[May 16, 2012] – Mayor Jim Gray and Commerce Lexington Inc. officially welcomed long-time Kentucky corporate citizens A&W Restaurants, Inc., back to Lexington today with a ribbon-cutting ceremony at the company’s new headquarters at Coldstream Research Campus.
“We have been working hard to bring headquarter operations to Lexington,” Gray said. “Headquarters bring strong leaders to Lexington who can help us build our reputation as a pro-business, progressive city. Headquarter operations support and strengthen our efforts to grow good-paying jobs.” A&W is the third corporate headquarters operation Gray has brought to town, or kept here.
Last year, A&W Restaurants, Inc., was sold by Louisville-based YUM! Brands to A Great American Brand, LLC.
The move to Lexington creates 30 jobs and represents an investment of nearly $1.9 million.
“A&W Restaurants, Inc. is happy to be back here inLexington. Thanks to the support of the Commerce Lexington economic development team, the city of Lexington, and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development for their partnership in making this a great fit for the A&W team at our new World Headquarters at UK’s Coldstream Research Park,” said Kevin Bazner, CEO for A&W Restaurants, Inc. “We are very excited about the quality of staff we have been able to attract and look forward to becoming an integral part of the community as we grow our business from our new home here in Lexington.” Company Chairman Dale Mulder was also in attendance.
Bob Quick, CCE, President & CEO, Commerce Lexington Inc., said Commerce Lexington is proud that A&W Restaurants, Inc., is callingLexingtonhome again. “Our economic development team, in partnership with LFUCG and the Kentucky Cabinet for Economic Development, enjoyed working with A&W on their location to Lexington,” Quick said. “A&W is a great addition to our growing list of headquarters inLexington.”
The Urban County Council recently approved tax incentives for up to $600,000 through the Kentucky Business Investment Program. The performance-based incentive can be earned over the term of the agreements through corporate income tax credits and wage assessments by meeting specific job and wage targets.
With a history that dates back to 1919, A&W® Root Beer is still the number one selling root beer, mixed daily at hundreds of A&W restaurants. The company was once part of Yorkshire Brands, which was located inLexington in the 1990s.
