2008 Woodie Awards
A&W closed, will reopen
Renae Beier, Staff Writer
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The ongoing downtown construction has proved inconvenient for pedestrians and drivers alike since it began three years ago. It has more seriously affected downtown businesses, however, especially A & W-home of the chili dog.
A & W closed its doors December of 2005 after a significant decrease in business directly related to the roadwork. According to Andy Karr, district manager of the branch, the restaurant suffered a 65 percent reduction in sales.
"In the summertime we were losing $1,000 a day," says Karr.
The restaurant was given an easement from the state of roughly $1,000, says Karr, but was later charged $2,000 or $3,000 by the city of Ripon for new sidewalks.
In addition to a reduction in sales, the branch was forced out of business.
After the close, the restaurant was purchased by Condon Oil. Karr, who originally ran the restaurant, was rehired by Condon as the district manager of A & W. The company already owns A & W locations in the towns of Princeton, Waupun, Coloma and Markesan.
"Last year's construction definitely had an effect on local businesses since it was on one of the main thoroughfares," says Travis Drake, city engineer and director of public works. "I don't know about [A & W's] situation, and I won't speculate. We did construction for a year and a half near their location, but I really don't know more than that."
As for the latest phase of roadwork, Drake says, "so far, so good." The construction is slated to finish in early September, but Drake says there has already been talk of extending the end date.
Although it's experienced financial hardships as of late, A & W plans to reopen May 1 of this year. According to Karr, patrons have a few new features to look forward to when business resumes.
The current location is being remodeled to include a new seating arrangement, and eventually, a checker floor and jukebox.
Owners and managers anticipate the interior renovations to be finished by 2009.
The restaurant will also add several new items to the menu, including a "papa" burger and orange floats.
"I think everybody will be really excited for it to reopen," Karr says.
A & W traces its roots back to Lodi, Calif., when the first restaurant opened in 1919. Roy Allen created the creamy flavor of A & W root beer-one that is now the world's top selling root beer.
The idea began to spread in the 1980's, when the then locally owned food hub was purchased by Alfred Taubman and franchises sprung up around the country. In 1990, a new president took over the company and doubled the amount of restaurants.
A & W is now accepting applications for employment. Forms can be picked up next door to the location, at the BP gas station.
Stephanie Chacharon contributed to this report.