ROCK HILL, S.C. — A&W Restaurants is coming to the Charlotte area with the iconic brand's first-ever location inside a Walmart store in Rock Hill.
A&W, the iconic brand known for its root beer served in frosty mugs, plans to open several new locations in the Carolinas, including the newest inside the Walmart at 4875 Old York Road in Rock Hill. Franchisees Ronald and Nadyne Jennings have signed to open three new locations in the Charlotte market, including the new Rock Hill location.
The new restaurants will serve all of A&W's All American classics, like the beloved root beer float and burgers.
"We are excited to bring our iconic brand to North Carolina and South Carolina," Ronald Jennings said. "A lot of people remember A&W when they were growing up. I remember memories of going there and having an A&W Root Beer float."
In addition to the new A&W locations, the Jennings own multiple Schlotzsky's and Moe's locations in the Carolinas. They also own two car washes near Clemson University.
A&W plans to open 26 new units to franchisees in 2023 and 10 new restaurants nationwide, including North Carolina and South Carolina. The iconic root beer brand started as a roadside stand in Lodi, California, in 1919. It has grown to more than 500 locations nationwide and 300 standalone restaurants.
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