Root beer floats and burgers: A&W wants to double number of Kansas City area spots

A&W only has five locations in the Kansas City metro. But the company hopes to double that starting in 2022.

John Palumbo, senior director of franchise development, wants five more area restaurants over the next three to four years and is looking for franchisees. The locations could be freestanding or in a convenience store, but all would have a drive-thru.

A&W currently has area restaurants in Independence, Leavenworth, Liberty, Merriam and Olathe.

“You don’t see a lot of brands that are 100 years old and still growing,” he said. “During COVID people were not just looking for comfort but things that brought them joy. We still have the frosty mug, root beer floats, all that nostalgia.”

A&W is known for its draft root beer (made fresh in the store). The menu also includes burgers, chicken tenders made to order, hot dogs and sides such as chili cheese fries, cheese curds and onion rings.

QSR, a trade publication, put the chain on its recent list of “The 17 Best Restaurant Franchising Deals.” It said franchise fees are between $12,000 and $30,000 depending on type and number of units, and royalty fees are 5%

Palumbo said sales increased for the ninth consecutive year in 2020.

A&W was founded as a California roadside stand in 1919. It now has more than 540 locations nationwide — 538 franchise owned. Average sales for freestanding restaurants are $1.2 million.

This story was originally published December 14, 2021 at 5:00 AM.