1919
The Origin Story
Roy W. Allen starts a roadside root beer stand in Lodi, California.
The A&W difference
A&W is not just an iconic root beer brand. We're a burger franchise that's a piece of American history. We have over a century of experience serving families our craveable classic menu. More than America's oldest restaurant franchise, we're a proven, time-tested concept that continues to attract customers and franchisees today.
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Vision
A&W is the heart of your hometown.
To be America’s most beloved hometown restaurant and create joyful moments for every generation. -
Mission
Delight our guests with exceptional all-American food, genuine hospitality and community spirit that brings timeless joy to our guests.
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Values
Quality that floats above the rest – product, hospitality, environment
- Intentional inclusivity – Shareholders, franchisees, suppliers, team members
- Community connection – Supporting the neighborhoods we serve, giving back to local causes, Veterans and keeping a nostalgic, hometown feel in restaurants.
A stroll down memory lane
We didn't start out as a fast food franchise, but we became one very quickly. Take a look at our history — how far we've come and what makes us continue innovating as America's beverage franchise.
1922
The Partnership
Allen teams up with Frank Wright—A&W is born, and their first Sacramento restaurant opens.
1926
Franchising Begins
A&W launches one of America’s first franchise systems, helping define fast food’s future.
1956
First International Expansion
A&W crosses the border, opening its first Canadian location in Winnipeg.
1963
Culinary Innovation
A&W franchisee Dale Mulder is credited with creating the bacon cheeseburger—helping cement the brand’s place in burger history.
1971
Bottled Root Beer
A&W hits shelves in bottles and cans, expanding beyond the restaurant.
1974
Rooty Arrives
Rooty the Great Root Bear makes his debut as A&W’s iconic mascot.
1980–2000
Strategic Shifts
A&W evolves through new ownership, global growth, and key QSR partnerships.
2003
Menu Innovation
Wisconsin White Cheddar Cheese Curds hit the menu.
2011
Franchisee Ownership
Franchisees buy A&W from Yum! Brands—putting operators in control.
2019
100-Year Milestone
A&W celebrates a century of iconic root beer and brand legacy.
2020
Resurgence & Growth
Performance rebounds as franchisee-led growth gains momentum.
2024
Industry Recognition
A&W earns top marks in franchise satisfaction and system strength.
2025
Awards & Rankings
Bronze at the CFA Awards of Excellence; continued Franchise 500 recognition.
Your journey toward ownership
As an integral part of the communities we serve, A&W encourages its fast food franchisees to give back and build meaningful connections locally.
Root Beer Float Day
raises funds for U.S. veterans through Disabled American Veterans (DAV).
Cruise Night events
bring the community together for classic cars, food, and local fun.
Share Nights
give back a portion of sales to schools, teams, and community organizations.
Meet the team behind the brand
As one of America's original and most successful burger franchise brands, A&W has ensured the right people are in place to help support our franchisees in running their day-to-day businesses while benefiting from expert guidance in areas like marketing, training, supply chain and growth strategy. Our dedicated management team drives innovation, maintains quality control and helps scale efficiently.
Betsy Schmandt
CEO & President
Betsy Schmandt serves as the CEO & President of A&W Restaurants, Inc., America’s first franchised restaurant chain. With a rich background in the franchising industry, she previously held the position of President of Franchising at Famous Brands, overseeing Mrs. Fields and TCBY. Ms. Schmandt’s expertise extends across licensing and marketing, with impactful roles at esteemed companies including Godiva Chocolatier, Sesame Workshop and Macy’s. Ms. Schmandt holds an M.B.A. from New York University Stern School of Business and a B.A. from Miami University in Ohio.
Betsy Schmandt serves as the CEO & President of A&W Restaurants, Inc., America’s first franchised restaurant chain. With a rich background in the franchising industry, she previously held the position of President of Franchising at Famous Brands, overseeing Mrs. Fields and TCBY. Ms. Schmandt’s expertise extends across licensing and marketing, with impactful roles at esteemed companies including Godiva Chocolatier, Sesame Workshop and Macy’s. Ms. Schmandt holds an M.B.A. from New York University Stern School of Business and a B.A. from Miami University in Ohio.
