The 1980’s

A. Alfred Taubman, a developer of shopping centers and real estate, purchased A&W Restaurants, Inc. in 1982, and a new era for A&W had begun.

 A period of reorganization and planning began. Franchising efforts were halted while a new prototype was being developed, and new menu concepts and management techniques were being implemented. In September 1986, E. Dale Mulder, a multiple-unit A&W franchise owner and former Executive Director or the National A&W Franchise Association was appointed President of the corporation.

 Also, by mid-decade, the international division of A&W Restaurants had expanded it's operations into 7 Southeast Asian countries. A corporate office located in Malaysia continues to be the home of A&W's international operations.

 With Mulder's appointment, franchising had begun again and a steady growth plan implemented. An even stronger emphasis had been placed on serving franchise needs and providing assistance to the operators.

 This re-invigorated environment soon reaped big rewards in the form of an agreement to convert over 200 Carousel Snack Bars of Minnesota restaurants to "A&W Hot Dogs and More" restaurants -- a relationship which continues to thrive today.

Tracks 2000 Engineering Our Success together

In January of 1991, the momentum of the chain increased greatly with the addition of GeorgeE. Michel as A&W Restaurant's new President and Chief Operating Officer. A 20 year veteran of A&W Food Services of Canada, Michel is credited with more than doubling the number of corporate restaurants during his tenure in Canada and is also recognized for guiding the company's growth by increasing the number and strength of the franchise operations.

 Michel guided A&W Restaurants' expansion efforts into the captive, high-pedestrian segment with an immediate focus on opening new restaurants in food courts, shopping centers, office buildings and multi-use complexes. 

In January, 1992, Michel became Chief Executive Officer of A&W Restaurants, Inc., and continued to strengthen and lead the Company toward targeted growth. Under Michel's watch, new A&W food carts and kiosk units began being introduced to compete more aggressively in the alternative site markets.

 Looking Forward

In December of 1994, Sagittarius Acquisitions, Incorporated, headed by Sidney Feltenstein purchased A&W Restaurants, Inc., from the Taubman interests. The new ownership, backed by the investment company, Grotech Capital, will draw upon Feltenstein's long history of industry experience (He is a former Executive Vice President of Marketing for Burger King Worldwide and a one time key executive with Dunkin' Donuts.), to help move A&W Restaurants into a new era of growth and prosperity as it passes the year 2000 and beyond.

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