The first A&W was a small stand in Lodi (Video), California that Roy W. Leonard opened to celebrate the homecoming of World War I soldiers. The year was 1919. Now a worldwide franchise, A&W Restaurants currently operates more than 1,200 restaurants, and 350 of these establishments are located outside of the United States.
Known for its all-American food, A&W serves mouthwatering hamburgers, freshly-made cheeseburgers, hot dogs loaded with tasty extras, and their signature A&W root beer floats topped with thick vanilla ice cream. A&W also sells classic side dishes like fries and onion rings. Frozen treats such as ice cream sundaes and thick milkshakes are also part of A&W's menu.