CityFood Magazine - A&W Gets Its Urban Groove On

Could A&W become as ubiquitous around Vancouver as Starbucks? We had to wonder when the "Coming Soon" signs went up for two new locations, only a couple of blocks from each other on Robson Street. The 700-block Robson and Howe Street branch opened a week ago, and the 500-block Robson restaurant will be open any day now. (Signs indicate they are currently hiring.) Other A&W restaurants are expected at The Station on Cordova Street and at 1166 Alberni Street.

All of them will sport a new look - the boomer nostalgic/family friendly theme of the suburban outlets being replaced by a more youthful and graphically hip vibe as the fast-food chain tries on its new "urban concept".

On the menu this translates as more choices for chicken and salad lovers: two chicken burgers, a chicken caesar salad and a dinner-size garden salad, in addition to more worldy flavours such as the Chipotle Chicken Sandwich.

There's no sign of the Root Bear, but bold graphic images of the Burger family (Papa, Mama, Uncle, Teen and Baby) are everywhere: on the walls, countertops, and even a display of pop-bright drink coasters that looks somewhat like a CD display.

For the tech geeks (and supposedly time harried urbanites), there is free wifi as well as banks of credit card happy, self-serve kiosks, which are efficient, if not exactly private. Don't be surprised when one literally shouts out "YOU HAVE CHOSEN THE EXTRA LARGE FRIES!"

And of course everyone must show a little green these days, even hamburger joints. Rob Fussey, A&W's director of urban concept development, says the new stores will pay attention to environmental concerns, serving drinks in frosted glass mugs, fries in baskets and meals on china plates and cups, thus reducing the amount of disposable paper products going into the trash bins.

Things are looking up for summer (The Station restaurant will be on two levels, the top level overlooking The Station below, and will have movable tables and chairs as well as an outdoor eating area). And the future in general looks bright for A&W. The company, which has 715 locations throughout Canada, will add 27 locations this year, seven of them urban concept venues. Apparently the company aims to have 30 new urban concept locations in Vancouver before Christmas.

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