North Vancouver-based A&W Food Services of Canada announced today that it opened 26 new restaurants in 2010, including three in downtown Vancouver.
In 2009, the company opened 22 stores; in 2008, 20; in 2007, 16.
A company news release notes 15 of these restaurants were opened in Ontario, commenting that the province is key to the company’s strategic growth.
Company vice-president of restaurant expansion Graham Cooke noted in the release he expects the company’s growth to continue for at least the next three to five years.
“We introduced a multi-site development program in Ontario and Quebec in 2009 and interest from existing and new franchisees has been enormous,” he said. “We have since introduced the same program into B.C. and Manitoba. We are now essentially sold out in these two western provinces.”
The release noted A&W has opened five downtown locations – including the three in Vancouver plus one each in Calgary and Toronto¬ – as part of the company’s new urban concept. The approach targets densely populated urban areas, offers a slightly modified menu offering and a more contemporary interior décor.
The release states the concept has gained lots of early interest with consumers.
“We are very pleased with the early results and will continue to target downtown markets in Vancouver, Toronto and Montreal in the coming years,” A&W’s director of urban development, Rob Fussey, said in the release.
Betty Johnson, the company’s executive assistant to both the vice-president and president, confirmed the company opened three downtown Vancouver locations this year: two on Robson Street and one on Alberni Street. She noted the company plans to expand further into the downtown Vancouver market this year, but declined to provide specifics.