}}}}"hiddenStructure"
! Related products
| Dr Pepper
|}
A&W Root Beer, now the most popular root beer in the United States, was first brewed in June 1919, in Lodi, California by Roy Allen at a parade for returning World War I veterans. Allen initially sold the root beer for a nickel at a roadside stand. Allen, along with partner Frank Wright began A&W Restaurants, giving the root beer its name as well as eventually selling other food. A&W Root Beer is available prepared fresh in the restaurants or bottled in stores.
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.
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 the restaurants).
Brands
A&W Sugar-free Root Beer was introduced in 1974, (and reformulated as Diet A&W in 1987).
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.
