Lexington, Ky. — A&W Restaurants, an all-American QSR with over 100 years of experience in business, has promoted Betsy Schmandt to chief executive officer and president of A&W Restaurants. Previously serving as the chief operating officer and president for the brand, Schmandt will inherit the responsibility from former CEO, Kevin Bazner, who will continue his tenure as chairman.
Schmandt spent the last 18 months as COO and president of A&W Restaurants where she led day-to-day operations, ensuring efficiency, productivity and alignment with the businesses’ long term strategic goals. Prior to A&W, she led Mrs. Fields and TCBY as the president of franchising.
“Since joining A&W, Betsy has quickly made an impact here by providing strategic direction, operational insights and innovative ideas to propel our brand ahead. Her passion and dedication to the brand is what assures us she’s the right person for the role,” says Kevin Bazner, chairman and former CEO of A&W Restaurants. “With more than 105 years of experience in business, A&W Restaurants continues to withstand the test of time, and I’m excited to watch the next chapter ahead with Betsy at the helm.”
Founded over 100 years ago, A&W Restaurants has over 850 locations in 35 U.S. states and Asia, of which more than 600 are single-brand A&Ws and 230 are co-branded with KFC or Long John Silver’s. For more information, visit www.awrestaurants.com.
SOURCE: A&W Restaurants