Legacy brand bringing hometown hospitality to Kansas City with plans for its first opening in De Soto next year

LEXINGTON, KY. — (December 16, 2025)  — A&W Restaurants, an all-American QSR with more than 105 years of experience in business and serving communities, announced today its strategic plans to expand the brand’s presence across Kansas City, Missouri, and into neighboring suburbs. A&W’s expansion in Missouri is an opportunity to grow the brand’s footprint across the Midwest, connecting communities and aspiring entrepreneurs with a proven business model and a commitment to community, quality and service.

Kansas City’s growing economy and expanding population make it an attractive market for new business development. A&W has long thrived in the Midwest by bringing its signature hometown hospitality and All-American menu to communities that value authenticity and strong local connections. The brand is focused on partnering with entrepreneurs who want to build long-term businesses with meaningful local impact.

“A&W is a natural fit for the Kansas City metropolitan area because we understand the values that define these communities,” said Betsy Schmandt, CEO of A&W Restaurants. “We are committed to providing franchise partners with the support they need to build successful businesses that contribute to the fabric of their hometowns. With more than a century of experience, we continue to grow and evolve while staying true to the service and quality our guests expect.”

A&W Restaurants is actively expanding in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area with plans to open three locations over the next four years, with the first restaurant planned to open next year in De Soto, Kansas. The global brand operates more than 850 locations and continues to grow with franchise partners who share the brand’s values and mission to enhance lives and the communities served.

“After working for 25 years in Silicon Valley for high-tech companies, I discovered my true passion in gas and commercial real estate. I’ve owned and operated my own locations for years and saw a natural synergy between gas stations and quick-service restaurants. When I decided to expand, I wanted a well-established, highly recognizable brand and that’s what led me to A&W Restaurants,” said Moussa Sobaiti, owner of the upcoming De Soto location. “A&W is a strong, trusted brand known for quality products and great service, and I’m confident this new location will be a great addition to the community.”

A&W Restaurants is seeking franchise partners in the Kansas City Metropolitan Area who are passionate about their communities and care about delivering exceptional service to guests. Prospective franchisees would join a trusted brand with more than a century of experience and comprehensive support from industry experts with a proven history of helping businesses grow into multi-generational legacies and community hubs. The minimum investment level to own a franchise is $300K in liquid assets and a total net worth of $700K.

To learn more about franchising with A&W Restaurants, visit here.

About A&W Restaurants:

A&W Restaurants, one of the world’s best-known and most beloved quick-service brands, is experiencing a dramatic revival as more Americans discover – or rediscover – its famous Root Beer and high-quality All American Food® favorites.  Based on the original 1919 recipe, A&W’s signature Root Beer is made fresh in each restaurant with real cane sugar, water, and a proprietary blend of herbs, bark, spices, and berries and served in a frosty mug. Founded over 100 years ago, A&W Restaurants has over 850 locations in 35 U.S. states and Asia, of which over 600 are single-brand A&Ws and 230 are co-branded with KFC or Long John Silver’s.

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Media Contact:

Loren Thum, Thunderly Marketing

(817) 913-0194 | lthum@thunderlymarketing.com