A&W to return to Singapore in 2018
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he American fast-food chain’s root beer float, coney dog and curly fries are making a comeback. American fast-food chain A&W will set up shop in Singapore again, after exiting the market more than 10 years ago.
A&W CEO Kevin Bazner said that A&W has had an office in Singapore since 2016, and that the company is looking to open 30 to 40 new restaurants a year across Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore and Thailand.
The company is currently looking for a retail space for its flagship in Singapore, which is scheduled to open next year. This flagship will also serve as a training store for other Southeast Asia outlets.
A&W – which stands for “Allen and Wright” – made its debut in Singapore in 1966 at Dunearn Road, and the first A&W drive-through opened in 1970 at Bukit Timah Road.
The fast-food joint’s hamburgers, hot dogs and root beer soon became hugely popular among Singaporeans and it is believed its success helped pave the way for other fast-food establishments to set up shop in Singapore, including McDonald’s (1979), Kentucky Fried Chicken (1977) and Burger King (1982).
However, by 2003, A&W faced stiff competition from its competitors and shuttered its remaining outlets in the same year.
Questions & Answers
Q.When did A&W last operate in Singapore before its upcoming return?
When did A&W last operate in Singapore before its upcoming return?
A&W shuttered its remaining outlets in Singapore by 2003, having faced stiff competition from other fast-food establishments in the market. The brand is now making a comeback after more than 10 years away.
Q.What is the company's expansion plan for the wider Southeast Asia region?
What is the company's expansion plan for the wider Southeast Asia region?
A&W aims to open 30 to 40 new restaurants annually across Indonesia, Malaysia, Singapore, and Thailand. The Singapore flagship store will also serve as a training facility for other regional outlets.
Q.Which other fast-food chains entered the Singapore market after A&W's initial success?
Which other fast-food chains entered the Singapore market after A&W's initial success?
McDonald's (1979), Kentucky Fried Chicken (1977), and Burger King (1982) all opened stores in Singapore after A&W's initial popularity. A&W's success helped pave the way for them.
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