Fast-food franchise A&W Malaysia is set to open around a dozen new outlets by next year.

The group currently operates 41 outlets in Kuala Lumpur and Perak that collectively employ 500 people.

Acting CEO Mohd Hasmadi Zainal said that the company has allocated around RM1.2 million (US$292,500) for each new branch. Seven branches will be opened by the end of this year, five of which will feature drive-through services, in key metropolitan locations such as Kuala Lumpur, Johor Bahru, Ipoh and Penang.

He added that better prospects for A&W Malaysia’s business are anticipated for the second half of this year based on these growth plans, given the positive performance of recently renovated existing branches.

A&W is a US-founded fast-food chain which is also about to make a return to Singapore after an absence of 13 years.

Inside Retail Asia