A&W Root Beer is one of the major root beer franchises in the United States.
| A&W logo | |
| A can of A&W root beer. | |
| Type | Root Beer |
|---|---|
| Manufacturer | Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages |
| Country of origin |  United States |
| Introduced | 1919 |
| Related products | Barq's |
A&W was first brewed in June 1919, in Lodi, California by Roy Allen. Allen sold the nickel root beer at a roadside stand at a parade for returning World War I veterans. Along with partner Frank Wright, Allen began A&W Restaurants, giving the root beer its name as well as eventually selling other food. At some A&W Restaurants the root beer is still prepared fresh, thus accounting for the fact that the taste varies at each restaurant.
Ownership
Allen bought out Wright in 1924. In 1950 he sold the company to Gene Hurtz. The Hungerford Smith Company, which had manufactured A&W Root Beer concentrate since 1921, bought the company in 1963. That company was purchased by United Fruit in 1970.
A&W Root Beer is currently owned by Cadbury Schweppes Americas Beverages.
Supermarket Sales
In 1971, a new, wholly owned subsidiary, A&W Beverages, Inc., began selling A&W Root Beer at supermarkets. (Previously it could only be found at A&W restaurants.)
There is also A&W ice cream, which is vanilla and root beer flavored.
Brands
- A&W Cream Soda and Diet Cream Soda were introduced in 1986
Symbols
A&W's mascot, The Great Root Bear, was introduced in 1974 by the Canadian restaurant division.