Randy Cordray
Vice President of Operations and Training
Randy is a seasoned veteran of the restaurant industry with over 25 years of experience including 9 years dedicated to A&W Restaurants. He has served the brand in several roles including Area Coach, Franchise Growth Leader and Director of Operations during his tenure. Prior to coming on board with A&W, Randy worked with other QSR and fast-casual brands, both in franchise and company operations. Randy and his team are focused on driving profitable sales for the existing franchise system, as well as opening profitable new restaurants for the brand. Randy is passionate about helping restaurant operators identify and leverage opportunities, assisting them in maximizing their profits, and empowering their teams. He believes people are the most valuable resource a restaurant has, and the most critical to care for.
Randy is a seasoned veteran of the restaurant industry with over 25 years of experience including 9 years dedicated to A&W Restaurants. He has served the brand in several roles including Area Coach, Franchise Growth Leader and Director of Operations during his tenure. Prior to coming on board with A&W, Randy worked with other QSR and fast-casual brands, both in franchise and company operations. Randy and his team are focused on driving profitable sales for the existing franchise system, as well as opening profitable new restaurants for the brand. Randy is passionate about helping restaurant operators identify and leverage opportunities, assisting them in maximizing their profits, and empowering their teams. He believes people are the most valuable resource a restaurant has, and the most critical to care for.
Meredeth Jones
Vice President of Franchise Development and Design
For over 15 years, Meredeth Jones has been a driving force in the franchise industry, helping brands turn ambitious growth goals into thriving realities. Her journey began in the ever-changing world of quick-service restaurants and has since spanned various sectors, from fast-casual and full-service dining to child enrichment, health and wellness, and retail. Throughout her journey, she’s honed her expertise in franchisor growth, sales strategies and brand sustainability.
Meredeth’s leadership has been shaped by her work with iconic names like Caribou Coffee, Inspire Brands and Chick-fil-A, where she played pivotal roles in their growth and success. In 2010, she founded Two Chicks Consulting—a franchise consulting brand dedicated to empowering franchisors and supporting sustainable growth.
Today, as Vice President of Franchise Development and Design for A&W Restaurants, Meredeth channels her passion for excellence into leading the brand’s expansion while fostering strong franchisee relationships. Meredeth’s goal for A&W Restaurants is to drive strategic growth by expanding franchise opportunities across the U.S., enhancing brand awareness and delivering an exceptional experience that attracts superior franchise candidates to the iconic All-American brand.
For over 15 years, Meredeth Jones has been a driving force in the franchise industry, helping brands turn ambitious growth goals into thriving realities. Her journey began in the ever-changing world of quick-service restaurants and has since spanned various sectors, from fast-casual and full-service dining to child enrichment, health and wellness, and retail. Throughout her journey, she’s honed her expertise in franchisor growth, sales strategies and brand sustainability.
Meredeth’s leadership has been shaped by her work with iconic names like Caribou Coffee, Inspire Brands and Chick-fil-A, where she played pivotal roles in their growth and success. In 2010, she founded Two Chicks Consulting—a franchise consulting brand dedicated to empowering franchisors and supporting sustainable growth.
Today, as Vice President of Franchise Development and Design for A&W Restaurants, Meredeth channels her passion for excellence into leading the brand’s expansion while fostering strong franchisee relationships. Meredeth’s goal for A&W Restaurants is to drive strategic growth by expanding franchise opportunities across the U.S., enhancing brand awareness and delivering an exceptional experience that attracts superior franchise candidates to the iconic All-American brand.
Amanda Potts
Vice President of Marketing and Innovation
Amanda Potts is the VP of Marketing and Innovation at A&W Restaurants, with over 20 years of experience working with retail and restaurant brands. Before joining A&W Restaurants, she served as Director of Franchise Marketing at Valvoline Inc., where she partnered with franchisees to implement marketing solutions for over 1,200 locations. Her prior experience includes various roles at Fazoli’s in Brand Management, Digital and Public Relations. Amanda holds a B.S. in Integrated Strategic Communications from the University of Kentucky and resides in Lexington, KY, with her two daughters, Caroline and Jill.
Amanda Potts is the VP of Marketing and Innovation at A&W Restaurants, with over 20 years of experience working with retail and restaurant brands. Before joining A&W Restaurants, she served as Director of Franchise Marketing at Valvoline Inc., where she partnered with franchisees to implement marketing solutions for over 1,200 locations. Her prior experience includes various roles at Fazoli’s in Brand Management, Digital and Public Relations. Amanda holds a B.S. in Integrated Strategic Communications from the University of Kentucky and resides in Lexington, KY, with her two daughters, Caroline and Jill.
