Order Matic and A&W® Revolutionize Drive-In Communications
Since 1919, A&W Root Beer® has been quenching the thirst of Americans in signature frosty mugs. Upon selling their first mug for a nickel, founders Roy Allen and Frank Wright opened up what is believed to be the country¹s first drive-in in Sacramento, CA. By 1933, the creamy beverage is such a success that A&W expands to over 170 franchises across the Midwest and West. By the 1960s, over 2400 A&W® restaurants are operating nationwide with 800 in Canada and continue to be a viable restaurant throughout the 20th century.
Acquired by YUM! Brands in 2002, A&W Root Beer is world¹s number one selling root beer and mixed fresh daily at A&W restaurants across the nation. With over 90 years of success, A&W has grown up with several generations of Americans.
In the early 1960s, A&W approached Order-Matic with a communications conundrum. Initially, all orders at A&W were taken from customers by a car hop at the car, later graduating to a manual switchboard. Order Matic introduced a priority switchboard creating a “First in, First Out” process. This took pressure off of the operator allowing for faster order taking.
Order-Matic implemented a revolutionary Point of Sale system with outdoor signage, that allowed seamless communication from the car to the inside of the store. As a result this led to speedier service and a clean fresh look for the drive in.
Since the 1960s, Order-Matic and A&W Restaurants have worked together to revolutionize drive-in technology. While other drive-ins disappeared over the years and were replaced by strip malls and drive-thrus, A&W leveraged its signage and communications system to become a sustainable American classic.
To this day, Order-Matic provides a wide variety of products, including Point of Sale systems, signage, graphics, communication equipment, and restaurant accessories to the A&W brand. We continue to supply and service the A&W brand and consider them a large part of our heritage as we celebrate 55 years in the industry!