A&W Restaurants, Inc., is a chain of fast-food restaurants distinguished by its draft root beer and root beer floats. A&W was arguably the first successful food franchise company, starting franchises in 1921 in California. Today, it has franchise locations throughout the world, serving a typical fast food menu of hamburgers and french fries, as well as hot dogs. A number of its outlets are drive-in restaurants with carhops. The company name was taken from the surname initials of partners Roy W. Allen and Frank Wright. The chain was sold to Great American Brand in December 2011.
Through local events, National Night Out aims to heighten crime prevention awareness, generate support for and participation in local anti-crime programs, and strengthen neighborhood spirit and police-community partnerships. National Night Out events will occur nationwide on Aug. 5, 2014.