A&W Restaurants has opened a location in the Rock Hill, South Carolina, Walmart. The unit is owned and operated by multi-unit and multi-brand franchisees Ronald and Nadyne Jennings, who have signed a three-unit deal for the North and South Carolina markets, according to a press release.
The Rock Hill A&W is the first location systemwide to open within a Walmart.
The Jennings have plans to open additional locations in the Carolinas, including a restaurant in Aiken, South Carolina, which is planned for an opening later this year.
“From our experiences owning other franchises in the area, we saw the unique experience A&W is able to offer customers and how committed they are to providing the highest quality service. We are confident that we are bringing to Rock Hill an American favorite that everybody in the family can enjoy,” Ronald Jennings said in the press release. “We are excited to bring our iconic brand to South and North Carolina. 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. A&W struck my interest because A&W has been around for over a century and is recognized as the country’s oldest franchise. I thought, why not go with the pioneers?”
“We believe the Carolinas have the capacity to house several more additional successful restaurants. We are excited about our new franchise partner and that we have been able to help him achieve his dream of opening multiple A&W restaurants,” John Palumbo, A&W’s senior director of franchise development, said in the press release. “For over 100 years, the A&W brand has resonated with so many Americans across this great country and Rock Hill is no different. This is only the tip of the Root Beer Float for A&W in South Carolina!”
The new Rock Hill location is part of A&W’s plan to award 26 units to franchisees in 2023 and open 10 new locations. A&W is looking to target both new and existing markets including additional states like Iowa, Illinois and Wisconsin, but also North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and Nevada.
