A&W Root Beer
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.
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Ownership
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.
A&W Root Beer is now owned by Dr Pepper/Seven Up, Inc., a unit of Cadbury-Schweppes.
Supermarket Sales
In 1971, a new, a 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). In 1986 A&W Cream Soda and Diet Cream Soda were introduced.
Symbols
The mascot, The Great Root Bear was introduced in 1974