A&W

In 1919, Roy Allen mixed his first batch of Root Beer.  By 1922, Mr. Allen had partnered with Frank Wright and this newly formed partnership lead to the creation of A&W Root Beer.   The first Root Beer stand was opened in Lodi, California and since, the A&W Root Beer franchise has become a staple throughout the entire United States.

Lodi, California not only pioneered the evolution of Root Beer, but it has become the first A&W franchise in the United States to incorporate Renewable Energy. Designed and built by Lenzi Incorporated, A&W features a 32 Kw photovoltaic PV system.  The PV system is mounted on a steel carport structure that was designed to encompass the looks of a nostalgic retro 1950’s parking structure.  The new solar carport structure is a hot commodity when Thursday Evening Cruise nights take place each summer.  The classic car enthusiasts look forward to parking their hot rods in the shade while socializing and enjoying A&W’s famous Root Beer floats.

In addition to the installation of solar, Lenzi incorporated completely remodeled the existing parking lot and drive thru.  The new drive thru provides both a contemporary and vintage experience.  Patrons order their food from a newly featured menu board and then proceed forward to a dual car waiting area.  This concept allows for increased food sales without completely eliminating the old carhop experience.

System components:  Solarworld 325 XL mono modules, SMA 7700 Sunnyboy string inverters