5 Questions With...Randy Cordray, Sr. Director of Operations

Randy Cordray has been with the A&W Restaurant Support Center Team since he was hired as an Area Coach in 2016. Six years later, Randy is now the Senior Director of Operations and works closely with Franchise Partners across the United States. We asked Randy to reveal something on his bucket list, about himself, his favorite A&W menu item, and more…

What advice would you give your 16-year-old self?

I would probably tell myself to slow down and live in the moment more. Don’t let the experiences in front of you get lost by constantly trying to get to the “next” thing in life.

What’s your favorite memory from your time at A&W?

We have worked in our local Lexington, KY community for several years with a youth employment program coordinated through the city government. Seeing one of these individuals stay with us for several years through high school and then serving his country as a Marine has been very fulfilling. Knowing that we were able to provide an opportunity for that young man to change his life that maybe he wouldn’t have had otherwise makes what we do as restaurant operators all worthwhile.

If you could share a Root Beer Float with anyone in the world, who would it be and why?

I would share a Float with Alton Brown. I used to watch his show Good Eats on Food Network all the time (much to the chagrin of my wife). I’m an amateur science nerd so I enjoyed how his show brought the science of food and cooking together. Watching those certainly helped me be a better cook both at home and in our restaurants.

What’s one item on your bucket list?

One of the items on my bucket list is to visit all of the National Parks one day.

When enjoying a Float, do you use a spoon, straw, or both?

Both!