A&W Canada — Restaurant in Vancouver

A&W, known primarily for its fast-food chain, has an interesting history that dates back to 1919. The brand was founded by Roy W. Allen in California, initially starting as a root beer stand. The root beer became popular, leading Allen to partner with Frank Wright in 1921, creating the A&W name, which stood for Allen & Wright.

By the 1920s, A&W began franchising its brand, making it one of the first fast-food franchises in the United States. The first franchised A&W root beer stand opened in Sacramento, California, in 1921. The chain expanded rapidly, and by the 1930s, it had hundreds of stands across the country.

In the 1960s, A&W began to expand its menu beyond root beer, introducing hamburgers, hot dogs, and other fast food items. The brand became known for its iconic A&W Root Beer floats and the distinctive frosty mugs in which the root beer was served.

A&W experienced several ownership changes over the decades, including a merger with the Yum! Brands in the 1980s, which later sold A&W to a Canadian company. Today, A&W is well-known in Canada and the United States, with a focus on quality ingredients and a commitment to sustainability.

The brand has maintained a nostalgic image, often recalling its roots with vintage advertising and promotions. A&W continues to be a beloved choice for many fast-food enthusiasts, known for its distinct flavors and classic offerings.

Kerr Street in Vancouver is located in the neighborhood of Kerrisdale, which has a rich history dating back to its early days. The area was originally inhabited by Indigenous peoples before European settlers arrived in the late 19th century.

The neighborhood began to develop in the early 1900s, with the arrival of the Canadian Pacific Railway and the establishment of Kerrisdale as a residential area. Named after the Kerr family, who were among the early settlers, the street and surrounding area became known for their beautiful homes and tree-lined streets.

Kerrisdale developed into a suburban community, attracting families and businesses. The construction of schools, shops, and parks contributed to its growth and appeal. The area maintained a distinct character, with a mix of architectural styles, including Craftsman and Tudor homes.

In recent years, Kerrisdale has continued to evolve, blending its historical roots with modern developments. Today, it is known for its vibrant community, local businesses, and cultural diversity. The history of Kerr Street reflects the broader changes in Vancouver as it transitioned from a small settlement to a bustling...

The best place for an early breakfast. The All Canadian Breakfast, which comes with a small drink, is only $12. The bread used for toast is so fresh that despite my vow to curb carbs, I end up inhaling each wedge. Everything is delicious, and the coffee is now from Pret a Manger.

Lunch faves include the Mozza Buddy burger, fries (better than McDs), and onion rings (the best), and of course the root beer, which is served in a chilled glass beer stein.

Apr/2025: '56 Buddy burger (only $5!) is like the regular Buddy burger but with a mozza sauce, cheddar cheese, and grilled onions. This was so lip-smackingly tasty.

May/2025: Steakhouse Buddy burger (also $5!) has a bacon jam and peppercorn aioli with ... wait for it ... arugula! Another tasty burger with super soft bun and sharp cheddar, although I preferred the '56 burger.

June/2025: Masala Veggie Burger ($6) has a melange of real veg mixed with paneer, cheese, and just enough chili for a muted burn. Pretty sophisticated for $6!

I love the way A&W is re-inventing their flavours. Keeps you coming back for more.

Only down side with this location is the ambience, with views of the...

BE AWARE! Look at your charges and receipts. We ordered to dine in, simple classic breakfast and sausage McMuffin with 2 coffees. They are charging .25 cents per cup. I asked the cashier why and she asked is it small or medium? (As if it had something to do with the charges..) But I reply that I am having dine in why should I be charged for a to go cup and she didn’t have anything to say and took it off. It’s not about the money but if they do this to every single person imaging all the money they get. 1 cent from a million customers adds up but this is .25 cents times that. This is not right as most people that go here are elders and low income families that live in co-ops near by. Not honest and I don’t condone this kind of behavior so I will no longer support this business. I understand times are hard for business ( or is it? Maybe not as much as we think) but also for your average people that just want to treat themselves every once in a while. What a shame that we have to live in such an age of constant scams one after another....