Category: Uncategorized

The Welch A&W family: From military service to restaurant service

A&W Restaurants franchise owner and U.S. Army veteran Ryan Welch is carrying on a family tradition of restaurant ownership at his A&W location in Caledonia, Wisconsin. The story highlights Welch’s path to franchise ownership, his military background and his commitment to serving the local community while continuing the legacy of an iconic American restaurant brand. […]

How A&W’s new CEO Betsy Schmandt is modernizing a 105-year-old brand

A&W Restaurants is embracing modernization while staying true to the heritage that has defined the iconic brand for more than a century. In this Nation’s Restaurant News feature, CEO Betsy Schmandt shares A&W’s “newstalgia” strategy, which combines investments in technology, digital marketing and restaurant operations with the nostalgic experience guests know and love. The brand […]

A&W Strengthens Its 105-Year Legacy With ‘Newstalgia’

A&W Restaurants is building on more than a century of history with a “newstalgia” strategy that blends the brand’s iconic heritage with a fresh approach to the future. By embracing what longtime guests love about A&W while evolving the restaurant experience for a new generation, the brand is creating a strong foundation for continued franchise […]

Wisconsin’s root beer baroness: How Deanne Wells’ A&W Restaurants thrive in small towns

A&W Restaurants franchisee Deanne Wells has turned a lifelong connection to the brand into a growing portfolio of restaurants across Wisconsin. After opening her first A&W in 2016, Wells has expanded to six locations by focusing on small-town markets, strong community involvement and memorable guest experiences. Her story highlights the opportunities A&W franchise ownership can […]

A Legacy of Commitment: Operator and A&W go back more than 4 decades

A&W Restaurants franchisee James Brajdic has turned a lifelong connection to the brand into a successful multi-unit franchise business spanning 13 locations in Central Wisconsin. From starting as a dishwasher at his family’s A&W at age 13 to becoming a second-generation owner and multi-unit operator, Brajdic’s story highlights the value of strong franchisee-franchisor relationships, a […]

A&W Operator Dee Wells Builds Franchising Legacy in Small-Town America

A&W Restaurants franchisee Deanne “Dee” Wells is building a multi-unit franchising legacy by bringing the iconic brand to small-town communities across Wisconsin. From starting as a carhop at age 15 to owning six A&W restaurants, Wells has grown her business through flexible restaurant formats, community involvement and a commitment to her employees and guests. With […]