Is A&W from Canada or the US? Reasons for its popularity, which differs from Japan

Experience Canada's A&W during your Toronto sightseeing. We explain its American roots, its unique growth in Canada, its commitment to beef—hormone-free and grass-fed—and even tips on how to order.

Talking passionately about Canada's evolved A&W burgers

St. Lawrence Market, the Distillery District, the CN Tower. When you come to Toronto, there are classic spots you want to visit at least once, but while walking around is fun, don't you find yourself quietly wondering, 'Where should I eat?'
A&WI truly believe you should try it when you come to Canada.

・You have limited time
・You don't want to wait in line
・But you want to eat somethingCanadian・You want something that won't upset your stomach
・You want something that isn't expensive but is
typically Canadian

That is why I want to recommend Canada's A&W. The color scheme of the sign is tacky, and the ads aren't flashy, so you can't even tell what they're selling! For these reasons, I hadn't even stepped into the store for 26 years. However, the meat is delicious! The taste of the meat is clearly different!!
I was shocked at how good it was. The fries weren't greasy like the ones served at restaurants; they were somewhat thick, and the saltiness and everything else were just perfect. Why didn't I know about this until now... It's far cheaper than the price of a burger you'd eat at a restaurant, and it's probably better than a burger you'd eat at a restaurant.

For those who thought, 'Isn't A&W an American chain?', you are half right and half wrong.
Canada's A&W is a rare chain that, while having its roots in the US, grew independently in Canada and became something like a separate brand. Moreover, A&W Canada has recently been putting its beef policy at the forefront, and the satisfaction level of the taste is high. It's a strong choice for a 'guaranteed good meal' during your trip.

The origin of A&W is not Texas!

People often get confused about where A&W originated, but it is said that it didn't start in Texas, but rather as a root beer stand in Lodi, California (1919).

It is generally explained that the A and W in A&W are the initials of founder Roy W. Allen and his partner Frank Wright.

In other words, A&W is a brand where 'root beer culture' existed before 'burger shops.' This is interesting. Next time, I will let you talk about root beer.

Canada A&W started in Winnipeg in 1956

A&W landed in Canada in 1956. The first store was in Winnipeg, Manitoba (Portage Avenue), and it started as a drive-in format.

And this point is decisively important.

Canada's A&W saw its Canadian operations sold to (then) Unilever in 1972, and it began operating separately from the American A&W. Later, in 1995, the Canadian side became independent from Unilever through a management buyout and grew as a chain operated in Canada.

Therefore, even though it is the same A&W, the "Canadian A&W" and the "American A&W" have a different atmosphere from the Japanese A&W, despite some similarities, and they have a distinctly Canadian feel.

This is the main point: What makes the beef at A&W Canada different?

Things to know before Black Angus!

I looked into the reason why I felt "A&W burgers are somehow delicious." A&W Canada officially states the following about their beef.

・Since 2013, they have provided beef raised without artificial hormones or steroids.
・They currently promote grass-fed & grass-finished (raised on grass, finished on grass) beef.

Furthermore, in 2020, an initiative to "transition to 100% Canadian grass-fed beef" was reported, and I felt their passionate commitment to beef.
Normally, beef that is grass-fed & grass-finished and raised without artificial hormones or steroids is expensive even for ground meat. It is super expensive!

This is the key point: the "core" of A&W Canada lies not in whether it is "Angus" or not, but in their beef procurement policy as a Canadian entity and its story design.

Explaining what Black Angus is

Angus (Aberdeen Angus) is a breed of beef cattle originating from northeastern Scotland, known for being black (or red) and polled (hornless).

・Angus is a breed.
・However, just because it says "Angus" does not necessarily mean it is high quality (there are various labels and standards).
・On the other hand, there are things with clear quality specifications, such as Certified Angus Beef (CAB), which is a brand with strict standards.

In other words, rather than simplifying "Black Angus = high-end," it is wiser to look at what is guaranteed (breed? feed? grade? brand specifications?).

In the case of A&W Canada, what they officially highlight are policies such as "grass-fed" and "no hormones or steroids," which is a typically Canadian way of choosing food.

Can't go wrong even for beginners: Classics to order at A&W Canada

Here are some recommendations that are easy to order and give you that Canadian A&W vibe.
Teen Burger / Mozza Burger (Classic burger line)
The representative of A&W Canada. If you want to get "satisfaction from one meal" while sightseeing, this is the place.
Onion Rings
A&W's onion rings have many fans. They are also easy to share.
Root Beer (preferably in a frosty mug)
The origin of A&W is root beer. The experience of it being served in a mug with a layer of ice is something that will remain in your memory as "Canadian-style fast food culture."

Ordering templates for those who are not confident in English
・Can I get a Teen Burger combo, please?
・Root beer, please.
・No onions, please. (This is fine if there is something you don't like.)

Toronto KiKi's Private Tour

If you would like to try other Canadian-style foods or local specialties like A&W, we can incorporate them into a private tour arrangement with Toronto KiKi!

Starting with Toronto tours, Niagara tours, and more, we will guide you on the best order and timing to stop by. Please contact us via the official Toronto KiKi website.