Iconic restaurant chain details plans to open NC stores in the Charlotte region
An iconic root beer and burger chain will open several restaurants in the Charlotte region.
A&W Restaurants, based in Lexington, Kentucky, will open nine franchised restaurants, including three in the Charlotte area, five in Las Vegas and one in St. Louis, the company said in a news release.
Ronald and Nadyne Jennings will build restaurants in the Gastonia and Kings Mountain areas and in South Carolina in the Rock Hill area, according to A&W.
The restaurants will open over the next four years, said John Palumbo, senior director of franchise development for A&W. He said they’re looking at both building new sites and possible renovation of former restaurant sites.
A&W restaurants typically employ up to 30 people full and part time, Palumbo said.
A&W is known for making its root beer on site in each restaurant and served in frosty mugs. The menu includes burgers, chicken and hot dogs, and of course, root beer floats and other desserts.
The company does not have any other restaurants in North Carolina but has five restaurants in South Carolina, according to the company website.
Since being acquired by franchisees nearly 10 years ago, A&W comp-sales are up more than 50%, according to the company.
About A&W
The 102-year-old company started with a root beer stand by founder Roy Allen in Lodi, California. There are now more than 900 A&Ws in the U.S. and Asia.
Five years ago, A&W separated from Yum Brands, which includes fast-food restaurants like KFC, Pizza Hut and Taco Bell, and became an independent company again.
A&W CEO Kevin Brazner said in a company video that the chain is focused on growth with franchise partners. A&W is America’s first franchised restaurant chain, according to the company.
Correction: This story has been updated to reflect A&W Restaurants formerly had stores in North Carolina and the Charlotte area.
This story was originally published July 20, 2021 at 12:43 PM with the headline "Iconic restaurant chain details plans to open NC stores in the Charlotte region."