A&W’s Century of Craft and Nostalgia
In this episode of the Hospitality Hangout podcast, Michael Schatzberg (“The Restaurant Guy”) and Jimmy Frischling (“The Finance Guy”), welcome Kevin Bazner, Chairman and CEO of A&W Restaurants, to explore how one of America’s most iconic brands continues to honor its legacy while embracing a changing industry. Kevin reveals how A&W balances tradition and innovation to keep the brand thriving.
The Hospitality Hangout | Restaurant Industry Trends & Hospitality Leaders · Kevin Bazner
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Show Notes
Kevin Bazner reflects on his middle-class upbringing, where he learned early on that hard work was the motivator behind his achievements. Kevin started in the industry at just 14 years old as a dishwasher, Kevin’s story—rising to CEO and Chairman of a brand with over a century of history—stands as a testament to hard work, perseverance, and respect for every role in the business.
Key Takeaways:
• Kevin’s respect for dishwashers and the invaluable lessons learned from working his way up in the restaurant industry.
• A&W’s marketing strategy presents the brand’s history and traditions in a way that feels both genuine and authentic – offering uniqueness, flavor, authenticity, and experimentation to the Gen Z generation.
• How is A&W recreating the classic drive-in nostalgia at the 80% of locations where the traditional format no longer exists?
• Kevin talks beverage strategy, sharing the reimagining of A&W’s original, freshly made craft root beer into trends like dirty sodas, energy drinks, and cold brew.
• A&W is mixing modern tech with classic hospitality, from kiosks in the U.S. to 90% self-ordering in Asia, all while keeping its Americana charm alive. Kevin shares how they’re catching up and standing out.
• Hot takes: Kevin Bazner discusses the craft mocktail trend, Gen Z’s love for Instagrammable beverages, and how A&W’s 105-year-old classic frosty root beer is staying cool in a modern world.
Plus, “Trivia Tuesday”, quick fire questions, and a Pretzel Party Pack price showdown. Thank you for joining us on Hospitality Hangout, brought to you by Branded Hospitality Ventures. Join us next time for more conversations with the leaders and innovators driving what’s next in hospitality.
Restaurant Transformation , Hospitality Strategies , Brand Experience , Hospitality Insiders , Hospitality Stories , Hospitality trends , Success in hospitality , hospitality insights , hospitality success , hospitality , connecting players , funny food stories , hospitality insiders , success in hospitality , hospitality stories . hospitality podcast, Custom business solutions, restaurant technology, restaurant promotions, restaurant ownership, culinary topics, food customs
Episode Credits:
- Sponsored by: DirecTV
- Produced by: Branded Hospitality Media
- Hosted by: Michael Schatzberg, Jimmy Frischling
- Producer: Julie Zucker
- Creative Director: Adam Levine
- Show Runner: Drewe Raimi
- Post Production: Three Cheers Creative
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