A Chicago real estate developer that has helped find sites for many restaurants over the past three decades now aims to open two fast-food sites of its own.
The owners of Lee Fry Companies recently acquired an A&W in North Aurora from the retiring franchisee and a former Burger King in Addison that they will turn into an A&W, QSR Magazine reported.
Lee Fry and his wife, Karin, plan to open at least five A&W sites. “Everybody we have dealt with, from bankers to city planners, has a memory about A&W. We like that it is a 100-year-old brand with a great reputation,” Karin Fry told QSR. “We also like that A&W is owned by franchisees. Too many chains make decisions that benefit shareholders, not franchise owners.”
The Frys had the support of A&W CEO Kevin Bazner, who worked with the couple personally to check out potential locations in Chicago. A&W, founded 102 years ago, is known for root beer made in its restaurants. It has more than 900 locations in the U.S. and in Asia..
The new Addison A&W, located at 1012 N. Rohlwing Road, is set to open before the end of 2021.
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[QSR Magazine] — Victoria Pruitt