A&W making a Singapore comeback: 5 favourites we love to bits

A&W fans might cry buckets of joy reading this.

After fizzling out of the scene 14 years ago, the former king and pioneer of fast food is staging a comeback to Singapore next year - if everything goes according to its plan.

Revealing the news in an email exchange with Yahoo Lifestyle Singapore, A&W CEO Kevin Bazner said the company aims to open 30 to 40 outlets in Singapore, Indonesia, Thailand and Malaysia each year in its expansion plans.

Bazner hopes to find a location for its flagship restaurant here, which will also serve as a regional training centre. After that, A&W expects a franchise outlet to open in the second half of 2018.

Old-timers could probably recall their excitement when A&W brought its bold American flavours to Singapore way back in 1966, and then, their disappointment when it closed all five outlets here in 2003. Since then, hardcore fans had to journey to Malaysia, Batam and Thailand to satisfy their cravings.

While they can look forward to new items when A&W returns to our shores with a renewed branding of better-quality fast food, we believe these Famous Five A&W creations will still continue to be their firm favourites:

1. ROOT BEER

Believe it or not, it's nearly 100 years old. Served in a frosty mug, this all-time favourite has been its signature item since the opening of its first root beer stand in America in 1919. Supposedly caffeine-free, it's made with "real cane sugar and a proprietary blend of herbs, bark, spices and berries", according to A&W.

2. A&W FLOAT

Another legendary creation is its frosty cold mug of A&W Root Beer crowned with its signature creamy vanilla soft serve. A classic treat, combining a drink with a sweet treat.

3. CONEY DOG

An A&W original, this all-beef hot dog is topped with its signature meaty chili sauce and sweet onions - like how the original Coney Island hot dog was reportedly made. And if you like, ask for the richer version with a creamy cheese sauce.

4. HOT DOG

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A hot dog the way it should be, it's a no-frills, all-beef frank. Many like it with ketchup and mustard.

5. CURLY FRIES

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Many loved their curly fries so much that they would not settle for the 'poorer' version by a major competitor here. A must-have side to accompany the root beer and happy conversation - that's how many of us used to spend our time.

What's your favourite A&W creation? Let us know in the box for comments below.

chenj@sph.com.sg

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