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About A&W

Pioneers in the Industry

Established in 1919, A&W has been a pioneer in the fast-food industry. It all started when Roy W. Allen opened a roadside root beer stand in Lodi, CA. From there, Allen partnered with Frank Wright, and together they coined the name A&W, which has become synonymous with root beer ever since. Then, in 1926 A&W began franchising with a system that has expanded internationally. After a whole century, A&W® Root Beer remains the most popular in its category among consumers.

Made Fresh Root Beer Magic

illustration showing how Rooty studies the secret caffeine-free recipe from 1919.

Rooty studies the secret caffeine-free recipe from 1919.

illustration showing how Rooty rounds up the best ingredients like real cane sugar.

Rooty rounds up the best ingredients like real cane sugar.

illustration showing how Rooty stirs & stirs & stirs & <em>STIRS</em>.

Rooty stirs & stirs & stirs & STIRS.

illustration showing how Rooty adds juuuust the right amount of fizz.

Rooty adds juuuust the right amount of fizz.

illustration showing how Rooty fills a big frosty glass mug to the tippy-tip-top.

Rooty fills a big frosty glass mug to the tippy-tip-top.

illustration showing how Time for a taste test. PERFECT!

Time for a taste test. PERFECT!

FAQs

A&W Facts

A&W stands for our founders, Roy Allen and Frank Wright.

A&W was purchased by a group of domestic and international franchise partners in 2011. All A&W restaurants are 100% franchisee-owned-and-operated.

Our signature A&W Root Beer is still made fresh in our restaurants with real cane sugar and a proprietary blend of herbs, bark, spices, and berries. Best enjoyed in an iconic frosty mug.

Yes! Dale Mulder, an A&W franchise partner in Lansing, Michigan, created the Bacon Cheeseburger in 1963. Mulder later served as A&W’s president and chairman.

Prices & Locations

All A&W restaurants are individually owned and operated, so pricing may vary slightly by location. Contact your local A&W directly to confirm pricing information.

Visit awrestaurants.com/find-a-location to find an A&W Restaurant near you. We hope to see you soon!

Deals & Official Merchandise

Join Rooty’s Mug Club at awrestaurants.com/deals to receive exclusive coupon offers via email or text message. Subscribers also get a free small Root Beer Float coupon on their birthday every year, sneak peeks at upcoming menu items, and more!

Select A&W restaurants may offer mugs and merchandise for purchase, but this will vary. We recommend contacting your local A&W directly to confirm merchandise availability.

Franchising & Careers

Visit awfranchising.com to learn more about franchise opportunities with A&W Restaurants.

All A&W Restaurants are individually owned and operated. Please contact your local A&W directly to confirm available employment opportunities.

Smartphone display an image of A&W root beer and foodSmartphone display an image of A&W root beer and food

Download the A&W app and get 20% off your first order.

Promo Code
20OFF
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National Root Beer Float Day

Every August 6th, A&W celebrates National Root Beer Float Day with FREE Root Beer Floats at our U.S. restaurants. All we ask for in return is a suggested donation to our pals at DAV (Disabled American Veterans). A&W has supported our nation’s military service people since our founding in 1919, raising over $1 million for veterans charities.

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