A&W is bringing back the good times of the drive-thru and drive-in experience in Sabah.
The opening of its standalone store at Parklane City Benoni marks another milestone in its expansion plan.
“This store is seated in the best location, adjacent to banks, a cinema, the commercial centre as well as housing,” said WSG Group Managing Director Datuk Susan Wong Siew Guen at the launching ceremony.
With this strategic location, she expects good business ahead for the brand, which is famous for its freshly brewed root beer and all-time classics like the Coney Dog and curly fries.
Chief Executive Officer of A&W Malaysia Charles Chen said this is a family-oriented restaurant designed for everyone to have a good time.
“The interior was designed to provide a spacious and relaxing atmosphere. It also features a children’s playground for parents with young kids,” he said.
The layout accommodates about 120 people without being cramped.
“There is also a party room for birthdays. Even adults can celebrate here—one of our customers in Kuala Lumpur recently marked her 85th birthday with us,” said Chen.
For Sabah, this is the first drive-thru and drive-in store, meaning customers can even enjoy their meals inside their cars with privacy, as four parking bays are provided.
“Drive-in is a very old concept but new for Sabah. In Petaling Jaya back in the 1960s, we first introduced the drive-in store.
“Later, things changed and everyone wanted it faster—so the drive-thru became popular for takeaways,” Chen explained.
He said the drive-in concept had stopped in West Malaysia but is now being reintroduced in Sabah to bring back the good old days.
Chen foresees promising business potential at Parklane, especially with other international chains also opening stores in the area.
“When the Pan Borneo Highway is completed, many passers-by will want a comfortable place to rest and eat after long hours of driving,” he added.
The outlet has created over 20 jobs, with most crew members residing in Papar as a way of giving back to the local community.
It is the fourth A&W store in Sabah, all located in and around Kota Kinabalu.
In line with its corporate social responsibility commitment, and in collaboration with WSG Group, 15 children from Caring for the Future (Malaysia) Bhd were invited to the event.
