, corn dogs, chicken strips and corn dog nuggets.

A&W Restaurants’ absolute most popular item is their root beer float. Made from their very own brand of the popular beverage and with the creamiest ice cream, topped off by being served in an ice-cold frosty glass, this drink has had years of experience poured into it and is an example of a ‘perfect’ float. For an accompaniment, try their Papa Burger and onion rings, both are beyond tasty. Their prices are also something that makes them an attractive option. Sides vary from between $1 to $5; you’ll be looking at around $5 for a burger meal and their root beer floats are very reasonable at around $3.

A&W Restaurants have held a place as one of the nation’s favorite family diners for a few reasons: great service, friendly staff, indulgent root beer floats and fantastic all-American fast-food. They have consistently provided this for almost 100 years and will continue to do so for years to come.