A&W Root Beer Facts

A&W is the most popular brand of root beer in America. That's pretty impressive when you consider the fact that there are well over a 100 different brands of available. Whether you enjoy A&W Root Beer by itself or as the base of a wonderful ice cream float, there's a good chance you've had this brand at one time or another. But, when did it all begin? Was A&W Root Beer always available on grocery store shelves? Find out those fun facts and many more.

A&W Root Beer Facts #1: Invented By a Pharmacist in Arizona

The formula for A&W Root Beer was invented by a pharmacist in Arizona. Roy Allen would purchase this formula to create America's favorite brand of root beer. Another fun fact is that sodas were originally used as medicines and later on, root beer flavors were added to medicines to make them more appealing to children.

A&W Root Beer Facts #2: Roy Allen Makes His First Batch in 1919

In 1919, Roy Allen mixed up the first batch of what would become A&W Root Beer. To this day, the recipe, which is a blend of sweeteners and spices, is the same as it was almost 100 years ago.

A&W Root Beer Facts #3: Originally Sold for 5 Cents

While a can of A&W Root Beer now costs around $0.75, it originally sold for only $0.05. But, Roy Allen only had a couple stands at the time. It would take over 50 years for A&W Root Beer to become a national success.

A&W Root Beer Facts #4: The Drink Would Lead to a Chain of Restaurants

From one tasty beverage, Roy Allen would be able to start a line of restaurants which would later become A&W All-American Food Restaurants. Over the years, the restaurants would change from drive-ins to full service restaurants to fast food restaurants. Another fun fact is that only a handful of A&W Drive-Ins still exist.

A&W Root Beer Facts #5: A for Allen and W for Wright

Roy Allen would team up with Frank Wright in 1922. With the success their drink was having, it needs a brand name. Roy Allen and Frank Wright would combine their last initials to create the name A&W.

A&W Root Beer Facts #6: A&W Beverages, Inc Was Formed in 1971

Throughout the years, A&W restaurants changed hands over and over again. But, in 1971, A&W Beverages, Inc was formed. Finally, after 52 years, A&W Root Beer would be available on grocery store shelves across America.

A&W Root Beer Facts #7: A Diet Version Was Introduced in 1974

One last fun fact is that Diet A&W Root Beer hit grocery store shelves in 1974. This happens to be one of the few diet sodas that taste just as good as the original.