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A&W is the Bronze winner of the 2025 Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) Awards of Excellence in Franchising in the Category of Traditional 100+ Franchisees. The award was presented to A&W on April 7, 2025, during the Awards Gala at the 34th annual CFA National Convention at Sheraton Fallsview, Niagara Falls, Ontario.

Considered the pinnacle of franchise achievement in Canada, the CFA Awards of Excellence in Franchising are given annually to franchise systems that have demonstrated superior franchise relations, leadership, training, and communications.

“We’re incredibly grateful to receive this prestigious award alongside such esteemed franchisors in the CFA. This is truly a recognition of the highest caliber, and we owe our success to the hard work and dedication of our franchisees and so on behalf of the entire A&W team we share this with them. One of our core strengths has always been a commitment to working together as partners, and this award is a testament to that philosophy.” Says Ryan Picklyk, Senior Director, Strategic Partnerships & Franchising

This year, more than 70 CFA member franchise brands participated in the CFA Awards of Excellence in Franchising program. Sponsored by the CFA and administered by the Portage Group, a third-party research firm, the winning franchise systems were determined based on the results of a survey completed by participating brands’ franchisees about their experiences and levels of satisfaction with the system.

“The CFA Awards of Excellence in Franchising celebrates the very best in Canadian franchising in 2025. The winners have demonstrated the importance of Growing Together™ and the symbiotic partnership between franchisor and franchisee,” says Sherry McNeil, CFA President & Chief Executive Officer. “Regardless of the size or concept, a strong relationship between the franchisor and franchisees is fundamental to a franchise system’s success. We congratulate A&W for their achievements.”

Open exclusively to CFA franchise system members, the CFA Awards of Excellence in Franchising includes seven categories to enable franchise systems to be rated against their peers. Entries are separated into Traditional Franchises (i.e. those with brick-and-mortar locations) and Non-Traditional Franchises (i.e. mobile, home-based, etc.), then grouped based on number of franchisees. 

Systems with the highest scores in each category are recognized with Bronze, Silver, and Gold awards. The prestigious CFA Award of Excellence in Franchising Grand Prize is given to a Gold winner in the Traditional category and a Gold winner in the Non-Traditional category. 

To learn more about A&W, visit awfranchise.ca.

For more information about the CFA Awards of Excellence in Franchising and a list of winners, visit www.cfa.ca. 

About A&W

A&W Canada is not only the nation’s original burger brand but also one of the most beloved and successful quick-service restaurant (QSR) chains in the country. With nearly 1,100 locations across Canada, A&W is the second-largest burger chain in Canada’s growing multi-billion-dollar QSR burger market. Backed by over 65 years of history, A&W offers franchisees an exciting opportunity to partner with one of the most respected and innovative brands in the industry.

Founded in 1956, A&W was the first nationally branded burger chain in Canada. For years, A&W drive-ins were a popular gathering spot for families, cementing the brand’s place in the hearts of Canadians. These early days helped establish a deep and enduring connection with A&W, a relationship that continues today with millions of Canadians who fondly remember their experiences at A&W locations.

Despite its nostalgic roots, the brand has evolved with the times, replacing traditional drive-ins with modern, stand-alone restaurants equipped with drive-thru service. Today, A&W locations can be found in high-traffic areas like shopping centers, airports, and highway gas stations, making the brand more accessible than ever. Keeping pace with the digital world, A&W has introduced technology such as their mobile app which enhances guest loyalty while offering greater convenience, making it easier for them to interact with the brand and place orders. Throughout this evolution, A&W has remained committed to the core values that made it a success: great-tasting food made with simple, quality ingredients.

About the Canadian Franchise Association 

The Canadian Franchise Association (CFA) helps everyday Canadians realize the dream of building their own business through the power of franchising. The CFA advocates on issues that impact this dream on behalf of more than 600 corporate members and over 40,000 franchisees from many of Canada’s best-known and emerging franchise brands. Beyond its role as the voice of the franchise industry, the CFA strengthens and develops franchising by delivering best-practice education and creating rewarding connections between Canadians and the opportunities in franchising. Franchising is the 12th largest industry in Canada and franchised businesses contribute over $133 billion per year to the Canadian economy, creating jobs for almost two million Canadians. Learn more at: www.cfa.ca or http://www.FranchiseCanada.online.