Question

Who's A&W's leader? Provide a description of him/her. What contributions he/she has made to the company?

Answer 1

Dale Mulder

Allen and partner Frank Wright – hence the name A&W – began opening A&Ws throughout California. Franchising of roadside restaurants started in 1925, and A&W signs quickly popped up around the country. J. Willard Marriott opened A&Ws in Washington, D.C., launching what would become the Marriott hospitality empire.

A&W grew rapidly in the years following World War II, with many returning soldiers using GI Bill loans to open franchises. The chain is credited with creating the drive-in restaurant phenomenon of the 1950s and 60s. Its Modesto, California, restaurant was the inspiration for the classic film American Graffiti.

In 1963, Dale Mulder, a young A&W franchisee, invented the Bacon Cheeseburger. Mulder later became president of A&W and remains chairman. Also in 1963, A&W entered Malaysia, making it the first American restaurant chain to expand to Southeast Asia. That year, it also became the first American hamburger chain to open in Okinawa, Japan. Three years later A&W began serving guests in Singapore.

Company noted that A&W has survived recessions, wars, the Great Depression, sugar shortages, competition and 11 ownership changes. Today, A&W is the strongest it has been in decades, in part because we have returned to our roots, literally – serving freshly made Root Beer in frosted mugs along with all-American food favorites.

Today, there are about 1,000 restaurants around the world, with almost 600 in the U.S. A&W is owned by its franchisees, who acquired it from YUM! Brands in 2011. Forty-five new A&Ws are scheduled to open 2019. So Dale Mulder's contributions was really huge for the company. He paved a strong foundation for the company's growth and significant role in leading the company towards a bright future.