Opening Up Food+Drink

Altoona A&W will be 45th Location in the State

A&W’s comeback to the area is just around the corner, opening Jan. 10

McKenna Scherer |

(ROOT BEER) FLOAT ON IN. Altoona A&W eatery to open on Tuesday, Jan. 10. (Photo via A&W Facebook)
(ROOT BEER) FLOAT ON IN. Altoona A&W eatery to open on Tuesday, Jan. 10. (Photo via A&W Facebook)

The long-awaited comeback of A&W in the Chippewa Valley is finally upon us: The new Altoona A&W restaurant, nestled in front of Woodman’s at 2870 Woodman Drive, is set to open Tuesday, Jan. 10. 

Location owners Dee and Jerry Wells have owned and operated other successful businesses (including convenience stores and gas stations), but Dee’s passion for the food industry began when she was 14, working her first job at a root beer stand. 

Dee went on to open A&W locations in Withee and Spencer, Wisconsin, with that success leading to scouting out potential locations in Altoona and Cadott. While the Altoona restaurant will be operating at the start of the new year, she hopes the Cadott location will open doors by the end of May. 

A&W Senior Director of Franchise Development John Palumbo said the brand hopes to expand further in Wisconsin, and across the country. “I think (Dee’s) story really encapsulates where we are as a brand,” Palumbo said in an interview with QSR. “For over 100 years the A&W brand has resonated with so many Americans across this great country and Altoona is no different.” 

The Altoona location marks the 45th location in Wisconsin


Follow the Altoona A&W on Facebook to keep up with the locally-owned location.